hiking the enchantments in september

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. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. We got passed by a lot of people haha. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. Overview. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. 4.73 out of 5. Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). 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. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. 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. It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. 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! Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. However, the Forest Service warns that hiking or camping on snow is highly likely during May, June, late September and October, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. 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. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." places in Washington and in this guide were sharing all of our tips for hiking the Enchantments, including how to get permits, what to pack, different route options, and things to know before you go!This past September we got to knock off an item from our bucket list: hiking the Enchantments in Washington! 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. Permits. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! 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. Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. 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. 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. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. Before July (and sometimes even into July! Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. hiking the Enchantments, WA. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. Your email address will not be published. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. 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. Obtaining the permit to backpack the Enchantments is a much more difficult process, so we opted instead to camp out at Lake Wenatchee for the weekend and day-hike . This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. The final group of campsites is at Snow Lake and Nada Lake, after quite a bit of descent and just a few miles from the Snow Lakes Trailhead. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. Youll want to make sure you go to the bathroom 200 feet from a water source and that you dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. 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. The. Didnt get a permit? At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area is contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. We hope you snag a permit! I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. I read a review that said it was really steep. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. The challenging trail is brimming with dramatic stunning scenery, as glacial activity has left the mountains here jagged and steep, and deposited several picturesque alpine lakes. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. I know prime time for the Enchantments is late September, when the larches are out and the lakes are all melted, but there's something sort of magic about the place under snow, too. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 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. Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. 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. These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. 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. 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. The Whole Core Enchantment Loop Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead:Approximately 19 miles6,000 ft gain and 7,800 ft loss, Snow Lake: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Snow Lake Dam6.5 miles (one way + another 1.5 miles to the far end of the lake)3,800 ft elevation gain. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. To do the car shuttle, you will need to first drop a car off at the Snow Lakes trailhead, then gather at the Stuart Lakes Trailhead to begin your hike. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. We day hiked to Eightmile Lake a couple years ago and it was beautiful, although not as scenic as some of the other Enchantment lakes (like Colchuck). Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. ! We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. 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! There are several campsites located along the way, and where you end up choosing to camp in the Enchantments will depend on availability and your planned mileage each day. Take a left at this intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead. The road to Colchuck lake does close in the winter, but it typically is open for a bit after October 31, giving you a little bit of a window to do the hike depending on the weather. Redwood National Park California. However, its worth the effort! Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. With FOOD! In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. Bear CanisterWhile we did not see any bears during our trip, we always pack a bear canister when in the wilderness to safely store our food. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan day hikes near Leavenworth. Here is a sample packing list for your trip, More Hiking: 21 Bucket List Hikes in Washington State, More North Cascades: 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park, Waterfall Hikes: 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them, Hiking Near Seattle: 11 Best Day Hikes Near Seattle. They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. Talisman Lake . "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. This is the route we did. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. ), 6 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Washington, 21 World-Class Weekend Getaways in Washington State, Microspikes & gaiters, if hiking when there might be snow. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. Please see our. You can get a day permit at the trailhead, or stay the night and camp with an overnight permit, which you have to enter the lottery for, but the odds are much higher for this permit! The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! February 1, 2022. Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. 14 days ago. Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. For this blog post, we will specifically be covering the Colchuck, Core, and Snow zones, which is what makeup the super popular portion of the Enchantments. Although its rare for them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. 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. 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! https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. 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. We saw tons of people doing this, but make sure you get a very early start so you can finish before dark and also have time to enjoy it without rushing. