Day hikes in the enchantments. Tips for the Enchantments hike.

Day hikes in the enchantments 3rd Day: Hike up Prusik Pass and over the ridge to Gnome Tarn. On this step-by-step trail guide, learn how to thru-hike the Core Enchantments (+ maps and photos). The Enchantments traverse is a stunning foray into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington state. Over the course of almost 20 miles, you will ascend one mile and then drop down another 7,000 feet to finish the hike. One of the biggest challenges is found when hiking Aasgard Pass and on our three-day journey, this was the first day’s task. Part of the hike also consists of Colchuck lake When deciding on thru-hiking the Enchantments for the first time, two things intimidated us – how steep Aasgard Pass is and the total distance of the hike. When we began planning out this trip I had no idea the extent of the beauty and diversity this It is not reasonable to camp in the Eightmile/Caroline Zone and day hike into the Core Enchantments. Final Thoughts on Hiking the Enchantments. But the one-day thru-hike is extremely strenuous, and this increasingly popular mode of Enchantments hiking is negatively impacting this fragile environment. You need a National Forest Recreation Pass or America The Beautiful Pass, too. Description Day hike with Melanie M. You can explore The Enchantments by day hikes, but the most striking landscapes require challenging, multi-day excursions — and a backpacking permit. " "They're just pretty. Is it doable? Absolutely, but only for hikers who are in excellent shape. A maximum of 8 people per party can obtain this Montana hiking guide. And, there is some boulder hoping going around Colchuck Lake. Hitting the trail at 5am worked well for us to finish Explore the most popular trails in my list The Enchantments with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The lower trails and lakes are forested, while the upper lakes are within a If you can’t snag competitive hiking permits for overnight camping in the Core Zone, consider hiking the Enchantments as a day hike — though it’s a grueling 18 miles. This would be a real easy day hike! Stuart lake is gorgeous. On average, people with overnight packs will take 3 or 4 hours just to go from Colchuck Lake to the top of The Enchantments is easily one of the most beautiful day hikes I have completed in North America. Either direction is a long, difficult hike to access the core lakes area - an extremely strenuous hike, but hands down one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. As far as miles per hour goes, Aasgard may be one of the slowest hikes you attempt. Starting at either end hike through forest to gain the 7,000-foot plateau. Distance: 20. Fortunately, we picked that weekend and not the one before to book Here’s a collection of the best day hikes in the Enchantments, trailhead access points and permit information. The Enchantments traverse is about 20 miles and ~4900 foot gain, so if you can work your way up to that, it will be a breeze. Achieving the pass is a thigh-burning, chest-bursting, eye-popping endeavor that offers as many extraordinary views as beads of sweat that will fall from your brow as you ascend nearly 2000 feet in just three-quarters of a Hey everyone! Take a deep dive with me as I venture into The Enchantments Traverse, the most beautiful hike in the US. This comes with a But the approximately 19-mile Enchantment Core thru-hike is the crème de la crème trail that sends the Enchantments into the stratosphere of bucket-list hiking destinations and the one that entices thousands of hikers each year. 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. You can also play roulette and hope to obtain a day-of-departure permit by I hiked this in a day with a friend in August, and finished the knee scorching 20 miles traverse in one day. Days w/ J: F: M: A: M: J: J: A: S: O: N: D: Trails in Doing the entire Enchantments as a day hike was definitely more difficult than we had expected. Hike through at the right time, and you may witness a huge plume of water shooting out over the rocks above Nada Lake from a massive tunnel bored to Snow Lake straight through the rock. (This is in the Snow Zone so make sure you apply for the proper permit. This is when you hike the entire 20+ trail in a single day. Matt Davey. Share what you know about this area! Share Your Local Tips! Weather Averages. arrow_back_ios arrow_forward_ios. [2] At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), it is home to over 700 alpine lakes and ponds surrounded by the vast peaks of Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States. People can finish the trail in a day, although many prefer to stop halfway. Getting ready to start. Day hiking it isn't that hard, the only bummer is that you don't have much time to The Enchantments is a challenging hike. gov Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it’s not for everyone. an Overnight Hike. Enchantments thru-hike. You will likely start your thru-hike at the Stuart Lake/Colchuk Lake Trailhead like we did. While some ultra-fit hikers tackle the Enchantments in one day, it’s best to camp along the route, which is 20 miles long, with over 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Contained within the wilds are many beautiful forests full of rugged terrain, cascading streams, miles of hiking trails, and plenty of remote backcountry to explore. 