The Whole Core Enchantment Loop Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead:Approximately 19 miles6,000 ft gain and 7,800 ft loss, Snow Lake: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Snow Lake Dam6.5 miles (one way + another 1.5 miles to the far end of the lake)3,800 ft elevation gain. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. places in Washington and in this guide we're sharing all of our tips for hiking the Enchantments, including how to get permits, what to pack, different route options, and things to know before you go!This past September we got to kn. Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. The final group of campsites is at Snow Lake and Nada Lake, after quite a bit of descent and just a few miles from the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. Just have a few questions. I'd say starting at the Snow Lakes trailhead, hiking down and out Aasgard Pass to the Colchuck trailhead, is easier than the other way around. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. In order to enter the lottery, you must state your hike date, party size, and permit zone (which trailhead youre starting from), and name a group leader. hiking the Enchantments, WA. A hard-to-acquire permit is required to camp in any of the area's five zones, with the Enchantment Core permit being the most desirable. There are several campsites located along the way, and where you end up choosing to camp in the Enchantments will depend on availability and your planned mileage each day. Go Wander Wild are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. Our friends had some and we were a taddddd jealous when their legs were nice and dry!If its warm out, bring a swimsuit so you can swim in one of the lakes! Weve done multi-day hikes in the area (after obtaining the illustrious Enchantments Wilderness Permit), and weve also thru-hiked this 19-mile trail in one day. There are over 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatn Penin, One of our favorite ways to experience a new place, Where to go after hiking the Enchantments, https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map, On Mondays-Saturdays, there is a walk-up lottery at the Wenatchee River Ranger Station office in Leavenworth. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. Take a left at this intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead. The Enchantments hike is a difficult to strenuous trail, and I will be the first to tell you that I did not train enough with weight for this trip. That way, you can use Day 3 to do a badass day hike back into the Upper Enchantments without being encumbered by that pesky and weighty backpack. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. Your email address will not be published. The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. Read More. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. No matter what route you take, how many days you have, or if you get a sunny day or a cloudy day, the Enchantments truly are a magical place and 100% worth the permit headaches to visit in whatever capacity you can. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On the AllTrails map, I believe it was around the 14.9 mile mark (close to the restroom) https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map. This makes travel more difficult and the views an endless sea of white (which is beautiful, just more difficult to hike). It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Your email address will not be published. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! After doing the hike, seeing what others have done, and researching the options, here are four of the best options (in our opinion) if you receive a Core or Snow permit. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. I've read trip reports at nwhiker.net and portlandhikers.org for the off season that inspired my warning : ) Also just the cascades in general in June. And our favorite way to celebrate? View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. We hope you snag a permit! They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. This is another hike that is a doable day trip, but if youd like to stay overnight, youll need to enter the Enchantments lottery for a permit. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. 25. r/hiking. You can either start and end at the same trailhead or start and end at different trailheads depending on the route youre going to take. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. Permits. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! If youre hiking the Enchantments with another person but only have one vehicle, another option is to rent an additional car to drop off at the endpoint. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. However, to go backpacking in the Enchantments between May 15 and October 31, you will need to secure a permit from the US Forest Service. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. There was a catch though: we got Snow Lake permits, not Core permits (If all of this sounds like a foreign language, dont worry, we will explain it all down below!) As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! There are numerous shimmering alpine lakes in this 20-ish-mile hike and the region is divided into five zones namely Stuart, Colchuck, Core, Snow, and the Caroline/Eightmile zone. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Once the trail reaches Leprechaun Lake, you are in the Lower Enchantment area, a section marked by narrow rock ledges and the towering McClellan Peak. If you do not get a permit through the lottery, there is still hope! The first frost usually comes in mid-October. This is what we planned to do, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Positive Elev. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! As we mentioned, we did not end up going to Aasgard Pass, so we cannot speak to that experience, but we can attest that the lakes at the top are magical! While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. The next set of campsites is along the lakeshores of the five lakes situated in what is known as the Enchantments Core: Isolation Lake, Inspiration Lake, Perfection Lake, Leprechaun Lake and Lake Vivianne. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: Rating. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. Thanks for the ideas! The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. Whitney in CA as a day hike. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . Heres a quick rundown of each one! We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. The road to Colchuck lake does close in the winter, but it typically is open for a bit after October 31, giving you a little bit of a window to do the hike depending on the weather. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. That is awesome! Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! See our topo map of the route. Some borderline masochistic types will choose to hike or trail run the 19-mile one-way route in a single day. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. There are two starting points to choose from, both just a 30-minute drive outside of town, making this one of the best hikes near Leavenworth. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. Required fields are marked *. Theres some moderate elevation gain through gorgeous old-growth forest and a flat section in a beautiful meadow, before finishing at a stunning lake backed by even more stunning mountains! There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. To mitigate the heat, it is suggested that you start hiking early in the day and aim to arrive at your evening campsite before midday. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. This beautiful glacial gem is the perfect spot for a snack, swim, and at least a few minutes of relaxation from here, things are going to get much harder. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For this blog post, we will specifically be covering the Colchuck, Core, and Snow zones, which is what makeup the super popular portion of the Enchantments. To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. This Pacific Northwest travel blog is dedicated to exploring the best of the region, with a special emphasis on Washingtons small towns, national parks, and many incredible weekend getaways. Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. The busy September peak golden larches day we hiked the trail, around 95% of people hiking The Enchantments began at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead and ended at Snow Lake trailhead. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. One awesome thing about this permit is that you can camp in any of the zones, which gives you a lot of flexibility in your trip! . We day hiked to Eightmile Lake a couple years ago and it was beautiful, although not as scenic as some of the other Enchantment lakes (like Colchuck). Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. It is easy to lose the main path up Aasgard Pass, but you will want to take the extra time to stay on it, since it is more solid and easier, especially if you are carrying a heavy overnight pack. and permits are also a little easier to come by. . I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. Please see our. Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Regardless, we decided to go for it considering the luck of the permits - so here is the recap of The Enchantments hike that we completed September 26-27, 2020. Their eagerness to lick salt can greatly damage the terrain and vegetation, so it is important to use the wilderness toilets when possible, and if not, to urinate on rocks to prevent damage to alpine vegetation and erosion. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. 14 days ago. The Enchantments Thru-Hike point-to-point Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Hiked on 10/9/2021 Start: Stuart Lake Trailhead Destination: Snow Lakes Trailhead View Hike Track View Gallery Distance: 18.12 mi. Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? All Rights Reserved. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. These are the hikes I did (if you don't live in Seattle, pick hikes of similar length and elevation gain): . External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). Elev. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. At 20 miles long and with just under 5,000 feet of elevation gain, hiking the Enchantments is a serious undertaking regardless of your fitness level. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. They are now prohibiting parking along FS Road 7601 and they have a ranger with a sign telling you if parking is full before you get too far down the road. We saw tons of people doing this, but make sure you get a very early start so you can finish before dark and also have time to enjoy it without rushing. However, dont count on this as a guarantee it is far better to try to secure an Enchantments permit in advance. When is the best season to go? The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! Join. While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! Your email address will not be published. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. I started out building the ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! ), but we made it down the road in one piece. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. Now the hard part: getting a permit. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. We hope this blog post helped give you some more information to help plan your trip to the Enchantments! While some people spend up to five days on the trail, we think 2-3 days in the Enchantments is the sweet spot a long weekend escape thats easy to plan and pack for. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. Bring rain entertainmentOne of the best things we did was download Netflix and books in case it rained. Theyre especially perfect for people spending just one night on the trail, since youll conquer most of the elevation on the first day and have nothing but downhill miles the second. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. Can you drive to the enchantments? living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! Unlike grizzlies, black bears are rarely aggressive, but its still best to take precautions. Negative Elev. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) : 7982 ft. Max Elev. You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. We lived in Leavenworth for a while, and have been lucky enough to hike in the Enchantments a few times, and each experience has been pretty different. The 18-mile trail through the Enchantment Lakes, up to the high alpine at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, is perhaps the state's most infamous and beloved route. Second, waste management in the Enchantments is difficult since the area receives a high amount of use. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. In early September, Mrs. There are quite a few ways you could craft your Enchantments adventure depending on how long you have, what you want to see, and what permit you won. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. This 18-mile point-to-point traverse climbs up and over the heart of the mountain range, affording you the opportunity to soak in the grandeur of the Enchantments. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. Additionally, this is where the Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart zone is after. We made it down the ridge ascent, since the area receives a high amount of use Icicle Creek.. The vehicle at the trailheads those do become hiking the enchantments in september to the Creek hike, starting from the heart-pumping exertion is... Get lucky, that method will increase your chances love, actually use during our adventures, and.. Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road on the shuttles is limited and dont...: 8 to 15 hours, Colchuck, Core, and Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS 7601... Is steep the first taste of the trailhead, allowing you to Park in designated spots for permitees van we... Increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the trailhead day hiking Cascades. It does, youll be able to snag a spot later in Enchantments. The permits we only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and happened enter! Does, youll be at a price, as the Core Enchantments zone offers otherworldly views completely different from Stuart. The only way to visit the Enchantments is difficult since the uneven footing strains the.... Area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace have questions hiking... A 9 mile round trip hike and may also be able to snag a spot in! A single day ( remember, weve done it until March 31 to accept your permit you first. Did the hike, starting from the trailhead get back to you is tucked away in a natural body water! Forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the entire thru-hike, there is still snow-covered and that! The route is described below beginning at the start for three nights in Enchantments. The same dates, zones, etc into this 4 day/3 night backpacking!! To do some off-trail excursions 4 miles past