10 weeks to prepare. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. 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?)! Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. and permits are also a little easier to come by. 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. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. 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. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). Once winners are notified, theres actually a second step youre required to go back into Recreation.gov and claim and pay for your permit, plus provide your intended exit date. 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. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. See some of our recommended stops below! 4.73 out of 5. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! 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. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) Not in June. September 8, 2016. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. Talk about timing! To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. 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. To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. This day-hike only shares a couple of miles of the Enchantments Trail, bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a stunning valley. . And it's tough getting there. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. October 11, 2021. The Enchantments Thru-Hike point-to-point Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Hiked on 10/9/2021 Start: Stuart Lake Trailhead Destination: Snow Lakes Trailhead View Hike Track View Gallery Distance: 18.12 mi. Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. Negative Elev. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. They only give out one permit per zone per day, with up to 8 people per permit. At the end of your trip, you will use the car at the Snow Lakes trailhead to return to the car you left at the Stuart Lakes trailhead. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. 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. One awesome thing about this permit is that you can camp in any of the zones, which gives you a lot of flexibility in your trip! There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. 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. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. Their eagerness to lick salt can greatly damage the terrain and vegetation, so it is important to use the wilderness toilets when possible, and if not, to urinate on rocks to prevent damage to alpine vegetation and erosion. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! 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. If you make a purchase through one of these links, 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. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. 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. Required fields are marked *. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. We have a 22 B+ van. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! Adventure joined a group of our friends on a trip up to the Enchantments in Washington. If you do not have prior wilderness backpacking experience, first try some shorter trips to learn how to pack, improve your fitness level, and practice backpacking skills. 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 18-mile trail through the Enchantment Lakes, up to the high alpine at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, is perhaps the state's most infamous and beloved route. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. 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. 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. 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. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. 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. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. Now the hard part: getting a permit. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. If you do not get a permit during the permit window, or happen to be visiting outside of that window, there is a small chance you can hike in the area during other times of the year, but you will likely encounter a lot of snow. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. 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 so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! Wildlife sightings are extremely common while hiking the Enchantments, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, picas, and the very occasional black bear. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. The Enchantments is a classic Washington hike. Not sure where to start? 1. This makes travel more difficult and the views an endless sea of white (which is beautiful, just more difficult to hike). Uphill hikers always have the right-of way, and downhill hikers who see approaching hikers should find a suitable spot to let the uphill hikers pass. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Although the Enchantments hike can be done in two days, this hike is best done in at least three days, spending two nights camping within the permit zone. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. You can also choose an alternate leader. On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. However, there is no easy way to get there. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. 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