8. Dragontail Peak is the highest mountain in The Enchantments. If you don’t want to do the entire thru hike many people day hike to Colchuck Lake or into the core itself. It looks like a The Enchantments hike stats. Hiking the Enchantments in one day is a beast of a hike and it is not to be underestimated. Washington has some great hiking, enjoy it! Hopefully the difficult of getting Enchantments permits will be a cautionary tale to folks about hyping up places on social media and having the multi-fold increases in use result in limitation on access and/or permit hassles. 54 miles, 6,283 ft total ascent The Enchantments is a region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington state's Cascade Mountain Range. Very similar to Colchuck But you can day hike the entirety of the Enchantments via the extremely challenging Enchantments Traverse. Thru-hiking The Enchantments in one day was one of the hardest and most beautiful day hikes I’ve ever done in my life. Goatville. Why hike the enchantments in a day. (Day-use permits are still required but not limited, self-issued at the trailhead. This activity has been closed. This series of posts is all about our experience and what to expect from an adventure through The Enchantments. Dog Friendly: No. I joined them to Colchuck Lake, the first good stopping point of the hike. On the last day of your backpacking trip hike from Leprechaun Lake back to the Snow Lake trailhead. If you have your sights set on experiencing the A woman doing the Enchantments day hike over the weekend became exhausted and needed help getting out, thankfully she had an inReach which she used to call SAR, and a helicopter came to take her out. Hike to Crystal Lake. Located in Leavenworth, Washington, th Prepare for an unforgettable Enchantments through hike with our planning guide. Dogs are not allowed on any of the trails in the Enchantments permit area. 34 Miles 55 Kilometers of Trail 2 Recommended Routes 1 Gem ; 0 Easy Trails ; 1 Intermediate Trail ; 8 Difficult Trails ; Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. It is an absolutely gorgeous hike, but it is also extremely difficult, when done as a day hike. We did the Enchantments as a day hike three times, twice in August (‘20, ‘21) and once in September (‘23), always starting from the Stuart trailhead. You can buy a day pass at the trailhead for $5. We entered Stuart Zone on July 28th at about 1030 AM. This is what we planned to do, but Mother Nature had other ideas. 15 hours of hiking, 19 miles/30 km, 5000ft We hiked The Enchantments hike near Leavenworth, Washington State in one day! This was definitely one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done! The hike Despite its hazards, the Enchantments remains a beloved destination. View full map. If you’re planning an overnight stay, an Enchantment Area Wilderness Permit is necessary, which is distributed via a lottery due to high demand . Beginners: please do not attempt this as a day hike. Larch trees turned peak golden colors at exactly the right time for us. visit the Enchantment Zone with just a day pack on another day, and then hike back out the same way on the last day. gov at the exact right time to discover a fresh cancellation of a 1 person permit. Hikers, trail runners, lake dwellers, campers and mountaineers all converge into this region throughout the summer to appreciate this fabled land. I've done this hike 4 years ago and it is time to do it again. While Enchantment Resort is close to several popular hiking trails, it is a bit of a drive to town. Trail was in good Tips for the Enchantments hike. On day 1, I will: hike to Colchuck Lake, 4 miles and 2300 feet Through hike – The Enchantments trail can be hiked as a very long day hike. He completed his first 14-mile day hike at age 7 in Zion National Park and was backpacking by age 11. Precip . Day 1: Arrive in Washington, drive to Port Angeles Day 2: Olympic National Park Enchantment Lakes Traverse by Andy Dappen. Have fun 😊 Permits. Overnight permits are extremely limited and most are allocated in a pre-season lottery and parking can be tight for day hikers. We only learned about the Enchantments 5 days before going! A day use permit is required. Few permits are granted for day hikes, and of the 40,000 people who entered last year's lottery for overnight permits, only 2,558 received one. Permits are required for Day Hiking the Enchantments. This has always been our go-to hiking hack to get parking at popular trailheads during the summer months, and it didn’t work for larch hikes. Low . Primary Leader. The lake is absolutely stunning, and it often called the most popular hike in Washington Doing This as a Day Hike vs. We had done 20 mile day hikes before, but the 4000 feet up and 6000 feet down and the more difficult than expected terrain made it quite a challenge. This was 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. Day 2: Aasgard Pass. Less than a week ago, I logged onto recreation. For day hikes, the good news is that, although you need a free permit, there is no Learn how to successfully thru-hike the Enchantments in one day with our expert guide. It is a picturesque alpine paradise. A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL IN ONE DAY START. I would consider the hike to Stuart one of the easiest 5 mile section in the Enchantments. Hiking the Enchantments is mesmerizing and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's strenuous and demanding (distance, elevation gain, altitude, variable terrains, route finding, weather) either for a day hike or overnight/backpacking. 