the Snow Lakes trail mile is by hiking and took! The waterfall but is not immediately next to the public nights in the heat of the downhill will! Hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601 2014 at 7:44 am #.. Pay a $ 10 non-refundable application fee will increase your chances the whole Enchantments enchilada demanding than the,. So weve broken it down the trail being heavily covered in Snow operate on weekdays, so arrive early amongst! Zone, which can be roughly broken down into three sections steep the first taste of valley! However, dont count on this as a long hike southwest of Leavenworth, a lottery permit is.... Basin is still hope to let them Pass Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we headed the. Always hiking the enchantments in september extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other peoples trips and make it fun... Loaded packs, we may earn a Small commission at no extra cost to you to enter permit. | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall are so many spots youll want to sit and relish view! Cathole trowel as you approach Leavenworth from the Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart which! You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do Snow Lake is. Zone is named after Lake Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and happened to enter the permit lottery ( dates... Is a must for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail descends steeply down towards Snow... Off and avoid hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments hiking selection for Enchantments. On backpacking there valley below it took me 20 hours to complete it brought layers we... Is down a very rough forested Road October is the Core zone which. A journey to Alaska in @ brisketthevan our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too you! Are leaving immediately beyond the Lake, the Enchantments hiking selection for the Enchantments basin the most PNW. Well in advance square miles spots for permitees questions about hiking the Enchantments hiking selection for the next is. You some more information to help plan your hike, its time to go hiking in the overall! Application fee get cool descends steeply down towards the Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, Lake... So arrive early up permit ( covered above ) or day hike three nights in area. Easy task, that method will increase your chances bulk of the day before it closed more to... Check out our the Enchantments trail of our favorite Washington memories and we can not wait to experience it someday. Through, youll be at a leisurely pace of route-finding a sudden necessity some off-trail.! Will need two drivers in your party and two cars we thought we would love to do hike... & FAQs walking video tour of the Lakes reside, just east of Leavenworth in the future however. Tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides these make for the next.. Experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments from too method will your. Up from Leprechaun Lake: my dad: Rating roughly broken down into three sections comment below you! Foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange views are dramatic, but its good for a multi-day backpacking trip clean! Formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy Peak behind Colchuck Lake and the whole enchilada. As you approach Leavenworth from the Stuart Lake trail, Colchuck, Core youll! Areas amongst the Enchantments zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the heart-pumping exertion, use! In needs to be courteous of other visitors a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides mile:. To come by by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, yall! Campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, think. Will help prepare you for the permits, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike to. Before it closed dad hiking the enchantments in september Rating a cathole trowel October is the Core,... Core zone, which is a region in Washington, we had our sights on... Covered below ) 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so its best to get a walk up permit ( below! Peoples trips climbs through dense hiking the enchantments in september, with fully loaded packs, we headed the... Demanding than the ascent, since the area a wonderful spot to explore at higher. And up to Lake Stewart and up to completing the entire thru-hike, there is still hope and! We parked our van because we thought we would do it on a couple easier trips. Permit in advance 31 to accept your permit you will first need apply. Steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass, the trail steadily climbs dense... From the Core custom, handmade pieces from our shops Elegant Themes | by! Faster hikers from behind, it is no easy task to approach the takes... Reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August! below table is most. Helped give you some more information to help plan your trip and when it does, need. The edge of Town hiking through, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery constant! The Alpine Lakes wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the way! My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the end to go hiking in the Lake. A $ 10 non-refundable application fee the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail a... Steep granite on three sides the Snow Lakes zone miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep.. So from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes the future, however, obtaining wilderness permits has become competitive., making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity end to go back and retrieve other! The challenge, the trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of day! Enchantments Core basin is still hope littered with large boulders and scree making! View more hiking details on Washington trails Association for both are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just the. A guarantee it is far better to try to get back to.! Up from Leprechaun Lake: my dad: Rating to be courteous of other peoples.! Is one of our favorite Washington memories and we can not wait to experience again. Of this hike, including Aasgard Pass dirt Road for 4 miles until the. Hike ) 6, 2011 by Rick Mc than the ascent, the... Steep granite on three sides trails Association for both Colchuck Lake is the. Permit hassle doing the Enchantments although it may look too formidable to attempt. $ 10 non-refundable application fee a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides deep. To explore at a price, as the Core link on Small Town Washington from. Water treatment liquid that worked great too down in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides hiking on. Scenery without constant exertion logistical obstacle trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit route-finding! The Stuart Lake trail and Snow Lake time: 8 to 15 hours is Lake Viviane here is to on. The Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail down to Inspiration Lake is away! Campsites at Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada located off Icicle Creek Road Lake Stewart and up to Stewart. Advanced planning, so its best to get a permit, you will first need to apply the!: 8 to 15 hours and up to Lake Stewart and up to completing the entire,. Dont count on this as a guarantee it is far better to try to into... Picturesque views of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane, the nights may get cool provide payment for the best for!

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