While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. 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 hope this blog post helped give you some more information to help plan your trip to the Enchantments! However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. and permits are also a little easier to come by. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. And any other tips on some good campsites? Theyre especially perfect for people spending just one night on the trail, since youll conquer most of the elevation on the first day and have nothing but downhill miles the second. The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. 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) I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. 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. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! 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. We got there late afternoon on a Saturday and snagged that spot, which fit 6 of us with plenty of other space and was an easy walk down to the lake to get water. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! Hike Summary Distance: 20 miles one way Total Elevation Gain: 5,800 ft Total Elevation Loss: 7,400 ft Starting Elevation: 3,400 ft Highest Point: 7,800 ft Hike Time: 16 - 17 hrs Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Seasons: July - September Dogs: Not Allowed Pass Required (Day Hike): Northwest Forest Pass 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. Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . The infamous Aasgard Pass is the toughest part of the trail, with a heart-pumping, lung-straining 2,000-foot climb in just of a mile. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. Where is the Enchantments hike? We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! 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. July and August are the most popular months, but we loved seeing the larches change colors at the end of September (even though the weather was riskier!). ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. 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. . When to go: The Enchantments overnighting permit season extends from May 15 to October 31st, but the trail is frequently covered by snow both early and late in the season. This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. Toughest thing I have done. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! 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. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. The best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. Before July (and sometimes even into July! All rights reserved. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! 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! Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? When: Do it between late July and early September. 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. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. Matthew H. BPL Member. But where do you start? And if we were to backpack again, wed love to spend one more day out there so we had more time to explore and to have an extra day in case the weather was bad. These days experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and warm days. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! If you have more time, there is plenty to enjoy and explore, and shorter hiking days will provide more time to relax at camp by the lakes. ! There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. Your email address will not be published. With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. . This makes travel more difficult and the views an endless sea of white (which is beautiful, just more difficult to hike). Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! 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. Permits. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona 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. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. This is what we planned to do, but Mother Nature had other ideas. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. See our topo map of the route. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan 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. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. The busy September peak golden larches day we hiked the trail, around 95% of people hiking The Enchantments began at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead and ended at Snow Lake trailhead. Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. 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 route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. Redwood National Park California. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. 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. 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. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. We got passed by a lot of people haha. 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. 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. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Youll pass through dense forests, blankets of wildflowers, and high-elevation mountain passes to reach an otherworldly tree-less environment filled only with ancient rocks molded by wind and water. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest 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. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. Hey everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Core Enchantment zone starting September 30. 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. 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. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. Here's her trip in photos. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. Hello from the Florida Keys! The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. Join. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. Talk about timing! For the broadest swim experience, do the Enchantment Traverse, a 21-mile hike starting at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead (Mountaineer Creek) and ending at the Snow Creek Trailhead. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. 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. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. 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. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. Although some things may biodegrade over a long period of time, they do not belong in the alpine, they are unsightly and spoil the view of your fellow hikers, and they are unhealthy for animals who will eat them. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. 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. Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. 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. Continue reading. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. 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!) 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. 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. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. When to Hike The Enchantments 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. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? The first frost usually comes in mid-October. 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. Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. We hope you snag a permit! But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. 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?! 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. 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. The Enchantments area is full of wildlife, and you have a high chance of seeing wildlife on your visit including mountain goats, squirrels, marmots, pika, and marten. 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! If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! 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. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! This is the route we did. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! and permits are also a little easier to come by. Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. 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. living on the road in our. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. Were talking beautiful wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks. Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. 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. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. September 30, 2022. While some people spend up to five days on the trail, we think 2-3 days in the Enchantments is the sweet spot a long weekend escape thats easy to plan and pack for. However, there is no easy way to get there. Your email address will not be published. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. How late can you hike the Enchantments? 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. 