8-21 miles Elevation: 5280 feet of gain, 7200 of Elevation Loss (starting at Stuart Lake) or 7200 gain and 5280 loss (starting at Snow Lakes) Type: Point to Point, Thru The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. When it comes to exploring the enchanting hiking trails of the Enchantments, ensuring your safety should be a top priority. Others find that the climb from Snow Lake to Lake Viviane, or from Colchuck Lake to the top of Aasgard Pass, is simply too difficult for them to do. 2nd Day’s Destination: Inspiration Lake (7,185′) Rating: Moderately-Easy Distance: 1. Now, I’m hiking the Enchantments solo. Most Popular Day Hikes Enchantments Thu-hike. Skip to content. With almost 40,000 entries into the overnight lottery in 2021, with a 6 percent success rate, the one-day route remains the only way in for many comers. Hiking the Enchantments in a day is much more difficult than its milage may suggest: many of the 18. 5+ hours of breaks, but what's the point in hiking if you're not gonna stop and look around for a while ;) Garmin: 21. gov. 5 miles, point-to-point Elevation gain: 4,954 feet Difficulty: Challenging Timing: Full day hike; or broken into 2 days Pets: no dogs allowed in the Enchantments Permits: between May and October, you’ll need a permit for overnight camping View the trail notes; The Enchantments hike overview. The day before your Enchantments hike, relax in a hotel in the cute town of Leavenworth. Any of these is a good simulation of day hiking through the Enchantments: Mount Si, of course, is a good training hike for any alpine adventure. Day 3: Inspiration Lake, a. On the day of the hike, take plenty of water, water filter for more water, trekking poles, camera and essentials. If you’re looking for an outstanding summer hiking experience, the best time to go is when the snow has melted off the trails but before the weather turns sour in fall. Because of their popularity, there is a strict permit process in place to limit impact and keep the area The Enchantments Permits: A Guide to Washington’s Rugged Majesty [2019] The Enchantments are part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state. I enjoyed the day hike, and would consider it again, but 20 mile days are fine by me. To get here, you’ll park at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Contacts. Inspiration Lake was my personal favorite. Article contents: If you're an avid hiker and live in Washington state, then you probably already know about the Enchantments hike. 8 miles are over challenging, rocky terrain, which sections of steep boulder scrambling. Include a scramble up to Enchantment Peak (via Prusik Pass) or up to Little Annapurna (above Inspiration lake) for an added adventure! To see a map of these lakes and peaks, check out REI for a green trails map of the Enchantments. I plan on having a 15lbs pack or lighter if possible. Day 3: Prusik Pass. Everybody who sees them at this stage just falls in love," says Alan Yen, a member of the Washington Native Plant Society who once took an 18-mile day hike through the Enchantments to see the trees. Warm October air and golden larches. ft. Arrived at 7:15 started at 7:40, out and back by 1pm. This is a serious trail and requires experience and a high degree of physical and Although thru hiking the Enchantments is the ultimate larch march, any hike featuring larch trees counts! We’ve even tried arriving later in the day for a sunset hike. My two recommendations: Luxury option: Posthotel. Can you thru-hike the Enchantments? Most definitely! It’s one of the more demanding hikes in the area, about 18-20 miles long. See some of our recommended stops below! Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Register Participant. The high alpine basin is filled with dazzling greenish-blue lakes, stark granite, beautiful meadows and tons of mountain goats. In order to camp there, Day hike. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout A Weekend in the Enchantments: 4 Peaks in a Row; Getting Back Into the Swing of Things: Triple Couloirs Car to Car; Enchanting Enchantments Adventure; South Face of Little Annapurna: An Unexpected Climb; A One-Day My mom joins me on an epic day hike in The Enchantments, Washington - after car camping at the (wrong) trailhead. We’ve got hiking recommendations for each zone below. On average, people with overnight packs will take 3 or 4 hours just to go from Colchuck Lake to the top of Guide to The Enchantments Day Hikes. [3] The highest peak, Dragontail Peak, . Permits to day hike are unlimited and self-registered at the trailhead. Aasgard Pass involves a 2200 vt. Distance: 19 miles; Hike Time: 2-3 days; Elevation Gain: 4600 feet; Elevation Loss: 6710 feet; Fee: $6 to enter lottery, $10 for a permit; he was able to spend a lot of time hiking at an early age. Thus, one may conclude that backpacking the Enchantments is surely preferable to a day hike. Base of Colchuck to the top of Asgard is 1. However, this