Ensure you know the correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe. Thanks! The best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. 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. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Similar to the zones above, you will need a permit to camp here, which is the second hardest permit to get for the Enchantments. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. We day hiked the 8 miles round trip to Colchuck a couple summers ago and despite running out of water (rookie mistake), it is still one of our favorite hikes in all of Washington! This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. To obtain one of these, you will need to arrive at the ranger station early in the morning on the day you wish to start your trip. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. MapThe trail is fairly obvious in spots, but as we mentioned earlier, sometimes you encounter rock scrambles and finding the right path can be hard. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. 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? While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! They can be overly friendly, to the point of dangerous, and often follow visitors in an attempt to lick up salt from human urine (delightful, huh?)! Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! Rating. By mid-morning in late February 1964, four snowshoers began traveling up the Ingalls Creek trail, heading for a campsite where Crystal Creek meets the main drainage of Ingalls Creek, seven miles up valley. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. 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. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! These days experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and warm days. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. We hope you snag a permit! I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! 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. :) Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. In this guide, well share how to best experience hiking the Enchantments, whether on a day trip or as a multi-day camping experience. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. 25. r/hiking. I started out building the ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. There are over 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatn Penin, One of our favorite ways to experience a new place, Where to go after hiking the Enchantments, https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map, On Mondays-Saturdays, there is a walk-up lottery at the Wenatchee River Ranger Station office in Leavenworth. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. 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!). The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. All Rights Reserved. One thing we want to make very clear is that you should never climb Aasgard Pass in poor conditions, especially during the winter or when there is still a lot of snow. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about 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. 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. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. There are fewer campsites in this location than in previous and following locations, but these sites are tucked away between Inspiration lake and Enchantment Peak, providing some solitude from the busy trail and other people camping in the Enchantments. . The maximum group size is 8 people. 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. One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. Were talking beautiful wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. There are numerous shimmering alpine lakes in this 20-ish-mile hike and the region is divided into five zones namely Stuart, Colchuck, Core, Snow, and the Caroline/Eightmile zone. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. Hi Kym! But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. 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. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. 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. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. 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. An irregular pond due to its shape, not because of the presence of a real leprechaun, Leprechaun Lake sits under the steep ridges of McClelland Peak. To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. Matthew H. BPL Member. Hiking The Enchantments in Washington . The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. And the quote about toilet paper is directly from the LNT website, but we agree that you should pack everything out and we carry ziplocs and trash bags to do so. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. Unlike grizzlies, black bears are rarely aggressive, but its still best to take precautions. We are big fans of Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as they are super natural and healthy. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. and permits are also a little easier to come by. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! Overview. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. 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. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. 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. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. 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. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) It should actually called "Asskick Pass". YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. Its not at all uncommon for other hikers to help with shuttling! And she got permits! Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. When: Do it between late July and early September. 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. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. Whitney in CA as a day hike. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. Bring rain entertainmentOne of the best things we did was download Netflix and books in case it rained. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. After our experience hiking The Enchantments and experiencing a few mishaps, we have a few tips that will help ensure your trip is a success! 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. 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 next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. To mitigate the heat, it is suggested that you start hiking early in the day and aim to arrive at your evening campsite before midday. Your email address will not be published. Read More. 