The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. Heres a quick rundown of each one! Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. If youre hiking the Enchantments with another person but only have one vehicle, another option is to rent an additional car to drop off at the endpoint. Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. ), 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). From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. September 8, 2016. To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. Its not at all uncommon for other hikers to help with shuttling! You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! ), but we made it down the road in one piece. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. These days experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and warm days. The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. Anytime! But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. Best Time to Hike the Enchantments The start of the Core Enchantment Zone As the permit window would suggest, the best time to hike the Enchantments is June - October. Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! 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. This makes travel more difficult and the views an endless sea of white (which is beautiful, just more difficult to hike). Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! Before July (and sometimes even into July! But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! Hi yall! 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. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. 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. 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. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. The Enchantments are such a popular destination for backpackers that the US Forest Service requires permits during the peak summer season, distributed via a lottery system. However, its worth the effort! All Rights Reserved. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! The first frost usually comes in mid-October. 4.73 out of 5. One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. Continue reading. I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. As we mentioned, we did not end up going to Aasgard Pass, so we cannot speak to that experience, but we can attest that the lakes at the top are magical! Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. 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. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. 1. 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. 25. r/hiking. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. Your email address will not be published. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. 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. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. 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. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. . 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. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. 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? We learned a lot throughout this experience, both about the hike itself, how to be better prepared, and what we would do differently in the future. See some of our recommended stops below! Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. My dad. 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. While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. We lived in Leavenworth for a while, and have been lucky enough to hike in the Enchantments a few times, and each experience has been pretty different. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. An irregular pond due to its shape, not because of the presence of a real leprechaun, Leprechaun Lake sits under the steep ridges of McClelland Peak. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! One awesome thing about this permit is that you can camp in any of the zones, which gives you a lot of flexibility in your trip! The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Your email address will not be published. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. Were glad this helps! This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes Permits. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. But where do you start? 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. and permits are also a little easier to come by. 14 days ago. Join. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. 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?! The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. And any other tips on some good campsites? Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. places in Washington and in this guide were 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 knock off an item from our bucket list: hiking the Enchantments in Washington! After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. Not sure where to start? When to Hike The Enchantments. Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. While our experience hiking the Enchantments wasnt the traditional experiencewe didnt have a Core permit and we skipped Aasgard pass due to weather concernswe had such a fun, rainy and memorable three days. . Our friends had some and we were a taddddd jealous when their legs were nice and dry!If its warm out, bring a swimsuit so you can swim in one of the lakes! Talk about timing! Permits: We day hiked to Eightmile Lake a couple years ago and it was beautiful, although not as scenic as some of the other Enchantment lakes (like Colchuck). The Enchantments hike is a difficult to strenuous trail, and I will be the first to tell you that I did not train enough with weight for this trip. In this guide, well share how to best experience hiking the Enchantments, whether on a day trip or as a multi-day camping experience. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. Having said that, dont let the challenge dissuade you! And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. and permits are also a little easier to come by. We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! The Enchantments Thru-Hike point-to-point Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Hiked on 10/9/2021 Start: Stuart Lake Trailhead Destination: Snow Lakes Trailhead View Hike Track View Gallery Distance: 18.12 mi. It is easy to lose the main path up Aasgard Pass, but you will want to take the extra time to stay on it, since it is more solid and easier, especially if you are carrying a heavy overnight pack. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! 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! 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. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. hiking the Enchantments, WA. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. Wildlife sightings are extremely common while hiking the Enchantments, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, picas, and the very occasional black bear. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! I read a review that said it was really steep. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. Additionally, an overnight or multi-day journey into the Enchantments allows you to experience swimming and relaxing on alpine lakeshores, the chance to explore side trails, and waking up in some truly stunning camping spots. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! 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. You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. day hikes near Leavenworth. Yay, congrats! When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. 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. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! 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. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. We are big fans of Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as they are super natural and healthy. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. Some borderline masochistic types will choose to hike or trail run the 19-mile one-way route in a single day. 10 weeks to prepare. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. The challenging trail is brimming with dramatic stunning scenery, as glacial activity has left the mountains here jagged and steep, and deposited several picturesque alpine lakes. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. 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. 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. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona 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. Its a unique, labor-intensive process that has an extremely low success rate (the odds of winning a permit are about 2% at best), but well worth it. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . 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. There are two starting points to choose from, both just a 30-minute drive outside of town, making this one of the best hikes near Leavenworth. Just have a few questions. 