day hiking through the Enchantments is very strenuous for MOST hikers. Strong day hikers can focus on the Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass (Enchantments Colchuck Lake permit required for an overnight stay). Qualified Youth Leader. However, taking The Enchantments Hiking. Managed as part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this day hike is one of the two gateways to the Enchantments. Get tips on training, gear, and planning for a successful adventure. Getting a permit takes extremely good luck, which is why most people will visit the Enchantments on a day hike. Day 2: Upper Enchantments. For people wanting to take on The Enchantments Trail in Washington, this trail takes around 8–15 hours to finish, depending on how quickly or slowly a person is Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States. Reply reply Top 3% Rank by size . This was a beautiful and LONG day hike that I high In addition to about 8-10 hours of general aerobic exercise a week and some strength training, be sure to take day hikes on weekends, progressively longer and more challenging (8-15 miles) over a couple months leading up within 1-2 weeks before your Enchantments day hike. The hike is located near Leavenworth and is about 20-23 miles long and over 5,000ft of elevation gain. More North Cascades: 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park. Granted, you can find more challenging hikes, but a day of hiking in Sedona doesn’t require extreme physical fitness. This subreddit is a community I made a quick weekend trip recently out to Seattle for an outdoor adventure day hiking The Enchantments. The Enchantments are busy enough that you could probably get away with running into other people who have inReaches (or other similar devices This is a popular day hike, so you’ll probably be sharing it with others, although you might be able to find more solitude as you continue around the lake. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the enchantm More Hiking: 21 Bucket List Hikes in Washington State. While Colchuck Peak is an entirely manageable day hike, camping is also incredibly popular in the area, so some parties will do this as an overnight hike. This hotel is conveniently-located right in the center of downtown Leavenworth, walking distance to bars and restaurants, but it backs up to the river so you still feel a bit secluded. Reply reply Top 1% Rank by size . 5 hours on a thru hike in the Enchantments in Washington state. Distance: Approximately 19 miles Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Total Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet Highest Elevation (Aasgard Pass): 7,841 feet A Note On The Trail Distance: There is a lot of discrepancy in the distances reported for The Enchantments. Last multi day hike I did was almost The Enchantments are one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Washington State. This is probably very suitable for most folks, and eliminates the Day 1 – Thursday, August 15, 2024 It’s Day 1 of my hike into the Enchantments. Does it sound crazy? It should, because it’s certainly not for the novice hiker! Let’s talk about the Enchantments thru-hike start to finish. It wasn’t the distance that made this hike so incredibly challenging for me. He's The most popular day of the week to enter, by far, was Friday. If you are a serious outdoorsperson and don't mind planning a trip in advance, apply for a permit to go backpacking in the Enchantments outside of Leavenworth, WA. This hike will pass Final Thoughts on Hiking the Enchantments. Before the Hike. Dickerman (larches not confirmed) Spider Gap (larches not confirmed) The Enchantments Thru-Hike is possibly the most famous hike in Washington. 10 reviews and 43 photos of THE ENCHANTMENTS "This is the holy grail of alpine lakes areas, right here in our very own backyard. I have hiking poles. 25 miles, 2,000ft gain. If you decide to spend an extra night or 2 in the Core Enchantment Zone (which we highly recommend) there are several day hikes to choose from. The Enchantments are one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Washington State. It was successful. That's the other reason I 'hated' the hike (though it was great to reminisce afterwards). The trail continues from here around Explore Enchantment Permit Area Advanced Lottery in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington with Recreation. If you aren’t one of the lucky few to get a backpacking & camping permit, most people visit the Core Enchantments area by a day hike. Option #2: Snow Permit. However, backpacking to the Enchantments isn't as easy as it sounds, for not only physical but also bureaucratic reasons. More posts you may like We did the Enchantments as a day hike three times, twice in August (‘20, ‘21) and once in September (‘23), always starting from the Stuart trailhead. gain in less than 1 mile with loose rock in places (the entire hike in 12. I'm struggling to find good day hikes within the Enchantments to go on while we're there. Hitting the trail at 5am worked well for us to finish before dusk, a bit chilly to start and with headlamps for the first mile or two. Day Hike - The Enchantments. Enchantments Thru hike is definitely the best hike in Washington. Sorry you didn't get a permit, but glad to see you've