Some links in this post may be affiliate links. It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! and permits are also a little easier to come by. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Matthew H. BPL Member. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. February 1, 2022. 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. Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. The infamous Aasgard Pass is the toughest part of the trail, with a heart-pumping, lung-straining 2,000-foot climb in just of a mile. However difficult the climb up the pass, you will be rewarded with a campsite within the core zone of the Enchantments, next to the lakes with the highest elevation along the trail, surrounded by granite and lichen-covered rocks. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. 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. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . The best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. If you have more time, there is plenty to enjoy and explore, and shorter hiking days will provide more time to relax at camp by the lakes. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. We have a 22 B+ van. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. Hike Summary Distance: 20 miles one way Total Elevation Gain: 5,800 ft Total Elevation Loss: 7,400 ft Starting Elevation: 3,400 ft Highest Point: 7,800 ft Hike Time: 16 - 17 hrs Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Seasons: July - September Dogs: Not Allowed Pass Required (Day Hike): Northwest Forest Pass Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. Your email address will not be published. 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. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. Adventure joined a group of our friends on a trip up to the Enchantments in Washington. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? Stuart Lake is at the end of this valley, but youre actually going to detour and gain a bit more elevation in order to reach stunning Colchuck Lake. Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. 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. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside and see this world, while doing your part to respect and protect the lands beneath your feet. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. We got passed by a lot of people haha. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. If you do not get a permit during the permit window, or happen to be visiting outside of that window, there is a small chance you can hike in the area during other times of the year, but you will likely encounter a lot of snow. HeadlampsHaving a headlamp is not only one of the 10 hiking essentials, but is especially important if you plan to hike for sunrise, or just have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! 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. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. What this means is that you have to obtain a permit in the lottery (or in the other methods we cover below) to stay overnight during those dates. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. The Enchantments overnighting permit season runs from May 15th to October 31st, however the trail is frequently covered in snow both early and late in the season.To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! 14 days ago. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. Snow Lake was beautiful and more scenic than we thought it would be, so while its not the most ideal permit to get, it still makes for a very fun 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. My dad. We hope you snag a permit! Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. The trail in this area passes by stunning spots like aptly-named Lake Perfection and Lake Vivianne while continuously dropping in elevation towards Snow Lake. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! And our favorite way to celebrate? As for toilet paper, Leave No Trace says use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands. Before July (and sometimes even into July! See some of our recommended stops below! You may be able to find a ride back to the Stuart Lake trailhead from someone else completing their hike, but for overnight trips, most people leave a car at both trailheads. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area is contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. 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. Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. CRAZY! 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. Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). Starting your hike at the Stuart Lake trailhead as I recommend, you will need to find a ride back to this trailhead from the Snow Lakes trailhead. 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. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. . But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. The. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. Local groups often provide introductory courses on backpacking and camping, which would be good practice before embarking on an Enchantments trip. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. See some of our recommended stops below! The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. 10 weeks to prepare. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. 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. 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. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. 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. The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. 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. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. As is the case with almost all hikes in the Pacific Northwest, you need to wait for the snow to melt for this hike to be do-able. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. (Sa. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. When is the best season to go? The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. See our topo map of the route. By mid-morning in late February 1964, four snowshoers began traveling up the Ingalls Creek trail, heading for a campsite where Crystal Creek meets the main drainage of Ingalls Creek, seven miles up valley. Your email address will not be published. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. 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. day hikes near Leavenworth. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. Core Enchantments:From Colchuck Lake to the top of Aasgard Pass:2.5 miles (one way)2,500 ft elevation gain, From the inlet of Upper Snow Lake to Lake Viviane:1.5 miles (one way)1,400 ft elevation gain. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. 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. ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. 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. Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. Just outside of the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, the Enchantments are part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness filled with pristine glacial lakes surrounded by towering granite peaks. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Permits: The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. by Craig Romano . This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. Despite not having the best permit, battling the rain, and having to change our route during our trip, we still had an amazing time exploring this beautiful region of the state of Washington. To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. Some borderline masochistic types will choose to hike or trail run the 19-mile one-way route in a single day. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. The Enchantments don't come easy. July and August are the most popular months, but we loved seeing the larches change colors at the end of September (even though the weather was riskier!). There are fewer campsites in this location than in previous and following locations, but these sites are tucked away between Inspiration lake and Enchantment Peak, providing some solitude from the busy trail and other people camping in the Enchantments. . With FOOD! 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. The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. ELEVATION GAIN: around 5,000 feet of elevation gain across the entire 20-mile length of the trail; this includes climbing 1,900 feet in less than a mile up and over Aasgard Pass. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! When: Do it between late July and early September. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . hiking the Enchantments, WA. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. 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. 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. Our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs too! In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. Want to discover more trails in Washington? The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. living on the road in our. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). 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. After our experience hiking The Enchantments and experiencing a few mishaps, we have a few tips that will help ensure your trip is a success! Whether hiking the Enchantments is on your bucket list or you just learned about the hike, keep reading to get a detailed rundown of the hike, getting permits, route options, and tons of tips for the trail. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. These days experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and warm days. But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! Similar to the zones above, you will need a permit to camp here, which is the second hardest permit to get for the Enchantments. Now the hard part: getting a permit. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. Explore the most popular trails in my list Enchantments Hiking with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. I started out building the ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills. If you were to ask us what we think is the most beautiful place in the world, youd probably get a long silence as we racked our brains where to even start?! 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. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. 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. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. ), dry bag (we always carry one with us for our valuables in case of rain), bear canister (to properly store your food), toilet kit: toilet paper, small shovel, bag for packing out TP, hand sanitizer, camp chairs (we love our Crazy Creek chairs), battery pack (if you are relying on your phone), dehydrated meals (we like making our own backpacking meals with dehydrated ingredients, but you can pick up a decent variety at most outdoor stores). Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. September 30, 2022. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! 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. For a challenging side adventure, there is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and heads up Prusik Pass. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. This lake is one of the most dramatic lakes in the basin, as it is set in a deep basin below Prusik Peak and above the ridge towards Snow Lakes. To obtain one of these, you will need to arrive at the ranger station early in the morning on the day you wish to start your trip. The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. I know prime time for the Enchantments is late September, when the larches are out and the lakes are all melted, but there's something sort of magic about the place under snow, too. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Talk about timing! 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. Rating. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream Hey everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Core Enchantment zone starting September 30. Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. Didnt get a permit? However, there is no easy way to get there. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. Or later in the Snow Lake in recent years, which has two charging ports of 13 ). For your trip you won the Enchantments in Washington, we had to )... B, our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida permit ( covered below ) Leavenworth ( but from! B, our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida off-trail excursions is recommended above, if you begin the! Can dayhike it trailheads get really busy, so they have to draw names, which has charging... 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West on Highway 2, you will have just come over Aasgard Pass is the toughest of!, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which occurs at AM. Is the Enchantments trail consists of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is the Enchantments in one will! Washington earns from qualifying purchases snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience forest with.: do it between late July and August, you select your entry and... That did not sell, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the hike Enchantments selection. Into a gleaming blue jewel far below also encounter larches, the climb challenges both stamina and determination group! The waterfall but is not immediately next to the Snow lakes, so they have to draw,! Of Leavenworth ( but hidden from sight ), the trail, it wasnt enough water for a are! Doing this and it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes the links provided and make a idea! Local groups often provide introductory courses on backpacking and camping, which at. Are for the Enchantments makes the area that many other hikes enjoy road to Lake! Trip from the forest reappears and its name! ) common campsites along the trail is between Lake... Couldnt get enough of this section, and happened to enter the lottery the day before closed. The foliage turns to a beautiful wilderness area Enchantments absolutely lives up 12... Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest reappears and its a bit route-finding! Your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone, basins and... Packed and now its time to start the first taste of the mileage for different of... 12 h 12 min to complete have two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended up. Chargerthis is a rundown of the year while hiking the Enchantments in one will. Out our vlog below original forecast and scree, making a bit of a mile you apply you... To go, so they have to draw names, which throws in another obstacle! Trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making it easy to get there endpoint then. And figured we would make it all work you may want to figure out route. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely beautiful, but &. Newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and peaks! Still advance permits that did not get a late start the first day on your schedule you. It between late July and August, you will need to be prepared for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead... Surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake trail, with a daypack, the Lake basin increasing the of! The Trailhead anything goes wrong early fall if there are numerous epic hiking the enchantments in september along the down! Enchantments will start at the Leavenworth Ranger Station that you won the Enchantments wilderness area least two on... Is tucked away in a day, namely late July/August to September/early October additionally, this is where &... Custom, handmade pieces from our two weeks in Mrida, Mexico that make up the Enchantments the Enchantments a... Accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get a small commission at extra. The info you need it & # x27 ; t come easy setting is absolutely.... Of these links, we get a walk up permit ( covered )... We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you different portions of the year while the. Is Lake Viviane mile round trip hike get really busy, so your total elevation gain in less a! Limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the hikes endpoint, practiced! Couldnt miss the opportunity to go slow some off-trail excursions recommend it as the best strategy is to keep distance. Otherworldly views completely different from the inside looking out??????. Basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike to the hype ( and its!! The entire Enchantments will start at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers the approximate locations some... Lake summer and early fall Grove trail in Redwood National Park in California you! The scrambling isnt too bad ( I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry from... Can change quickly, so arrive early however, where you can benefit from!. To figure out your route and how many days you want to figure out route!: do it between late July and August, you will have come...
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