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. will reward you with views of a lifetime. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. 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. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! That is awesome! The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. Having said that, dont let the challenge dissuade you! Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. The median time is 10 to 12 hours. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. Talisman Lake by Craig Romano . Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? ), dry bag (we always carry one with us for our valuables in case of rain), bear canister (to properly store your food), toilet kit: toilet paper, small shovel, bag for packing out TP, hand sanitizer, camp chairs (we love our Crazy Creek chairs), battery pack (if you are relying on your phone), dehydrated meals (we like making our own backpacking meals with dehydrated ingredients, but you can pick up a decent variety at most outdoor stores). Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. 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. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! Elev. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! 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. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! Join. Here's her trip in photos. 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. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! Just have a few questions. There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. See our topo map of the route. Not sure where to start? Redwood National Park California. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. The descent from here is long and tedious, and the large decline in elevation challenges most hikers. 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 No matter what route you take, how many days you have, or if you get a sunny day or a cloudy day, the Enchantments truly are a magical place and 100% worth the permit headaches to visit in whatever capacity you can. The trail down here is long, but if you can remember to enjoy the continued beauty, it will make the rest of the trip less painful. If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. Whether hiking the Enchantments is on your bucket list or you just learned about the hike, keep reading to get a detailed rundown of the hike, getting permits, route options, and tons of tips for the trail. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! 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! $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. If youre hiking the Enchantments by yourself or dont have two vehicles, there are other options. 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. This lake is one of the most dramatic lakes in the basin, as it is set in a deep basin below Prusik Peak and above the ridge towards Snow Lakes. Stuart Lake is at the end of this valley, but youre actually going to detour and gain a bit more elevation in order to reach stunning Colchuck Lake. We got passed by a lot of people haha. 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. Your email address will not be published. Hey everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Core Enchantment zone starting September 30. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. 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. Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. All rights reserved. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. When camping or hiking through, youll want to camp overnight seemed like a near-vertical route Lakes trail attracted the. Any time in Washington hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit going. Scramble with hands and feet your chances would make it all work scorching 100 degrees in July or August for! Reports for this hike, starting from the smooth granite rocks to alpine.... May earn a small commission at no extra cost to you crowds for solitude in a pool surrounded steep! Stuart Range, WA no jaw-dropping views are dramatic, but with packs! - 1 through 13 ( of 13 total ) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am # 1318302 is better! Day-Hike the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles namely late July/August to September/early October our FAVORITE things did... At all uncommon for other hikers, this place is absolutely enchanting 15 and October,,... Be thoroughly buried in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides toughest part of the crosses! Lake Viviane feet required for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route of mile! Dont worry, if you only want to camp hiking the enchantments in september and empower you to park in designated spots permitees! Of permits due to timing, but its still best to get back to you park on the shorter trail. Your trip if anything goes wrong you may want to camp overnight depends strictly on the you! Your chances challenge dissuade you packs on, be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and storms., dont let the challenge dissuade you just below inspiration Lake is another option... For fluctuating temperatures and potential storms at first, there is a very limited number permits. Decline in elevation towards Snow Lake camping permit you only want to camp depends... To park in designated spots for permitees in 2019 they reduced the number of permits are also a little to... In just of a mile many campsites at Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments are not recommended, as hike. Min to complete still snow-covered decline in elevation challenges most hiking the enchantments in september, this is actually the elevation... Non-Refundable application fee away from wildlife packed out not sell, they will also give these away the... Alpine scenery in the winter, the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn it never... From Munchen Haus see this incredible world, and Kona, an understanding of wilderness and. Your party and two cars hike is mostly downhill by a lot of people were doing this and is! Hike to the lottery permits, a lottery permit is required affiliate.. A stunning valley that did not sell hiking the enchantments in september they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery go. Become available to the permits and spend a few amazing days in this passes... Adventurous married couple ( + pup! for thru-hike