got other options lined up. I’ve summited Mount Whitney in one day and hiked across the Grand Canyon in a day. However, that’s probably out of reach of 90% of visitors. However, single-day permits are available to everyone, vs. Whether you day hike or backpack this bucket-list hike, it will forever go down as the greatest of all trails. The overnight permit for the “Core Zone” is likely the most competitive backcountry permit in the country – if you enter the lottery, you have barely a 1% chance of getting a permit. The Enchantments Core Thru-hike is a grueling, but rewarding 18-mile hike through the core Alpine Lakes Basin. With some planning (and maybe a little Hiking the Enchantments Traverse Trail. Overnight camping requires a Special Overnight Permit that is available through the land manager's lottery. This is a great way to see a glimpse of the Enchantments. How to hike the Enchantments in one day. If you are planning to park at the trailhead (and not take the shuttle) then you will need a parking pass. Just make sure to arrive Enchantments day hike suggestions for Core zone permit . Related Washington’s Enchantments As the chances of winning an overnight permit dwindle to roughly 6%, there's been an "explosion" in hikers attempting the intense 18-mile route in just one day. Asgard pass is not technical and there are several cairns throughout to help you stay on path. The trail is almost always rocky or rooted out, and consistently steep, both up and down. Keep reading Best time of year to day hike through the Enchantments. Alternatively, camping in surrounding zones like Snow Lakes or Colchuck offer fantastic options to explore the Core via a day trip from basecamp. conquer challenges on the mountain, and fully enjoy the thrill of skiing. Hello, I was fortunate enough to have been invited by my friend to join them in the Enchantments Core zone this year with an overnight permit. Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, USA. Remember to use the This is a hike up and down Aasgard Pass from the Steward Lake trail head. But neither of us were in a rush so all the time we made up in hiking got taken back in relaxing in various spots around the enchantments. a. Hiking the enchantments in one day will leave you exhausted, but you’ll survive! After Aasgard Pass, it’s all downhill through brilliant terrain, so your mind will be elsewhere. Please do not sign up for this hike if you are not comfortable with loose rock and going With the chances of winning becoming slimmer each year, more are tackling the trail in a single day. Here's what my research has turned up so far: The Enchantments (way too intense as a day hike for me, but if you're hardcore, go for it) Mt. – Day Use Permit: Limited availability from May 15th to October 31st. WTA says this trail is 18 miles, but my Garmin inReach clocked me in at 21. Distance: 18. Clearly you and your group have to be in that kind of shape. If you live in Washington or just simply are in the know regarding bucket-list hikes in the Pacific Northwest, you’ve probably heard of “The Enchantments. It was the terrain that made this one so difficult. If a book titled The 100 Best Hikes in North America were to be written, the Enchantment Lakes Traverse would be the choice put forth to represent Central Washington. What is the terrain like? The Enchantment Permit Area is typified by rugged glaciated peaks and a series of lakes ranging from 4400 feet to 7800 feet in elevation. We chose to camp at Snow Lakes because it seemed easier to access the Core Enchantments during a day-hike from our campground than climbing up and down the I'm starting out from Bellingham and would like to find a day hike to see golden larches as close as possible. ) One of most iconic hikes in Washington’s Cascades, the Enchantments trail stretches nearly twenty miles through the rugged Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Probably did not need the 2. Everything I find is a guide on how to thru hike them. Total Miles: 19 miles; Total Elevation Gain: 4500 ft; Highest Point: 7800 ft; Total Hiking Time: 13 hours (you might be faster if there’s no snow at the top) Start: Stuart Lake Trailhead; View the picturesque landscape of hiking The Enchantments challenging and inspiring trail across dozens of alpine lakes, towering rocky peaks, and serene presence that cannot be felt or seen elsewhere. 5mi Sep 20, 2018 Laura Gouin. How To Hike the Enchantments In One Day: Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead. 14 Day Washington Itinerary for Non-Hikers. Hiking Near Overview. Here’s my report! Getting lost in the Enchantments. In my opinion, it’s honestly a little unfortunate that the hike to Colchuck Lake is so short because Day Hiking the Enchantments Trail. It's pretty brutal, but no problem at all for a person with their hiker legs. Which is why we’ve done this hike multiple times, both as a standalone day hike The Enchantments are not named as such for naught – they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. Related Topics The last 5-6 miles is definitely a slog. We are in pretty good shape (I am very slow, but currently training for a half marathon, have completed multiple triathlons and will be training for a triathlon over the summer and fiancé runs a lot more and faster than I do), but we are a bit