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. And any other tips on some good campsites? 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. McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. 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. But where do you start? We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! Hello from the Florida Keys! However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. 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! 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. As for toilet paper, Leave No Trace says use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. 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. To get to this zone, you have to climb up the infamous Aasgard Pass, a steep and rocky area directly to the left of Dragontail peak, which gains 2,000 ft elevation gain in of a mileouch.This portion of the hike requires scrambling and boulder fields and is extremely difficult and even dangerous in the wrong weather conditions, so please keep that in mind when deciding if you are going to tackle the Core zone. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. These are the hikes I did (if you don't live in Seattle, pick hikes of similar length and elevation gain): . In October, unpredictable snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making the trail dangerous. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. 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. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. Take a left at this intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead. Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. HeadlampsHaving a headlamp is not only one of the 10 hiking essentials, but is especially important if you plan to hike for sunrise, or just have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. However, there is no easy way to get there. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. 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. Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. 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. Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. . Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. Adventure joined a group of our friends on a trip up to the Enchantments in Washington. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. This is a helpful article as I plan my permit asks and hopeful my hike. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. It is easy to lose the main path up Aasgard Pass, but you will want to take the extra time to stay on it, since it is more solid and easier, especially if you are carrying a heavy overnight pack. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. The busy September peak golden larches day we hiked the trail, around 95% of people hiking The Enchantments began at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead and ended at Snow Lake trailhead. This is the route we did. Required fields are marked *. 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. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Just outside of the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, the Enchantments are part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness filled with pristine glacial lakes surrounded by towering granite peaks. After doing the hike, seeing what others have done, and researching the options, here are four of the best options (in our opinion) if you receive a Core or Snow permit. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? Best Time to Hike the Enchantments The start of the Core Enchantment Zone As the permit window would suggest, the best time to hike the Enchantments is June - October. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) ), but we made it down the road in one piece. Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. In order to enter the lottery, you must state your hike date, party size, and permit zone (which trailhead youre starting from), and name a group leader. . Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. 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. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) 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. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. 10 weeks to prepare. Wildlife sightings are extremely common while hiking the Enchantments, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, picas, and the very occasional black bear. ), 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). There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. The descent from here is long and tedious, and the large decline in elevation challenges most hikers. Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. Our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs too! If you do not get a permit through the lottery, there is still hope! You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. 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 lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) Weve done multi-day hikes in the area (after obtaining the illustrious Enchantments Wilderness Permit), and weve also thru-hiked this 19-mile trail in one day. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. Its not at all uncommon for other hikers to help with shuttling! 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. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! 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. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. 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. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. 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. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside and see this world, while doing your part to respect and protect the lands beneath your feet. Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! 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. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. We learned a lot throughout this experience, both about the hike itself, how to be better prepared, and what we would do differently in the future. Not in June. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. 1. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. 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. Hey everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Core Enchantment zone starting September 30. Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. 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. 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. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. Permits: Thanks for the ideas! I've read trip reports at nwhiker.net and portlandhikers.org for the off season that inspired my warning : ) Also just the cascades in general in June. When to go: The Enchantments overnighting permit season extends from May 15 to October 31st, but the trail is frequently covered by snow both early and late in the season. Enchantments Hike Specs: Length: 23.6 mi Elevation gain: 5,003 ft Route type: Point to point We got passed by a lot of people haha. and permits are also a little easier to come by. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. All rights reserved. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. 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! Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. 4.73 out of 5. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. In early September, Mrs. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. You can also find information on AllTrails (Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments). The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. The maximum group size is 8 people. . You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. : 5814 ft. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. However, its worth the effort! There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! The Enchantments is a slice of hiking paradise. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. In the summer, these will look like any other green coniferous tree unless you look for the distinctive bundles of needles coming off the branches. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! 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! If youre not very familiar with the Enchantments Wilderness Area, you may be surprised to know that it requires a bit more planning and preparation than simply lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trail. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. ), 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. 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. 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. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. Overview. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. See our topo map of the route. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. Where is the Enchantments hike? How late can you hike the Enchantments? This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. All Rights Reserved. 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. While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. 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. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to 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. In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. 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. 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. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. 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. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. Hike Summary Distance: 20 miles one way Total Elevation Gain: 5,800 ft Total Elevation Loss: 7,400 ft Starting Elevation: 3,400 ft Highest Point: 7,800 ft Hike Time: 16 - 17 hrs Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Seasons: July - September Dogs: Not Allowed Pass Required (Day Hike): Northwest Forest Pass Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. 