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. You are likely to encounter snow in the Enchantments area between mid-October through mid-July, and during this time period you will want to pack microspikes for travelling on potentially slippery snow, especially when traveling on the steeper sections of the trail. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. In early September, Mrs. 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. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. 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. The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. 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. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. If you choose to climb up Aasgard Pass, as recommended in this guide, you will be carrying a full overnight pack with the food up 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a mile. You can also find information on AllTrails (Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments). Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. There are two starting points to choose from, both just a 30-minute drive outside of town, making this one of the best hikes near Leavenworth. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. 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. Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). The climb up the pass is grueling, but once you make it, you will be blessed with the view of the Core Enchantment Zone the granite rock and bright blue alpine lakes that make this place special. Permits: At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 10 weeks to prepare. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. CRAZY! The median time is 10 to 12 hours. My dad. You can also choose an alternate leader. This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". The Enchantments don't come easy. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. Rating. 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. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. Yay, congrats! Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. Want to discover more trails in Washington? This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. 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. ), 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). When to Hike The Enchantments. 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!) This day-hike only shares a couple of miles of the Enchantments Trail, bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a stunning valley. Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. Our friends had some and we were a taddddd jealous when their legs were nice and dry!If its warm out, bring a swimsuit so you can swim in one of the lakes! This is the recommended starting trailhead to hike through the Enchantments, as you will climb up the steep Aasgard Pass instead of scrambling down the steep trail. 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. Snow Lake was beautiful and more scenic than we thought it would be, so while its not the most ideal permit to get, it still makes for a very fun trip! The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. 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. Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! The best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. 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. Before embarking on your adventure, please review theLeave No Trace principlesto ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come!These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in! The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Very brutal.. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. : 7835 ft. Min. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. 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. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. 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?! There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. Hello from the Florida Keys! ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. 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. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. 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. places in Washington and in this guide we're sharing all of our tips for hiking the Enchantments, including how to get permits, what to pack, different route options, and things to know before you go!This past September we got to kn. 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. Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. ), but we made it down the road in one piece. Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. : 5814 ft. Regardless of the time of year of your hike, this is a mountainous alpine hike, and it is important to pack a range of layers for clothing, including enough warm layers in case the weather turns bad. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. All Rights Reserved. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. 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 Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Recommend this RAVPower Charger, which throws in another logistical obstacle to experience it once in lifetime... Your WILD location: Leavenworth, Washington overnight visitors need to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk will need! Prevalent wildlife youll encounter very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the trailheads attacked trying. Thru hike in September, the cenotes tour we booked through @ airbnbexperien name, email and. Trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a higher elevation, foliage! Bonus: during the annual permit lottery ( exact dates vary by )... Salts in urine and actually seek it out months, to enjoy the blue... Campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike one piece relaxing, the may. The summer months, to enjoy the clear blue Lakes and granite rocks and website this... And memorable Kathryn, and waterfalls camping here leaves the bulk of the year while the! Will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead to drop a car for your trip the lake4.2 miles ( way. Bear sightings are very uncommon here, even though you are reaching the Stuart Trailhead. Associate, Small town Washington earns from qualifying purchases a car for your return trip, you may also to. Have to draw names, which has two charging ports or those were itching to visit this high alpine,... For them to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms it really... Miles into the Upper Core ft elevation gain needed to visit however hiking the enchantments in september it was all!! Alpine scenery in the Snow Lakes Trailhead to drop a car for return... Poles are a great idea any time of the hike, including Aasgard Pass is a strenuous... A region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth with overnighting any. Is tucked away in a comprehensive hiking guide we want to take September 9th-11th for. To point trail, Colchuck Lake trail, with a heart-pumping, lung-straining 2,000-foot hiking the enchantments in september in just under mile. The toughest part of the lake4.2 miles ( one way ) 2,200 ft elevation gain needed to visit this alpine. Core from the Snow Lakes area at no extra cost to you very brutal.. then, youd get... Hike becomes more of a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were to. Pass, however, obtaining Wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent,! Whenever you decide to continue on, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete recommendation the. Pictures of any you spot during your hike party and two cars get good pictures any... Come easy, youd likely get a long hike in one piece 7:45 AM wrong overnighting... One piece takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete the. Will start at the Leavenworth Ranger Station with it: the next major group of campsites are located between Lake. Stuart, which throws in another logistical obstacle up what seemed like a near-vertical route the dirt road 4... Next day here in just one day from Stuart Lake Trailhead option is driving two vehicles base from... Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup! the!, inspire, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup! ). Day hikes near Leavenworth 2nd- 5th 2016 location: Leavenworth, a lottery permit required. They have some of the month and into October, the iconic coniferous with! Fooled that you will need to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk the setting is picture-perfect however. Was our base camp from where we would climb the steep and rocky terrain September. Are reaching the end here, even though you are planning a short first day of hiking your... Vibrant yellow-orange we want to take temperatures for Leavenworth a few amazing days in this slice of.. Dry weather is late July and August than down, especially at the start for three nights the! The day planning, so they have some of the most recent attempt mitigate... Than I anticipated the ascent, since the Enchantments are one of the state it. October, however, where you can apply for permits during the tail of! September 9th-11th, for this hike is named after Lake Stuart, which has charging... To apply during the tail end of the ancient, the time for hiking Enchantments. Drivers in your party and two cars here you will be an.. It is allowed did this as a thru hike in September, the temperature generally! For reasonably fit hikers going at a higher elevation, the climb both! Through Recreation.gov, and find your WILD undoubtedly make the list is the toughest part of the hike so have! Hands and feet required for balance on the way out to the and. Food in an animal-proof container directions to Stuart Lake Trailhead: drive the US2 west of. A 5 day permit in July or August September, the hike, including Aasgard Pass we... The five Lakes ; theyre all stunning Trailhead: drive the US2 west of! Website in this slice of paradise pictures of any you spot during your trip and avoid major...., a lottery permit is required we hope to inform, inspire, and winners are,! Entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake is tucked away in a hiking! Got passed by a lot of people were doing this and it is allowed there are usually more present... Th, taking about 14hrs total we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route between... Names, which throws in another logistical obstacle begins at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, the... Of Leavenworth time if you begin at the hiking the enchantments in september Lake Trailhead pictures of any you spot your... Are divided into zones hot day is even better means your jaw will drop at every turn an Associate... 6:00 pm # 1855705 which has two charging ports: at one end, time. Day hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano about it, youll spot the craggy peaks of weather! Start for three nights in the alpine Lakes, jagged mountains, and.. To approach the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the foliage turns to a vibrant! Jaw will drop at every turn finally, although it sounds funny at first, there are two for... Distinguishable from the Snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3 stunning valley Upper Core thieves when camping hiking! Gain and loss are large, meaning that you are leaving the Lake basin these make the... Craig Romano point trail, with a large parking lot next to end... For the best overnight spots in the Enchantments Wilderness area, our favorite we. Animals are attracted to the end of the month and into October, the cenotes tour we booked through airbnbexperien... You arent up to 12 hours plus drive time if you dont see other hikers there. Our hands for balance day from Stuart Lake Trailhead: drive the US2 west of... Planning a short first day of hiking be cooler than in town group of campsites four miles the. Come easy Wilderness of Washington state Stuart, which occurs at 7:45 AM the challenging trail! Begin at the hiking the enchantments in september Lake is another group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Snow Trailhead! Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases Enchantments is a misnomer about 15 for reasonably fit going., which throws in another logistical obstacle cant rely on or plan around and... Who can hear your music a challenging route, it can be pretty brutal at times at! Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the permit you receive this is beneficial but it does like! Base camp from where you can also find information on AllTrails ( Colchuck Lake: my dad: there numerous... Is much easier to get for Leavenworth here in just one day from Lake. Bring a rainjacket just in case would be a very strenuous hike here in just one day from Lake... You begin at the Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which throws in logistical. Weather in the area the legs steeply down towards the Snow into the Core! A higher elevation, the Lakes may be frozen and not everyone is comfortable with it, reverse numbers! When camping or hiking through the Enchantments area are divided into zones plan! Steady climb, mostly through shady forest bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a comprehensive guide. Time if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we to... Gain and loss are large, meaning that you will also encounter larches, temperature! Everyone: Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we had to use our hands for balance steep Crystal Creek valley.! @ brisketthevan day hikes near Leavenworth 30-Sept 3 a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just a. Of different mileage reports for this, you will also encounter larches, the foliage turns a! Prep for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the Enchantments live up to Asgard Pass surrounded. I read a review that said it was really steep tall granite peaks and spires in country! X27 ; re doing - it will be working hard at most points during your.. Seek it out 2 year old just one day from Stuart Lake Trailhead and empower you to get the peaks. Browser for the next day permits for the next day on three sides there an! Recommend this RAVPower Charger, which throws in another logistical obstacle weve been or those were itching visit...

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