nervous since we haven’t done a hike that long before (longest Enchantments Full hike-Day hike. You do NOT need a permit to do a day hike to Colchuck Lake. The Enchantments by carsonbrooks-left Seattle at 3am-day hiked roughly 10 hours total @ roughly 28 min mile splits, 5300 feet gain 7000 feet loss -extra layer for asgaard in the morning it was chillyyyyy then super hot on our down climb around mid day Overall I understand why this hike is permitted some of the absolute best views I’ve Hiking The Enchantments Quick Facts. Sat, Sep 21, 2024 Committee: Seattle Youth Outreach Subcommittee - Youth & Family Hike Leaders; Hikers say it takes 12 to 14 hours! You can do this hike two different directions: start at Colchuck Lake Trailhead and end at Snow Lake Trail Head, or the opposite. Though lugging up a heavy backpack up Aasgard doesn't sound fun to me. outdoor mountain rock nature water lake rocky sky Bottom line: Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it’s not for everyone. It’s not long but it gains elevation similar to To make a day hike to the Enchantments, the earlier you start, the more you get to see. Round trip mileage: 18 miles Elevation gain: 6,500 feet. It’s 18 miles from one trailhead to the other, and both entrance points The Core Zone of the Enchantments may be one of the most popular destinations in Washington state, but those who venture to Lake Stuart may just get the extra-enchanting reward of relative solitude in a high traffic area. Permits. However, if you have an America the Beautiful pass, this counts as your permit. We did a day hike of the Enchantments, from and to Snow Lake Trailhead in a big loop, going in the standard CCW direction - yes we walked the road from Snow to Stuart Lake TH (there is however a shuttle service between the lots, which is the more sensible option by far)! Parked the car at Snow TH and started our hike at 4:20am on a Monday morning. Backpacking permits are limited nightly to 28 groups of up to 8 people each from May 15 I did the Enchantments as a day hike though, if you backpack it over a few days, then it xan be easier. Because of the distance and difficulty required to reach the core zone, people attempting a hike through the area usually opt to apply for an overnight camping permit. These are issued by a lottery system, however, and they are hard to come by. To hike this unique alpine area, you have two options: (1) enter the lottery and hope to score a coveted permit for a multi-day camping trip, or (2) make it a thru hike. But we do think we hiked it on the very best weekend of the entire year at the end of September. Distance: 9 miles Elevation gain: 2,500 feet Difficulty: Moderate / Challenging Lake Ingalls may cover a lot of In preparation, keep hiking, work on elevation. 19. You can either pay $5 to get a day pass (which you can do in person or online Bottom line: Hikes longer than 15 miles and/or more than 4000 feet of elevation gain are good training hikes for through-hiking the Enchantment Basin. Because overnight permits are wildly competitive for the Enchantments Zone, the majority of people you see on the trail will actually be doing the Enchantments as a day hike. Day hiker wilderness permits are free and self-issued at the trailhead. You also need to park cars at two different trailheads. Day Passes ($5 per vehicle) can be purchased at trailhead, and pass must be displayed on dashboard of vehicle, even 00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes This “shortcut” to the Enchantments Core Zone refers only to mileage. The heart of this wilderness area – the Enchantments – is accessed via a strenuous 19+ mile hike that is best done as a 2-3 night extravaganza (though people do it in a day, which is nuts to us). As mentioned above, day hiking permits are unlimited, free, and self-registered at the trailhead. 25 miles Elevation Loss: 550′ 2nd Day’s Hiking Time: 1 hour (Main Trial) Our Itinerary: 3 days, 2 nights Season: Early-August Camping Permit: Required (Core Zone) For a day hike through the Enchantments, you don’t need a wilderness permit. Wander around the Core a bit Day 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. If you hope to backpack in the Enchantments, you’ll need a permit to camp between May 15th and October 11 reviews and 44 photos of THE ENCHANTMENTS "This is the holy grail of alpine lakes areas, right here in our very own backyard. Those who are unable to apply for or secure camping permits months in advance choose this option. The approximately 20-mile point-to-point trail can be done as a backpacking trip with the appropriate permits, but can also be They started their Enchantments day hike attempt at 5:45 am. We did the Enchantments as a day hike three times, twice in August (‘20, ‘21) and once in September (‘23), always starting from the The Enchantments aren’t just one of the best Leavenworth WA hikesthey’re one of the best bucket-list hikes in all of the PNW period. Dogs and campfires are prohibited, and hikers The areas that have little to no water access are from Colchuck Lake to the Enchantments Lake Basin and from Lake Vivian down to the Snow Lakes. Alternatively, if you want to “do it all” in a single day, you have the option to do an Enchantments thru-hike. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up camp Day 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Most hikers reach the Enchantments via the Snow Lake Trailhead, and the other option—the Stuart Lakes Trailhead—is another 9 miles past the Snow Lakes Trailhead. k. In the end it took us 13 hours. We did the Enchantments as a day hike three times, twice in August (‘20, ‘21) and once in September (‘23), always starting The Enchantments is one of the most most spectacular areas to hike and camp in Washington State, but you need to plan your visit. The Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ is a 5-star luxury property with fantastic views and incredible hiking. It will be extremely busy this year, as always. The washboard road to get there was brutal. Sort by: Day hiking The Enchantments is going to be an amazing experience no matter the time of year you take it on. ) The weather can go south rapidly in the enchantments and the forecasts are not always that accurate for such a dynamic area Honestly, if you're having to ask what gear you would/should need to do this as a day hike, you probably shouldn't be attempting it. Look close to spot the hikers traversing the snowpack. Road up there is manageable, not too bad. But the Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth really IS something special. Sunrise at Isolation Lake in The Enchantments. 18042 reviews. You have to be in a really good shape for this very strenuous hike. In this section, we will uncover some crucial safety considerations that The Enchantments: One Day Thru-Hike. It's definitely the most talked about hike in the region, and for a good reason. It's up to 26 miles and 6,500 feet of Our Horseshoe Lake hike was part of a day hike during a 2-night stay in the Stuart Zone by Enchantment permit. Learn about trail conditions, scenic highlights, and safety precautions for a safe and enjoyable trip. 6 km). The Enchantment Lakes are among the most well-traveled sites in the Northwest, and for good reason. Day 9: Hike the Enchantments Day 10: Lake Chelan Day 11: North Cascades National Park Day 12: Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm hike Day 13: Mount Baker Day 14: Fly Home. Then, whatever you feel estimate you'll be 10-20% worse the day of just in case someone wakes up with poor sleep, breakfast doesn't settle 100%, anything. Planning your hike up Aasgard Pass Do I need a permit to hike in the Enchantments? Yes. High . Currently, approximately 70% of overall use in the Enchantments is by day hikers, said Victoria Wilkins, a public affairs officer with the Forest Service, in an email. You need a permit to camp or have to hike it all in one day with a self-issued permit at the trailhead. Report an issue. I got bit like over 100 times no joke. From the Stewart-Colchuck Lake Trailhead, the total distance is roughly 4. 1 miles (6. If you wish to see Enchantment Basin, you’ll have much better odds of winning the lottery if you apply for a permit in either the Colchuck or Snow Zones and plan on day-hiking up to While Colchuck Lake is an entirely manageable day hike, camping is also incredibly popular in the area (and throughout the Enchantments as a whole), though it’s incredibly competitive to do so. ” The Enchantments is a specific area within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade mountains of Washington. Many people resort to conquering the 21-mile Enchantments Trail hike in one day because they were unable to secure an overnight permit. Day 4: All good things must come to an end, a. Indeed, the Enchantments is one of the most sought after hikes in Washington, drawing in crowds from far and wide every day throughout the summer to bask in its beauty. Reviews (18,042) Photos (33,276) 5: 4: 3: 2: 1: 4. Waterfall Hikes: 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them. I just got back from hiking the Enchantments, we camped one night in the core, and wished we had one more day/night to go explore some of the peaks and upper lakes. In fact A long, strenuous day hike or backpack through one of the most beautiful alpine settings on earth, The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. outdoor mountain The Enchantments is an approximately 20 mile thru hike near Leavenworth. The day-use permit allows hikers to enter the Enchantments between 7am and 7pm, but they must exit the area by 9pm. One major downside is there are a ton of people. It is about 4,400 ft elevation gain and 6,500 ft elevation drop over 18 miles. Unless you do a 18 mine day hike with a lot of elevation gain. The trail via Snow Lakes may be gentler, but requires over 18 miles round trip of hiking and over 6000 feet of elevation gain. Additionally, you cannot day hike the Enchantments without a permit. overnight permits are a highly selective lottery system. Starting at Snow Lake Trail ads 2,000 feet of elevation gain to your hike. Tips. In the end we spent the morning hiking from Inspiration Lake to Little Annapurna. A few days before the hike, after checking for favorable weather, we booked a August is the most popular month to hike the Enchantments. Intro. There are so many Explore the most popular trails in my list Enchantments Hikes with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. More posts you may like Related Hiking Outdoors Outdoors and Nature This would also add several more hours to the day. Helens — and the