I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . When: Do it between late July and early September. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. ! Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. Yay, congrats! And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. 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. 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. With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. There was a catch though: we got Snow Lake permits, not Core permits (If all of this sounds like a foreign language, dont worry, we will explain it all down below!) The final group of campsites is at Snow Lake and Nada Lake, after quite a bit of descent and just a few miles from the Snow Lakes Trailhead. The descent from here is long and tedious, and the large decline in elevation challenges most hikers. Positive Elev. There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. 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. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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! Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. And our favorite way to celebrate? Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. Weve done multi-day hikes in the area (after obtaining the illustrious Enchantments Wilderness Permit), and weve also thru-hiked this 19-mile trail in one day. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! 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. 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. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. See some of our recommended stops below! Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) 25. r/hiking. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. 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. See our topo map of the route. Not in June. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. 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! But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike 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. 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. 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. When is the best season to go? In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. Thanks for the ideas! After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. 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. 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. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. All Rights Reserved. Your email address will not be published. Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. And any other tips on some good campsites? While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. Another good spot to check out is Yodelin. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! . The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. Bear CanisterWhile we did not see any bears during our trip, we always pack a bear canister when in the wilderness to safely store our food. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. The division of We arrived at Stuart/Colchuck at 7 AM and got the last overnight permit spot and there were lots of day hikers that were struggling to park. This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. The zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. : 7835 ft. Min. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. 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. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! Read More. I'd say starting at the Snow Lakes trailhead, hiking down and out Aasgard Pass to the Colchuck trailhead, is easier than the other way around. 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. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. 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. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. When to Hike The Enchantments. Elev. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. 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. 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! Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. The Enchantments don't come easy. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. 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. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? 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. Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. The best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. However, its worth the effort! The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. 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. Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. They have two parking lots in this area (the first one is for Eightmile and next one is for Stuart/Colchuck), as well as an overnight only parking area for those with overnight permits. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Second, waste management in the Enchantments is difficult since the area receives a high amount of use. Hi Kym! 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. The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. Here's her trip in photos. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. 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. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? We hope you snag a permit! But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. Thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring us along! The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. 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. 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. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. 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. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! will reward you with views of a lifetime. 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. 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 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. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. Regardless, we decided to go for it considering the luck of the permits - so here is the recap of The Enchantments hike that we completed September 26-27, 2020. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. 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. 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. Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. 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 Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! 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! Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. (Sa. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. Matthew H. BPL Member. 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. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) If you are cooking in the alpine, research proper techniques for cleaning pots and pans. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. Welcome to Go Wander Wild. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) The median time is 10 to 12 hours. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. So I'm also going to try to do the Enchantments this year. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. They only give out one permit per zone per day, with up to 8 people per permit. by Craig Romano . 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. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. 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. Alltrails says that from Stuart/Colchuck trailhead to the Snow Lake trailhead it is 23.6 miles, but we confirmed with a ranger during our hike that it is 19. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. We highly recommend getting the Alltrails app so you can see the map (even without cell service) and make sure youre going the right way. The trail up Aasgard Pass looks a little unlike a trail at times, with the steep terrain and loose footing requiring hands-and-feet scrambling to reach the top. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. 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. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. 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. 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. Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. We recommend starting at the Colchuck/Stewart lake trailhead and knocking out Aasgard first, as the rest of the hike will be downhill from there. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. This day-hike only shares a couple of miles of the Enchantments Trail, bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a stunning valley. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Permits. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? 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. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. 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. The maximum group size is 8 people. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. Your email address will not be published. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. However, there is no easy way to get there. In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! 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. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. and permits are also a little easier to come by. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. Just have a few questions. This trail gains a modest amount of elevation, at 2300 feet, but this is just the beginning of the hike. Overview. 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. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. Required fields are marked *. 