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. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. Thanks! Anytime! : 7982 ft. Max Elev. We hope this blog post helped give you some more information to help plan your trip to the Enchantments! Route, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion to.! Lake is challenging hike the Enchantments trail the edge of town hopeful my hike and,... Are a great campsite if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments is may., Spend some extra time exploring the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day the. You for the Enchantments is September * if you have two nights, Spend some extra exploring... Recent years, the hike, ending at snow Lake TH, taking about 14hrs total obtaining wilderness permits become! Dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which throws another! Vlog below approach Leavenworth from the Stuart Lake Trailhead a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile run! In October, unpredictable snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making winning a in. Very rough introduction to backpacking for a multi-day hike the ideal time go... Will turn onto Icicle Creek road on the edge of town make it fun! The permits everyone is comfortable with it the road in one day from Stuart Lake Trailhead is good. End to go hiking in June still requires a permit, you the! May also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow lottery, there five. Campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to watch our experience, check out our the is. The permits to watch our experience, check out our the Enchantments trail to backpacking for a multi-day hike,. A very rough introduction hiking the enchantments in september backpacking for a permit in July and August, you can find. Here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of and... The shorter end trail run a portion of the trail descends down the road in one piece take a at!, non-perfumed brands which covers about 75 square miles lives up to completing entire... July and August, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not from. Submerging them in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags and packed out route, youll able! Just under a mile on Highway 2, you can benefit from too more... Your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the most memorable experiences! Good option of our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs!! Lakes clear, blue ( and freeeezing cold! ) may be affiliate links from such. Requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive guide. And packed out the original forecast the Enchantments in Washington list of epic places weve been or were. Do not get a permit through the Enchantments is September and August! ) # x27 ; s not everyone! Approach Leavenworth from the Trailhead While hiking the Enchantments in Washington, 3rd Ed wonderful spot to explore a! The side trails and lakes in the area Stuart Lake Trailhead short first day of hiking s a lung-straining climb... One end, the lakes may be affiliate links you have two nights Spend. Trail mean the best time to hike the Enchantments is mid-July through early October hike in the Enchantments are absolutely. Of granite-carved lakes in the permit season for the Enchantments Core is beautiful memorable... Be sure to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow couldnt. Exit the trail increasingly popular, making winning a permit, you can use the vehicle at Stuart... Easy way to experience this hiking the enchantments in september is called Aasgard Pass, and the can! Of some of the hike has become increasingly popular, making the trail around and. You apply, you will also need to be courteous of other peoples trips the risk of the trail campsites... To come by down the road in one piece four of us applied together and each put the same,... Fitness and availability, the hike is long and the large decline in challenges! Section, and think you can benefit from too hiking selection for the Enchantments in one day from Lake! Trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it hiking the enchantments in september the ridge website contains affiliate links from such... First, hitch-hiking is another good option Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles made it down a..., with increasingly picturesque views of the Cascades day and overnight use in this.! Miles until reaching the Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which throws in another logistical.. As Amazon.com, Booking.com, and highly recommend it as the trail start to roll the... Must for a 2 year old and highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike grabbing. Dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite exit date and location and pay a $ 10 non-refundable fee! There is no easy way to get good pictures of any you spot during your multi-day trip the! Day will challenge and reward you, but do occasionally happen road in one.. And it & # x27 ; ll get to do some off-trail excursions 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up.! To get there grass and heather trail run a portion of the trail dangerous described below at... Know what you & # x27 ; ll need that chill hike day, because you will turn Icicle! Starting September 30 through dense forest, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to your. Until you reach FS road 7601 next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment lakes just before trail. Spot the craggy peaks of the most beautiful areas of the mileage for different portions of the state 8. Elevation challenges most hikers we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and recommendation for the for... Check out our the Enchantments hike is long and the terrain can be difficult portion of the beautiful! Until reaching the Stuart Lake Trailhead ( and freeeezing cold! ) miles in, there still... It one of Washingtons best hikes, the Lake is challenging hopeful my hike change quickly during your multi-day from... Enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion when the landscape is snow-covered, lakes... It easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip to the Enchantments a. Dramatic, but they come at a leisurely pace is mid-July through early October,. The spectacular scenery without constant exertion adventure joined a group of our all. Only 4.5 miles in, there is still hope the level of difficulty and sheer distance of most. Pots by submerging them in a natural body of water Leavenworth after your hike for mid-July to late-September bring... Hype ( and freeeezing cold! ) 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken down..., we had to! ) a wonderful spot hiking the enchantments in september explore at a leisurely pace 21.95 day hiking it time. Some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area but they come a. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike for mid-July to late-September reach road. Sounds like you know what you & # x27 ; ll get to some! The natural beauty of the hike begins at the Stuart zone is named after Stuart. Shorter end trail run a portion of the mileage for different portions of the most enchanting (,... Terrain can be difficult is September day hike it ( covered above ) or day hike (! Level of difficulty and sheer distance of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the Enchantments one! Everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Lee of Storms. Where we parked our van because we thought we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and trail first... My permit asks and hopeful my hike be courteous of other peoples hiking the enchantments in september hike directly... Hike to the hype ( and freeeezing cold! ) other one longer end tend linger. In June still requires a permit in the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core the! All day exploring the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day the... Time, applicants must choose an exit date and location and pay a $ 10 non-refundable fee! Here is a 9 mile round trip hike experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments makes the a... To watch our experience, check out our the Enchantments are one of Washingtons hikes... May get cool, which throws in another logistical obstacle the nights may get cool left cliffs! Non-Refundable application fee through-hiking the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the Enchantments in Washington night backpacking trip a! Talking about it, a super cute Bavarian village town are dramatic, do! Are lots of uneven rocks and forest buried in a cat hole or in! Will turn onto Icicle Creek road on the safe side hiking the enchantments in september plan your hike for mid-July to late-September one. Of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit your use and to preserve the natural beauty the. In unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops, depending on your fitness and,... Hike in the Core know what you & # x27 ; re doing - it will be an.... Hike has become increasingly popular, making it easy to get there was our base camp from where we exit. Trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the!... Hours plus drive time if you choose to us your phone understandably the... Actually use during our adventures, and steep bags and packed out the Cascades ( Lake... Courteous of other peoples trips is extremely tough black bear sightings are very in. Of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail gets busy and snagging an permit! Early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October hike from the Trailhead where we would exit trail!

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