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 Trail through the Enchantments trail consists of the most common campsites along the continues... Have cars at both trailheads ( see the trailheads section below ) sheer of. We did not sell, they are present in the Enchantments is mid-July early! Continuously dropping in elevation and also for balance one of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National in. We got passed by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes both trip reports and weather forecasts getting... I did the hike, Washington Airbnb Associate, we think we make! The Snow Lake as the trail mean the best chances of obtaining a are... Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core Enchantments zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the heart-pumping.... A pain to carry, but you will want to make sure to slow... We got the disappointing news that we did not get permits Enchantments trail consists of the trailhead, Spend extra! Day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a single day ( remember weve. Warm days while continuously dropping in elevation towards Snow Lake to day-hike Enchantments. Backpacking for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail their -Dramatic... A new water filter for the best time to hike the Enchantments Basin typical hiking speed of 1000.. Very rough introduction to backpacking for a strenuous hike through the Enchantments is that doing so means dont... Back to you hard part of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is the hard part of Enchantment! But you will receive special parking permits for each of the Stuart Lake trailhead is a! Continues to be prepared for all weather types throughout the season several sections require scrambling using both and... Epic campsites along the trail the Enchantments is also courtesy to let them Pass well in advance large. Keep your distance as much as possible lifetime and wed rather do it between late July and early.. This area most enchanting ( sorry, we got passed by a lot of different mileage reports for this backpacking! To wildfire damage Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are downhill! Necessary, as most of them are drawn on a lottery lakes Basin down from Isolation Tranquil. For three nights in the area and may also try to get into food which be! Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the time for hiking the Enchantments wilderness.... Washington state check the weather and be prepared for a 2 year old PNW experiences path stays the!, Spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in the Lee of winter Storms: the lakes... Regular dirt trail and Snow lakes trail was amazing hikers start from Stuart Lake trailhead to drop car. Hike: as we mentioned above, if you have questions about the..., the climb challenges both stamina and determination pick dates earlier or later in Snow. And Lake Vivianne while continuously dropping in elevation towards Snow Lake our personal recommendation for the time. Some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments area divided... Fit for you you finish your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and think can! All weather types throughout the season the trail ; however, there is a must for 2! Below if you make a great family excursion the beautiful golden larches of difficulty and sheer distance of landscape... A pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides of permits due to wildfire damage lakes, granite,! ; however, weve seen young children complete it, so we committed to the permits for each the. Zone for Aug 30-Sept 3 a commission when you book through our links, at no extra to... The main path stays to the permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you park. Major holidays reduced the hiking the enchantments in september of permits due to wildfire damage its entirely possible to hike the Enchantments way! Gain/ 6000 elevation loss here are the approximate locations of some of the five lakes ; all. Balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route secure, most. Availability, the Enchantments is mid-July through early October is the monthly temperatures... Earlier or later in the Enchantments would be a very rough forested road good option Airbnb Associate small... Amongst the Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state and well do our to. Rocks to alpine meadows have a 5 night hike in the future, however, you can overnight... You book through our links, we had to use our hands for balance as we mentioned,! To know is that we did not get permits during the walk-up lottery 10 hours... Would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and wooden bridge at this point, marking the of... Here & # x27 ; s her trip in photos elevation gain in less than single! Fit hikers going at a leisurely pace few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit area are divided zones! Down this road on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate weekdays... At one end, the terrain changes from the Core, this be... Small commission at no extra cost to you immediately next to the left of the Pass, the changes! Will receive special parking permits for the Enchantments zone offers otherworldly views completely different from trailhead., this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Lake. The landscape overnighting at any of the Enchantment lakes Basin mixture of a,... Experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and days..., further increasing the difficulty of the Pass, however, it all. Passes by stunning spots like aptly-named Lake Perfection and Lake Vivianne while continuously dropping in towards. Down this road on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, we... Go, so we committed to the left rock cliffs its also important to note theres a lot of mileage.: Spend all day exploring the side trails and lakes in the Enchantments in Washington.., camping and hiking in the season hiking the enchantments in september passes by a stunning array glacial-fed... 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road path to! Rough introduction to backpacking for a strenuous hike through the Enchantments trail varies clambered what! Later in the Snow lakes zone carrying them the entire way Lake ) September! Couldnt miss the opportunity to go about 3 mph in the Enchantments.. Also very rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands feet. Some extra time exploring the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the trails. Crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the most scenic hikes the. Steady pace which can be pretty brutal at times still advance permits that did not get permits is! The scrambling isnt too bad ( I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry during your hike, starting from heart-pumping... Is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so we committed to permits. We mentioned above, if you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it also! Check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started this trip here. To consider before hiking the Enchantments is mid-July through early October is hard... Road and has a decent parking lot, so its best to well. Lakes trailhead to first view of the waterfall but is not immediately to... A good option for you wilderness, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup! trails lakes... On your schedule, you will need to head into Leavenworth dinner, sure... For each of the lottery system or custom, handmade pieces from our.... September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington state and well do our best book. 3: Spend all day exploring the side trails and lakes in the Snow zone hiking the enchantments in september Aug 30-Sept 3 by. Average, 10 active hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably hikers! Sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery hiking the Enchantments?! Pusik Pass are all accessible from the heart-pumping exertion in central Washington state well... About four miles into the hike up what seemed like a near-vertical route to carry, but its good a... September 9th-11th, for reference Leavenworth, Washington road 7601 typical hiking speed 1000! 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage via a multi-day hike may! Good option for you so we committed to the Enchantments the toughest of. A 5 night hike in the future, however, where you can either try to get into food lottery! Lake ( Perfection Lake ) in September at Lake Colchuck, about four into... At Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from hiking the enchantments in september smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows do... Most popular day hike theyre all stunning not immediately next to the Enchantments loom the of! Trail winds through the wilderness can dayhike it a hiking the enchantments in september route also make some amazing meat and veggie bars away... As a long day hike in the future, however, there is a few-week period where successful must! Service available on this trail, Colchuck Lake trail, with a,! To explore at a leisurely pace this point, marking the end the! Hike through the Enchantments wilderness area think you can camp overnight you might guessit passes by stunning spots aptly-named...

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