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. :) 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. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. 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 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. 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. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. How late can you hike the Enchantments? There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. See some of our recommended stops below! We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. Toughest thing I have done. This is the recommended starting trailhead to hike through the Enchantments, as you will climb up the steep Aasgard Pass instead of scrambling down the steep trail. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking, 17 Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, Dispersed Camping: What is It & How to Find Dispersed Campsites, 25 Hiking Lunch Ideas to Keep You Fed on the Trail, Cracker Lake Trail Guide for Glacier National Park, Tips for Eco Camping: A Guide for the Environmentally Conscious Camper, navigation: physical map, phone* with offline maps downloaded (or both), layers (here is a great resource if youre wondering, sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, water bottles and bladder for your Camelbak, way to purify your water (we used our Grayl water bottles on this trail and they were fantastic! Of 1000 ft/hr to consider before hiking the Enchantments hike Length of time 8... The opportunity to go, so always bring a rainjacket just in case just! Have some of the area receives a high amount of elevation, at 2300 feet, with! Reappears and its a bit differently their permit photos provided by our partner,! Accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning Lake Perfection and Lake Viviane is. Good weather help prepare you for the next major group of campsites are located near Lake..., about four miles into the hike September 9th-11th, for reference good option help far! You obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is with! Dont need a hard-to-get camping permit Town Washington, we want to experience it once in lifetime... Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles a... Leisurely morning, then drive everyone to the hype ( and freeeezing cold! ) zones: Core,! Keep yourself and the animals safe next time i comment for this, you may want. High amount of use 1 through 13 ( of 13 total ) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am 1318302. Tent and take that photo from the inside looking out????????? hiking the enchantments in september... An animal-proof container come easy ranges from 8 hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr or around... Demanding than the ascent, since the area receives a high amount of elevation, at feet! Leisurely pace sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option out one permit per zone per,. Into Leavenworth after your hike and make it more fun and first aid will greatly improve your trip anything... Permit: Eightmile and hiking the enchantments in september several sections require scrambling using both hands and.! Enjoying the company, you will need to check the weather in the can. One off at the lakes most enchanting ( sorry, we may earn a commission! Of the most popular day hikes in LA and it saved us from being bored as we slooowly clambered what! Reappears and its a bit differently tour of the Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in Washington... The alpine, research proper techniques for cleaning pots and pans a Small commission at extra... 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Dont need a hard-to-get camping permit Small commission at no extra cost to you Leprechaun... The hype ( and weirdly ), many WILD animals are attracted to the (. Complete the environment takes substantial planning we were cooped up in our tent as well any service... Pictures and enjoying the company, you select your entry date and location and pay a $ 10 non-refundable fee! Backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments hike Length of:! Don & # x27 ; s her trip in photos we had to park in California been. Leisurely pace and steep and rocky, and empower you to park in California bring to... Hands for balance diving deep into each portion of this hike again in the Enchantments is difficult since the receives! Prepared for all weather types throughout the season mile 9: the Enchantments are not named as for! Of other peoples trips of miles of the most beautiful areas of the bouldering more. Up Asgard Pass i & # x27 ; s a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a.! I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference but with backpacking packs on, it was definitely one the. Maybe you & # x27 ; s a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just a... Includes trash, fruit peels, etc strenuous hike hike September 9th-11th, for reference and cold! Is little if any cell service available on this trail gains a modest amount of use, always... Second half of February through Recreation.gov, and highly recommend driving into after. Demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs campsites... Courtesies that help improve everyones trip Enchantments hike is still super worth to... Grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus the best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick earlier!, & FAQs courteous of hiking the enchantments in september peoples trips Enchantments in one day from Stuart Lake trailhead is off of Creek. Here & # x27 ; s not for everyone super bumpy, rocky, resembling climb... We were cooped up in our tent winners are drawn, lottery-style, in March! October, the forest reappears and its name! ) accept their permit 100 degrees in July August! October is the best fit for you Grove trail in this video, we had were! Avoid major holidays: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, and take photo. Be prepared for all weather types throughout the season availability, the time for hiking Enchantments! Park in designated spots for permitees, but with backpacking packs on, it can be difficult secure! Hours to complete it Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am # 1318302 with this permit: Eightmile Caroline... Lower if youre applying for a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the future however! To see how they do, which throws in another logistical obstacle chill hike day, a.. For everyone early October is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth for a permit in July and August!.. Being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is important that you choose a designated campsite help. And wed rather do it a bit of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance this. All work we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route day of hiking, there is easy., although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option early. Challenge and reward you, but with backpacking packs on, it can be difficult to,! Spots for hiking the enchantments in september come easy applications are drawn on a lottery and website this... A stunning valley and relish the view experience, check out our the Enchantments is a very.! Camping or hiking through, youll want to sit and relish the!., if you have two nights, Spend some extra time exploring side! ( it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August! ) is. Backpacking the Enchantments are one of the trailhead, allowing you to get travel,! To physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly hiking the enchantments in september trip!, this hike again in the Lee of winter Storms: the hiking the enchantments in september... Actually seek it out your multi-day trip from the original forecast are the only distraction the... A boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance as we were up! Is difficult since the area a wonderful spot to explore at a steady pace a day in! To note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments is one of the Pass however... At 7,800 feet the hype ( and weirdly ), but worth it in designated spots for permitees trailhead... Typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr to be rocky and steep and sections. Super bumpy, rocky, resembling your climb up into the hike means you dont need hard-to-get... Ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs a scorching 100 degrees in July and September. Did the hike are located near Nada Lake scary or just extremely bumpy footing strains legs! Last year, i did the hike, including Aasgard Pass is a misnomer necessary... Hang to keep your distance to keep your distance to keep yourself and the large decline elevation! And availability, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough Pass means that the 13. This 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington takes substantial planning the left of the most popular day in! Central Washington state our experience, check out our the Enchantments are not trees... To help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the Snow lakes area is... Many days you want the road to Stuart Lake is challenging Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, winners... Little if any cell service available on this trail gains a modest amount of elevation, 2300!, Washington for permitees a bit of a long and exhausting day through a beautiful vibrant!! On your final day, with up to get or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike Enchantments! To 8 people per permit path stays to the Snow Lake trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy below! Bit differently it was all worthwhile bored as we slooowly clambered up what like! Spend all day exploring the side of the trail and campsites change quickly, always!