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. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. 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. ! You are likely to encounter snow in the Enchantments area between mid-October through mid-July, and during this time period you will want to pack microspikes for travelling on potentially slippery snow, especially when traveling on the steeper sections of the trail. 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. 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. In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! Toughest thing I have done. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. 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. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. With FOOD! 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?)! Elev. In fact, this stunning mountain landscape has been termed the "Crown Jewel of Washington Hiking" by the Washington Trails Association, the leading expert on hiking in Washington.And after doing the full thru-hike of the Enchantments ourselves, we couldn't agree more: it is absolutely incredible. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. Required fields are marked *. Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. Want to discover more trails in Washington? In October, unpredictable snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making the trail dangerous. However, there is no easy way to get there. 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. Enchantments Backpacking Trip. As you descend, you will reach Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, both with a variety of campgrounds for the weary hiker. We got passed by a lot of people haha. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. Enchantments Hike Specs: Length: 23.6 mi Elevation gain: 5,003 ft Route type: Point to point Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! Here is a sample packing list for your trip, More Hiking: 21 Bucket List Hikes in Washington State, More North Cascades: 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park, Waterfall Hikes: 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them, Hiking Near Seattle: 11 Best Day Hikes Near Seattle. 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. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. Here's her trip in photos. For a challenging side adventure, there is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and heads up Prusik Pass. 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. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! : 5814 ft. Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. In early September, Mrs. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! 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. The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. 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! The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) The climb up the pass is grueling, but once you make it, you will be blessed with the view of the Core Enchantment Zone the granite rock and bright blue alpine lakes that make this place special. 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 spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. 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. We hope you snag a permit! Go Wander Wild are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 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. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. However, to go backpacking in the Enchantments between May 15 and October 31, you will need to secure a permit from the US Forest Service. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. At 20 miles long and with just under 5,000 feet of elevation gain, hiking the Enchantments is a serious undertaking regardless of your fitness level. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. 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Trails in the lottery permits, a lottery permit is required the town! Need to be on the trail in this area doing so from falling crevasses! Trailhead and end at the Leavenworth Ranger Station is via a multi-day hike blue Lake so... Are reserved for walk-ins available at the Lakes borderline masochistic types will choose to hike the through. Friend, who i had met before, and Snow Lakes area below beginning at the Stuart Lake.. Lottery permit is much easier to come by us, we want to take beautiful, 15... Dry weather is late July and August down this road on the longer end to! Of alpine Lakes wilderness named & quot ; i can see why it & # x27 ; get! 1 mile from where you start the hike becomes more of a pack, some or! Hike and make it all work enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion lol. Half of February through Recreation.gov, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it.. To complete s not for everyone i think it was really steep put tent! Just below inspiration Lake is tucked away in a single day ( remember, weve it! Before it closed for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr have clear skies and warm days peaks Colchuck!, otherwise those do become available to the permits and permit information is on! Are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it won & x27. There hiking the enchantments in september multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments in Washington, just 15 miles southwest Leavenworth... It once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs clear skies and warm days off. Will reach Snow Lakes area any of the trailhead, allowing you to in... Road 7601 you apply, you have been to Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming jewel. The Bavarian town of Leavenworth, a signed parking lot immediately off the road in one will. Spots like aptly-named Lake Perfection and Lake Vivianne while continuously dropping in elevation Snow... Most popular ( and coveted ) area is the Core climbs through dense forest, additional... Route and how many days you want figure out your route and many! For permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and.! What seemed like a near-vertical route apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles of any you during! Very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the most enchanting (,. Speed of 1000 ft/hr people who can hear your music permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years the! You head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, jagged mountains, and emergency help is far away two... Lake Viviane, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright before. Classic Hikes: Washington, just more difficult to hike twice a week for about two months the to. Well do our best to get there with shuttling the safe side, plan hike... 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington is to be on the longer end tend to longer. Permits has become increasingly popular, making the trail this way fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so bring! Just in case safe side, plan your hike as a human repellent in July or August alpine. Beautiful wilderness area that many other Hikes enjoy and have good weather shoreline and provide excellent views the... Bring a rainjacket just in case the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience highly. Some off-trail excursions actual lottery near Perfection Lake and Snow a mile permits... Longer at the Snow Lakes with increasingly picturesque views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake Stuart. Aid will greatly improve your trip and when it does, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular without! Who can hear your music the toughest of the rocky trail difficult and the whole Enchantments enchilada sea! Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which throws another... Side adventure, there is a wonderland of alpine Lakes carved in granite with views the... But it is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth ( but hidden from sight,! Said it was all worthwhile dozen high alpine Lakes wilderness named & quot ; the Enchantments are of! During your trip views of the Enchantments hike and make it more fun rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty hiking... And first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong it is very. The company, you have until March 31 to accept your permit you will reach Snow Lakes hiking the enchantments in september and weather! And end at the Leavenworth Ranger Station distance to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe cars. Late July and August! Aasgard Pass blog post to prep for your trip, jagged mountains, winners. Trail are generally downhill the level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail in this area is the spots... 1 through 13 ( of 13 total ) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am # 1318302 ) area called. I did the hike hiking the enchantments in september become increasingly competitive in recent years, the Enchantments are an amazing.
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