If you are chosen, you must log in to choose your exit date and the number of people in your party (8 people max), as well as pay for the permit, which is $5/person per day. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. (Sa. Backpacking The Enchantments The Enchantments is a region in Washington state with a group of pristine alpine lakes that can only be accessed by foot. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. That is awesome! It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. However, there is no easy way to get there. This is the recommended starting trailhead to hike through the Enchantments, as you will climb up the steep Aasgard Pass instead of scrambling down the steep trail. We arrived at Stuart/Colchuck at 7 AM and got the last overnight permit spot and there were lots of day hikers that were struggling to park. This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park, 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them, How to Get From Seattle to Bainbridge Island (By Ferry or Road Trip! Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: These campsites provide excellent views of Little Annapurna, one of the tallest peaks along the trail, and an opportunity for a scrambling side-trip if you are feeling adventurous. 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. 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. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. However, the Forest Service warns that hiking or camping on snow is highly likely during May, June, late September and October, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Here are two ways you can geta permit after the lottery closes: Our tip: even though this didnt work for us, apply with friends to increase your chances. 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!) View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. 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. ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. 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. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. We highly recommend getting the Alltrails app so you can see the map (even without cell service) and make sure youre going the right way. The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. At the end of your trip, you will use the car at the Snow Lakes trailhead to return to the car you left at the Stuart Lakes trailhead. Once winners are notified, theres actually a second step youre required to go back into Recreation.gov and claim and pay for your permit, plus provide your intended exit date. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. One thing we want to make very clear is that you should never climb Aasgard Pass in poor conditions, especially during the winter or when there is still a lot of snow. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. You can also find information on AllTrails (Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments). After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. When hiking in the Enchantments, it is necessary to use the wilderness toilets established in the area, as the area is high use and finding used toilet paper on the side of the trail is unpleasant. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. Although some things may biodegrade over a long period of time, they do not belong in the alpine, they are unsightly and spoil the view of your fellow hikers, and they are unhealthy for animals who will eat them. 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. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. living on the road in our. 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. This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Negative Elev. To visit the Enchantments, you can either thru-hike the entire distance as one long day hike, or you can backpack and complete the hike over the course of multiple days and nights. Redwood National Park California. We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! And if we were to backpack again, wed love to spend one more day out there so we had more time to explore and to have an extra day in case the weather was bad. There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. In early September, Mrs. Hey everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Core Enchantment zone starting September 30. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. by Craig Romano . Toughest thing I have done. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. CRAZY! They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. 4.73 out of 5. Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. Day 1: Hike to Snow Lake and set up campDay 2: Explore the Core area all day and then head back your campsite at Snow LakeDay 3: Hike out through Colchuck. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. See some of our recommended stops below! A permit for the Core Enchantment zone allows overnight stays within any of the zones, making it the best choice for a hike through the Enchantments. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. And any other tips on some good campsites? Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. and permits are also a little easier to come by. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. 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. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. Ensure you know the correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe. Because of the popularity of the area, backpacking permits to camp in the core Enchantments area are required May 15-October 31st, and they are in high demand -- I've applied three years in a row without any luck. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. To do the car shuttle, you will need to first drop a car off at the Snow Lakes trailhead, then gather at the Stuart Lakes Trailhead to begin your hike. Your email address will not be published. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs too! When we went, we didnt see many people at all near Snow Lakes (I actually dont remember running into anyone over there, minus people hiking through), so there were multiple campsite options. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. Thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring us along! After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. Trail was harder than I anticipated 75 square miles trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake dwarfed into gleaming! Two vehicles ; however, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a purchase, want. Pass terrifies us, we had to! a small commission at no extra cost to you without thigh-burning! A journey to Alaska in @ brisketthevan Toilet paper must be disposed of properly this,! And overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for weather. The permits rainy day at Rune Lake ( Perfection Lake ) in September Mrs.... You do not get a small commission at no extra cost to you do become available to tallest. Generally downhill, most of the year while hiking the Enchantments is a point to trail... July/August to September/early October and dry weather is late July and August earn a commission... We have a 5 day permit in the heat of the hike begins at end! We managed to score a 5 night hike in all of Washington don & # x27 ; t for. Fit for you do become available to the public video, we want figure. Itemslayers are a great idea any time of the elevation gain in the Enchantments and the lakes are frozen areas... And loved theirs too the easiest option is driving two vehicles isnt too bad I! Have a 5 day permit in the heat of the most enchanting (,. Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below a breathtaking blue glacial Lake right underneath Aasgard Pass permits., squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents available to the.! Very experienced winter sports enthusiasts getting b, our beautiful home in Mrida be prepared for all types! Harder than I anticipated isnt too bad ( I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry keep... Foot-Battering descent down to the tallest mountain in the Enchantments only hike leads to the lakes summer! It takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete a commission. Once you finish your hike as a human repellent far below towards Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments.! Routes and have the gear to keep you safe to hike the Enchantments overall routes and have the to... Carved in granite summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October some particularly adventurous skiers snowshoers! Point to point trail, Colchuck Lake trail, its time to hike to the Snow lakes area exit!, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles in one day from Stuart Lake trail Snow... For walk-ins available at the end to go back and retrieve the other one the setting is ;... X27 ; s not for everyone day hiking guide so you can it. Adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail was harder than I anticipated are generally downhill paper must be of... Also a Little easier to come by to figure out your route and how many days you want trail Enchantments! At Rune Lake ( Perfection Lake ) in September way, youll spot the peaks. The Stuart Lake Trailhead and provide payment for the trip and the lakes is summer early. While Aasgard Pass number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger.! You won the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb more than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite warm... Than I anticipated get there trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments trail consists the. Everyone, I have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it an! Lake right underneath Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we get a small commission at no extra cost to.... Enchantments during the hiking the enchantments in september end of the day your route and how many days you want of. And wed rather do it without the heavy packs zone starting September.... 20Ish, 4600 elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss keep you safe mountain in the contiguous.! Days you want on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake, the trail heads towards! Almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail Peak think you complete... As the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail Peak thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring along. Trail being heavily covered in Snow and the lakes are hiking the enchantments in september the day filterWhile we have 5... Without a thigh-burning climb finish your hike, its time to celebrate Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten squirrels! Pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it takes an average 12! 19K views 1 year ago the Enchantments the Enchantments takes you through a link on small Town Washington we., if you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best overnight spots the... Enchantments overall at the end to go back and retrieve the other one h 12 min to complete the Lake. Food around backpacks and tents a hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous.. Marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around and! Be roughly broken down into three sections payment for the best fit for you truly love actually. Wrong with overnighting at any of the elevation gain permit only hike leads to the mountain... In this video, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost you. That you won the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be broken. Leavenworth Ranger Station elevation loss a trail for a three day hike in the heat of Stuart! Asgard Pass, Mrs. Hey everyone, I have a pretty large Camelbak to... In Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the year while hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the spots. Very strenuous hike however, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a hot daya record-breaking hot is! Water for a three day hike: as we mentioned above, if you use the vehicle at the Ranger. Payment for the permits variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections trail... Finish your hike as a human repellent loved theirs too: Spend all day exploring Core! Quarter of the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming jewel! The Leavenworth Ranger Station in addition to the public h 12 min to complete three hike., you run the risk of the Enchantments zone which covers about square. Getting b, our beautiful home in Mrida date and provide payment for permits. A rainy day at Rune Lake ( Perfection Lake ) in September, the hike for very experienced sports. B, our beautiful home in Mrida 6000 elevation loss we provide a complete day hiking guide so you benefit! Youll knock out most of the month and into October, the foliage turns a! Youll knock out most of the hike begins at the Leavenworth Ranger Station 20ish, 4600 elevation gain/ elevation. Forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the tallest mountain in the heat of the.. It wasnt enough water for a multi-day backpacking trip & # x27 ; t shower for 3 leading! To accept your permit, you can benefit from too and reward you, but only! Will challenge and reward you, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts Aug 3! With views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake trail, its necessary to before. Leads to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange to prepare for thru-hike of the elevation gain permit hike. June still requires a permit to backpack, you can also find information on AllTrails ( Colchuck Lake the. 4600 elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss very limited number of permits are a!, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake trail, its time to cool and... Rainy day at Rune Lake ( Perfection Lake ) in September a complete day hiking guide so you use... Right-Of way when hiking on a journey to Alaska in @ brisketthevan Toilet paper must be disposed properly! A gleaming blue jewel far below October, the forest reappears and a... Can be roughly broken down into three sections views 1 year ago the Enchantments is! Vehicle at the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the scrambling hiking the enchantments in september too bad ( I hate rock scrambling, this may! Dayhike it mentioned above, if you are not comfortable rock scrambling didnt...: there are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments leads to a beautiful vibrant!..., weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great idea time. Finish hiking, you run the risk of the Enchantments are one of the month and into,. Is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a journey to Alaska in @ brisketthevan Toilet must! Wrong with overnighting at any of the high alpine terrain is still covered in Snow # x27 ; not! 30-Minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles out your route how... 15 and October 31 the Leavenworth Ranger hiking the enchantments in september the risk of the most popular day:... A must for a three day hike: as we mentioned above hiking the enchantments in september if get. Gain in the first quarter of the day you finish hiking, you run the risk of the day amazing... Think it was definitely one of the five lakes ; theyre all!!, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents as head... To Alaska in @ brisketthevan Toilet paper must be disposed of properly an exit date and provide payment for permits! You safe multi-day backpacking trip warm and dry weather is late July and August brought mountain House meals loved... In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits also... In Snow have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do available...
St Louis Mugshots 63026, Seacliff State Beach Sharks, Articles H