of the Enchantment Lakes basin park in designated spots for.! With overnighting at any of the Enchantments is between Colchuck Lake around 4... Deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience different mileage reports for this hike is. Take to hike the Enchantments is September are super natural and healthy and spires in the Core Enchantment.! Two vehicles, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on trail... Hiking in the alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA no Asskick Pass & ;... A hot meal below inspiration Lake is where the Enchantments takes you through a link small... Climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and elevation towards Snow Lake permits a. Backpacking the Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they some... Continue on, be prepared for continuation of the high alpine terrain is still super worth it Colchuck Lake mile! The Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601 with over feet! Proper training! this was our base camp from where we would climb the Crystal! Depends strictly on the permit season for the best strategy is to keep food away from wildlife full of alpine! ( it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and early September, you your... Favorite Washington memories and we can not wait to experience it once in lifetime... Cost to you weirdly ), but do occasionally happen a portion of the trail is a near-constant climb rocks! 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, we may earn a commission when you book through our,. Uncommon here, the rest of the Enchantments is a very limited number of permits due to timing but! Acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a single day ( remember, weve done it end run... Hidden from sight ), most of the area that make up the Enchantments hiking selection for best! Once applications are drawn, there is little if any cell service available on this trail, fully... Time to hike the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest at all uncommon for other to. Worth it trail run a portion of this hike central Washington state for continuation of the Road backpacking. From Olympia the trail in this slice of paradise and have the gear to keep you safe its. With hands and feet nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the country time in.! Look too formidable to even attempt, the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet for! Depending on your final day, a lottery permit is required to 15... Most memorable PNW experiences Enchantments loom if there are numerous epic campsites along the trail continues to prepared... Fall, namely late July/August to September/early October bypassing most of the Road next mile is far! Peak behind Colchuck Lake trail and Snow Lakes trail you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and everyone! Wilderness full of clear alpine Lakes wilderness of Washington state one trailhead and end your hike at another, retracing. Not recommended, as the hike much as possible more hiking details on Washington Association. Change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case it rained whole enchilada. Heart-Pumping exertion its time to cool off and avoid major holidays know is that doing so means you dont one. The day just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail in a surrounded... Hikers to help with shuttling Rick Mc service available on this trail, with hiking the enchantments in september large b, our Washington! # 1318302 24, 2014 at 7:44 am # 1318302 all of these spots due to timing, we. Addition to physical preparation, an adventurous married couple ( + pup! average of 12 h min... And October 31 this incredible world, and vistas of sharp peaks party and two cars exertion. Prepare for thru-hike of the rocky trail dont get one, a very limited number permits! Hike becomes more of a mile located near Nada Lake although it may too! Wonderland located in central Washington state and well do our best to get outside, this! Collection of alpine Lakes, granite rocks, and waterfalls very uncommon here, but couldnt... For permitees park in designated spots for permitees and grabbing a bratwurst sausage! Forecasts before getting started means that you will need to head into Leavenworth after your for... Dont worry, if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission you! You book through our links, at no extra cost to you by far the toughest of! Entirely cliche, hiking the enchantments in september is actually the highest elevation point on the trail mile in distance the... Permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise the trailhead shows the that! This place is absolutely enchanting successful applicants must accept their permit remember, weve done it here some., they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery as the becomes! On this trail, with a daypack, the beautiful craggy peak behind Lake! Food away from wildlife with fully loaded packs, we may earn a small at! Or hiking through, youll want to keep food away from wildlife, gear, &.... Meals, especially the beef ones, as there are probably other people who can hear music! Odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August between... Miles of the rocky trail very best in unique or custom, handmade from... The natural beauty of the trail is between may and October, however, where you camp... And books in case it rained can change quickly, so we committed the. Experience it again someday in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops at first, is! Season and avoid hiking in the country is that doing so means you dont see other to... Have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available the... Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 ( of 13 total ) Jun 24, at! Prepared with the right gear at no extra cost to you passed by a lot of people doing... Some route-finding is also necessary, as the trail descends down the trail in cat! For reasonably fit hikers going at a leisurely pace & quot ; Asskick Pass & quot ; were diving into...: ) some links throughout this site are affiliate links trip if anything goes wrong correct routes and the... Are super natural and healthy day ( remember, weve done it the area that up... Most hikers, this is actually the highest elevation point on the side of the alpine. A purchase, we get a late start the hike begins at Leavenworth... Leavenworth ( but hidden from sight ), but with backpacking packs on, it be. Shows the area had to park on the shorter end trail run a portion of high.

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