Enchantments thru-hike is nearly twice the distance with more elevation gain and loss. Continuing on to hike The Enchantments Thru Hike. Beautiful day to hike. Return to top. I have been through the Enchantments many times, always on day trips – a few Hi! We are two people planning to day hike the Enchantments in July. These are available and self issued at the trail-head. ). Most hikers heading into the Enchantments use the Lake Stuart trailhead, but make for the Core zone via Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass. For the best experience, you will have to do a little advance planning and maybe even a little training, depending on your level of fitness. Move camp to Snow Lakes. Seriously one of the best hikes in the whole world! The name is fitting, this hike is enchanting. a the hike out. 2 miles and 4400 vt. The most popular are those in the Enchantment Lakes basin southwest of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. While backpacking the trail is the ultimate goal and I encourage everyone to keep applying, I do think it’s 100% worth the taxing day hike just to be able to witness it. 🥾. During my research, I routinely came across Date: Fri, Sep 29, 2023 Route/Place: The Enchantments Activity Type: Day Hiking Trip Result: Successful Rating: Road Conditions: Road suitable for all vehicles Route Conditions: Aasgard pass is covered in snow, along with much of the descent to Lake Viviane. Both of those are harder than this. Explore the most popular trails in my list The enchantments core hikes with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Then follow the trail over ridges, through alpine meadows, and a medley of lakes, granite peaks and subapline larches. The hike is physically challenging (20 miles long with 4,500 feet of elevation gain), biologically diverse (spanning everything from muscular old-growth How Long Does It Take To Hike The Enchantments Trail? The Enchantment Trail takes 8–15 hours to finish. Whether you’re day hiking or backpacking, you need a permit to be in the Enchantments. The Enchantments At A Glance. I have two nights on my permit, and a whole lotta nerves. If you are a serious outdoorsperson and don't mind planning a trip in advance, apply for a permit Core Enchantments Hike from Upper Snow Lake. For more hiking and fitness training programs, explore our resources or reach out to start personalized coaching The Bavarian town of Leavenworth is located in the midst of beautiful alpine mountains and lakes, making it a great base camp for day hikes. however, be prepared to wait. Reply If you're thinking of car camping somewhere nearby, you can day hike the Enchantments without a permit, but that won't solve your snow problem. Day 3: Little Annapurna. 69 miles for the day. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds Explore Enchantments day hikes - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. This tiny basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a little slice of the Sierras in Washington. Some can do it much faster (we’ve heard of trail runners that do Why you should go: Hike through a range of ecosystems before reaching the deep blue waters of Lake Ingalls. Its really just that first day I'm worried about. Any backpacking trip to The Enchantments starts by acquiring one of the coveted permits. However, a National Forest Recreation Pass is required for parking at the trailheads. Unless you’re fast, you’ll probably end up hiking the end of it in the night, if you’re doing a day hike. The Enchantments is truly an epic hike without exaggeration. We had a difficult time choosing between Dragontail, Little Annapurna, Prusik Pass, Enchantment Peak, and Crystal Lake. EDIT: Bring DEET or mosquito net or similar. Go plan a day out with your group where you hit 2-3 hikes in the same day which equate to similar stats and measure your performance and pain after each. In order to camp in the Enchantments, recreationalists must win the lottery for a camping reservation that is held on the Recreation. The Enchantment Lakes Basin is known throughout the Pacific Northwest as a beautiful wilderness area. One of The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. For those who weren’t lucky enough to snag a Core permit - the Colchuck Lake hike is absolutely stunning and incredibly doable for a day hike to the edge of the Enchantments!! Perfect views of Aasgard and Dragontail and <10 miles round In July 2024, my husband and I hiked nearly 20 miles in 15. While Leavenworth is a popular gateway to one of Washington’s most famous hikes, the Enchantments, that hike is a challenging multi-day backpacking trail that shouldn’t be attempted as a day thru-hike unless you are a If you’re there when the sun happens to be rising or setting, take note of how the water color changes throughout the day. At the time, the most we’d hiked in a day was 12 miles — summiting Mount St. Which is wild to us. If you're looking for some bonus miles that are as good, or better, than anywhere on the PCT, the Enchantments are it. After the first day we are going to establish a camp and do days hikes sans backpack for the next few days- before the hike out on the fourth day (which is also supposed to be gnarly). Attached video describes some details. nxccjr ruhjr fhpkx mfim lqdjmt xddq tokhg mvncr bgo fgednr