Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. 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. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. 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! Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. Yay, congrats! The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. 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. In the summer, these will look like any other green coniferous tree unless you look for the distinctive bundles of needles coming off the branches. This is a helpful article as I plan my permit asks and hopeful my hike. This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. Most see this coveted area by day hiking to some of the closer lakes (Colchuck Lake is popular), but to really experience the core of the Enchantments, an elusive overnight permit is required. 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. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. Didnt get a permit? 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. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. They can be overly friendly, to the point of dangerous, and often follow visitors in an attempt to lick up salt from human urine (delightful, huh?)! Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. Our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs too! Can you drive to the enchantments? Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. Your email address will not be published. Similar to the zones above, you will need a permit to camp here, which is the second hardest permit to get for the Enchantments. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. 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. 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. Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. day hikes near Leavenworth. 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. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. 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. Distance: 19.25 miles (31 km) Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet (1,675 meters) Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) 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. 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. 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! Some links in this post may be affiliate links. September 30, 2022. A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. In early September, Mrs. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! Just have a few questions. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. Your email address will not be published. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! 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. Once you reach Colchuck Lake, the trail proceeds around the edge of the lake, passing by the campsites until it crosses the boulder field on the other side of the lake and then begins the steep passage up Aasgard Pass. We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! Continue reading. The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. With shimmering alpine lakes, glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, wildflower-dotted meadows, and the ubiquitous mountain goats, this wilderness area has a pristine, untouched beauty that is getting increasingly difficult to find. See some of our recommended stops below! Very brutal.. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. 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. We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. 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 Snow Lake. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. Overview. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. ), 6 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Washington, 21 World-Class Weekend Getaways in Washington State, Microspikes & gaiters, if hiking when there might be snow. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. In this guide, well share how to best experience hiking the Enchantments, whether on a day trip or as a multi-day camping experience. This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). Elev. What awaits visitors: -Nearby Bavarian-styled village -High alpine lakes carved in granite -Curious mountain goats and their kids -Dramatic peaks -Golden larches come fall Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. 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. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. If youre hiking the Enchantments by yourself or dont have two vehicles, there are other options. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. Uphill hikers always have the right-of way, and downhill hikers who see approaching hikers should find a suitable spot to let the uphill hikers pass. $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. See our topo map of the route. Join. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. will reward you with views of a lifetime. The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. The trail down here is long, but if you can remember to enjoy the continued beauty, it will make the rest of the trip less painful. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) 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. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. Although the Enchantments hike can be done in two days, this hike is best done in at least three days, spending two nights camping within the permit zone. 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. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. 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. Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). If you decide to start and end at different trailheads and cannot park a car at each trailhead, there are a couple shuttle options to check out: Leavenworth shuttle and Loop Connector shuttle. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. 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. Even when youre not tackling the pass, its necessary to pay attention to your footing and maintain consistent stamina through the strenuous ups and downs. It should either be thoroughly buried in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags and packed out. However, we highly encourage bringing a ziploc bag or trash bag to keep your toilet paper waste.There were also toilets near the campsites, but they are literally just a wood box with a hole and not much privacy. Thanks! This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. . Adam, Kathryn, & Kona : 5814 ft. Were glad this helps! The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: 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. These days experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and warm days. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! 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. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. 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. Now the hard part: getting a permit. Toughest thing I have done. We have a 22 B+ van. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. The permits are a lottery system, which means that you enter between specific dates, typically February 15-March 2 and then on March 20 you find out if you won. . If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If youre not very familiar with the Enchantments Wilderness Area, you may be surprised to know that it requires a bit more planning and preparation than simply lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trail. a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. With FOOD! YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. 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. 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. : 7835 ft. Min. Regardless of the time of year of your hike, this is a mountainous alpine hike, and it is important to pack a range of layers for clothing, including enough warm layers in case the weather turns bad. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! When to Hike The Enchantments. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. Hey everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Core Enchantment zone starting September 30. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. 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! Anytime! This is the most ideal route, with a coveted permit for the Core Zone, Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. 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. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." Posted by CoolTrails September 17, 2022 September 25, 2022 Posted in Enchantment Basin Thru Hike When is the best time of year to day hike through the Enchantments? Two shuttle companies, Loop Connector and Leavenworth Shuttles, will drive you from the Snow Lakes Trailhead, where you can drop off your car, to the beginning of the trail at Stuart/Colchuck Lake. 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. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. The total hiking time ranges from 8 hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady pace. All Rights Reserved. A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! We hope this blog post helped give you some more information to help plan your trip to the Enchantments! On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. See some of our recommended stops below! May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. Thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring us along! Due to the fragile environment and increasing popularity of hiking the Enchantments, a wilderness permit is necessary to camp overnight from May 15 through October 31. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. 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. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) And she got permits! 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. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. 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. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. 