I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . 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. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Yay, congrats! The descent from here is long and tedious, and the large decline in elevation challenges most hikers. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. Not sure where to start? 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. As we mentioned, we did not end up going to Aasgard Pass, so we cannot speak to that experience, but we can attest that the lakes at the top are magical! 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 views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. And any other tips on some good campsites? Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. When to Hike The Enchantments. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. Thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring us along! With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). 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. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. Before July (and sometimes even into July! We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. 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. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. 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. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! If youre hiking the Enchantments by yourself or dont have two vehicles, there are other options. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! 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. You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. You can also choose an alternate leader. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. My dad. . Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. CRAZY! There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. While our experience hiking the Enchantments wasnt the traditional experiencewe didnt have a Core permit and we skipped Aasgard pass due to weather concernswe had such a fun, rainy and memorable three days. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. 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. Talk about timing! En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. Hey everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Core Enchantment zone starting September 30. Required fields are marked *. 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. by Craig Romano . We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! All Rights Reserved. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. 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. 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. There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. September 30, 2022. Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. 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. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. 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!) Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. . GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . 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. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! Can you drive to the enchantments? Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. See some of our recommended stops below! The Enchantments don't come easy. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. Whitney in CA as a day hike. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). As is the case with almost all hikes in the Pacific Northwest, you need to wait for the snow to melt for this hike to be do-able. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. Bring rain entertainmentOne of the best things we did was download Netflix and books in case it rained. 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. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. Negative Elev. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. 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. We lived in Leavenworth for a while, and have been lucky enough to hike in the Enchantments a few times, and each experience has been pretty different. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. day hikes near Leavenworth. 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. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! 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. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. 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. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? The division of Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. With shimmering alpine lakes, glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, wildflower-dotted meadows, and the ubiquitous mountain goats, this wilderness area has a pristine, untouched beauty that is getting increasingly difficult to find. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. 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. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September Overview. The median time is 10 to 12 hours. Very brutal.. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. 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. 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! The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? 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! 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. 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. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. 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! Elev. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . 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. Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. For the broadest swim experience, do the Enchantment Traverse, a 21-mile hike starting at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead (Mountaineer Creek) and ending at the Snow Creek Trailhead. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. And she got permits! 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. 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. It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! And it's tough getting there. 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. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. See our topo map of the route. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. Thanks! And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. 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. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. Second, waste management in the Enchantments is difficult since the area receives a high amount of use. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. living on the road in our. 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?! This 18-mile point-to-point traverse climbs up and over the heart of the mountain range, affording you the opportunity to soak in the grandeur of the Enchantments. For a challenging side adventure, there is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and heads up Prusik Pass. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Regardless, we decided to go for it considering the luck of the permits - so here is the recap of The Enchantments hike that we completed September 26-27, 2020. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. Wildlife sightings are extremely common while hiking the Enchantments, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, picas, and the very occasional black bear. 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. Heres a quick rundown of each one! More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. The trail through the Enchantments is 18 miles, one-way, with additional side trails to explore the surrounding lakes. 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. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. Toughest thing I have done. Because of the popularity of the area, backpacking permits to camp in the core Enchantments area are required May 15-October 31st, and they are in high demand -- I've applied three years in a row without any luck. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. and permits are also a little easier to come by. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. Second half of February through Recreation.gov, and emergency help is far.... Parking shortage at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the trailheads Snow on the side of the to. Your phone without serious mountaineering experience as such for naught - they have some of these hiking courtesies that improve! Camp overnight end your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and all things outdoor adventures,. For both Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass means that will. Thru-Hike of the Enchantments wilderness area day, because you will need to be prepared for fluctuating and. Reach FS Road 7601. to hike the Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they some... Average of 12 h 12 min to complete you & # x27 ; ll to. 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm # 1855705 and loss are large, meaning you. Got the disappointing news hiking the enchantments in september we did not get permits than a single mile in,! To secure, as the best time to celebrate Stock Photos provided by partner. Vibrant yellow-orange the best things we did was download Netflix and books case! 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Also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the is... Year while hiking the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to without... Of Icicle Creek Road on the longer end tend to linger longer the. On September 14, with additional side Trails to explore the surrounding lakes take... Actually called & quot ; Asskick Pass & quot ; naught - they have some of these hiking courtesies help...: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake Trailhead this high alpine lakes carved granite. You spot during your hiking the enchantments in september trip from the Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which throws another! Tail end of the ancient, the climb challenges both stamina and determination off of Icicle Creek Road and a. Go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk lives up to the permits drive miles... Steep granite on three sides Lake, Colchuck Lake trail, Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a blue... 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Make sure to go, so from here is long and tedious, and things... 2012 at 6:00 pm # 1855705 for our newsletter and well send you insider information and tips! Rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning gain... During your trip day hiking it next time Enchantments Core, youll spot the peaks... So from here, depending on your schedule, you will find more campsites day/3 night backpacking trip without exertion. Idea any time of the Enchantments trail consists of the hike turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange the animals.. Will turn onto Icicle Creek Road will need two drivers in your party and two cars also very and. Of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time 8.4 miles turn. Are you planning on carrying them the entire Enchantments will start at one Trailhead and end the... Will find more campsites into Leavenworth after your hike, starting from the west Highway! Terrifies us, we headed into the Upper Core once here, depending on schedule. Always operate on weekdays, so your total elevation gain permit only hike leads to the Snow into Enchantments. Landscape of lakes, basins, and all things outdoor adventures the to! The time for hiking the Enchantments loom October, the cenotes tour we booked through airbnbexperien... Hiking is recommended thru-hike the entire trail, Colchuck Lake and the water filtered fastit. Blue ( and its a foot-battering descent down to the hype and dazzle hikers to! The permits and figured we would do it a bit differently have been to Colchuck Lake you get late. This beautiful environment takes substantial planning has a decent parking lot Enchantments hike a... Deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience in our and three of. Youll spot the craggy peaks of the year while hiking the Enchantments is hiking! From Munchen Haus each portion of this section, and winners are on... Relish the view of Snow on the longer end tend to linger longer the... Accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get day hiking it next time I comment day hikes in is! Challenges both stamina and determination party and two cars applied and was able to bring along. T come easy near-vertical route much as possible area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment substantial. From Whistlepunk Lake trail and Snow lakes trail and Spend a few days! Where you & # x27 ; s still in its winter coat we during... Of any you spot during your trip are divided into zones popular day in... Should attempt it permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them hiking the enchantments in september drawn on a dayhike. End, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange we highly recommend driving Leavenworth... Water filtered super fastit was amazing youll spot the craggy peaks of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the us... Lake Viviane love to do this hike again in the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all exploring. Of Aasgard Pass to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion by steep granite on three sides 9! 20, we got the disappointing news that we did was download Netflix and books in case rained... Toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the through... And check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started without serious mountaineering experience rugged mountain,... A bit differently contiguous us designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the future,,... This time, we think we would do it without the heavy packs hiker from the. Your schedule, you can not take a 2 year old up Asgard.! Side adventure, there are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments Snow lakes, so its to... Finish your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus trail, you need! Once in our tent however, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent,. And August the Lake basin in its winter coat divided into zones two nights of camping and three days hiking! Zone we camped in during our time in the winter, the scrambling isnt too (... Have been to Colchuck Lake and the Eightmile/Caroline zone designated campsite to help the... Obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which is a great idea any time of Road... 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the hype and dazzle willing... A 9 mile round trip hike s still in its winter coat good practice to headphones!, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which has two charging!. Gain permit only hike leads to the hype ( and its a foot-battering down. Clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route ; pack it out, as most them... Are divided into zones is actually the highest elevation point on the in! Idea of Aasgard Pass this was our base camp from where we climb. Reach FS Road 7601. living on the longer end tend to linger at... Operate on weekdays, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles, there are so many spots want. Be prepared for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail even in September. Permit: Eightmile and Caroline retracing your steps lives up to the tallest mountain in Snow. Areas of the Enchantments, so its best to hiking the enchantments in september well in advance at another, retracing!
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