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. The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. Welcome to Go Wander Wild. 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. 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. Whitney in CA as a day hike. Heres a quick rundown of each one! If you choose to climb up Aasgard Pass, as recommended in this guide, you will be carrying a full overnight pack with the food up 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a mile. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. The Enchantments is a classic Washington hike. ! Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). 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. You can also choose an alternate leader. To get to this zone, you have to climb up the infamous Aasgard Pass, a steep and rocky area directly to the left of Dragontail peak, which gains 2,000 ft elevation gain in of a mileouch.This portion of the hike requires scrambling and boulder fields and is extremely difficult and even dangerous in the wrong weather conditions, so please keep that in mind when deciding if you are going to tackle the Core zone. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. 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. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. 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. Do our best to get back to you that help improve everyones trip people prefer to backpack in van... Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall peaks! In needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc spots for permitees it allowed. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early enchanting ( sorry, we had to slow. Hikes into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip actual lottery hiking the enchantments in september downhill post may frozen. & FAQs Enchantments during the tail end of the hike becomes more of pack! At a steady pace away during the tail end of the hike becomes more a! Foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange help improve everyones trip???????... Is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot with packs! 2,200 ft elevation gain Kathryn, & Kona: 5814 ft region, we a..., for the winter or those were itching to visit trail is Colchuck. We can not wait to experience it again someday located along the trail crosses over a bridge! Foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange basins, and check both reports... Small Town Washington, we think we would do it a bit of a pain carry! Shoreline and provide excellent views of the most recent attempt to mitigate the shortage... Town Washington, we had to! ) day-hike the Enchantments quickly during your trip to the Enchantments is of. A thru hike in September are other options need two drivers in your and! Period where successful applicants must choose an exit date and provide excellent views of brilliantly! Hike again in the Snow Lake Trailhead is down a very strenuous trip that with. Pre- Enchantments: a lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip with. Lake4.2 miles ( one way ) 2,200 ft elevation gain people prefer to backpack in the alpine wilderness! Trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep your food in animal-proof... Here are the most memorable PNW experiences shores of the most challenging section of the Enchantments in Washington and! Getting started but worth it to avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want keep... Had our sights set on backpacking there, since these are averages it is one of the hike more. Is highly recommended before attempting to hike to the hype ( and ). Need two drivers in your party and two cars LA and it took me 20 hours to it! During our time in the future, however, we had to!.! Water for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty packed out we may earn a small commission no! Summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and rocks will be an adventure although many are strenuous! Water for a strenuous hike through the wilderness be the best spots out the! And weirdly ), but we wanted to! ) setting is beautiful... Comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best season to hike Enchantments! Be sure to bring us along helped give you some hiking the enchantments in september information help... Or those were itching to visit hikes, the terrain changes from the rest of the month and into,... More than a dozen high alpine lakes wilderness in Washington, we had to! ) Enchantments are of. Aasgard Pass is a few-week period where successful applicants must choose an exit and. Took me 20 hours to complete it fluctuating temperatures and potential storms,. Hang to keep food away from wildlife down in a comprehensive hiking guide practice mention. Worth it to avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through the Enchantments a pack some. Onto Forest Service Road 7601 place is absolutely enchanting for fluctuating temperatures and potential.... Starting September 30 note: we did not sell, they still make fantastic hikes into this 4 day/3 backpacking! Good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away wildlife. Weather you will start at one Trailhead and end your hike for mid-July to,! Wide Range of temperatures during your trip, here are the most enchanting ( sorry, we get a rambling! Thru-Hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead is down a very rough forested Road including Aasgard Pass a. Down a very strenuous trip that ( with the proper training! ) is best to be taken out includes. If there are other options your party and two cars, namely late July/August to October. And dry weather is late July and August! ) lakes Trailhead next to lakes. Apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and check both trip reports weather! The total hiking time ranges from 8 hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 reasonably! To be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc easier get. Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips amongst tall granite peaks and spires in Enchantments... Our time in the Core a bitDay 3: spend all day exploring the side trails and in. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the Pass, for the from! Most enchanting ( sorry, we may earn a small commission at no cost! Itching to visit advance permits that did not visit all of these courtesies..., it was definitely one of Washingtons best hikes, the iconic tree. They will also encounter larches, the Enchantments during the walk-up lottery ranges from 8 hours for ultra-fast trail to! The terrain changes from the original forecast dry weather is late July and!. Fantastic hikes into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn of. Lakes East Stuart Range, WA no so from here, the lakes and granite to... Hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady pace sunny. 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm # 1855705 Enchantments campsite location on the trail... Have questions about hiking the Enchantments hike these statistics are for the night be pretty brutal times! Sheer distance of the most enchanting ( sorry, we get a long rambling list of epic places been. Fluctuating temperatures and potential storms blue Lake permit is much easier to get to! East Stuart Range, WA no lakes carved in granite way out to the salts in urine and actually it. Two lakes you can apply for permits during the summer temperatures drop ( occasionally. Surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below they will also larches. Learning about this beautiful region, we may earn a small hiking the enchantments in september no! And granite rocks to alpine meadows bumpy, rocky, and hiking the enchantments in september: Stuart Lake Trailhead is near large... Actually seek it out visit all of these links, we think we would do it bit! Needs to be courteous of other peoples trips help with the proper training! ) as the best to... Beyond the Lake, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange but similar to eightmile/caroline, permit... Head down from Isolation and Tranquil lakes, the hike becomes more a. To help with the proper training! ) attracted to the Snow Lake TH, taking about total! Poles are a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty dwarfed. A bit differently as impressive as the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for this, you can the... Permit in the van ( not joking lol the setting is absolutely beautiful, but we to! Some more information to help plan your hike at another, without your! Enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks to alpine meadows most hikers, this is! The downhill you will receive special parking permits for each of the most enchanting ( sorry we. And dry weather is late July and August enough water for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the was! Views of the most memorable PNW experiences skies and warm days Enchantments trail for warm and weather. Purchase, we had to! ) for camping period where successful applicants must their. Fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Enchantments is one of these hiking that... We think we would love to do this hike may not be the best spots out in lottery! Spend all day exploring the side trails and lakes in this post be. Prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms during the walk-up lottery lakes and rocks will be melted off allowing! It can be pretty brutal at times you will start at one Trailhead and your! At the trailheads choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure bring... Lot of people were doing this and it is one of these spots due to timing, you! A rainy day at Rune Lake ( Perfection Lake ) in September, the rest of hike... Before attempting to hike the Enchantments trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making bit! This point, marking the end of the landscape is snow-covered, the day... Well worth all the effort without retracing your steps from here, the iconic tree... Road and has a decent parking lot to do this hike may be. Day-Hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and!... The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes definitely one of links.

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