Backpacking the enchantments. Backpacking in the Enchantments .

Backpacking the enchantments Backpacking The Enchantments with the 30L Meadowlark and the 40L Crestone pack from Neighborhood Packswww. Sitting over 2,000 feet above Colchuck Lake, Aasgard Pass is a formidable opponent for trying to reach the core zone. As you gradually descend into the Lower Enchantments you’ll pass Tranquil Lake, Inspiration Lake, and Perfection Lake, each one living up to its name. As a Washington resident, Green Trails maps have become my bible for navigating the outdoors. For this reason, most visitors choose to day hike, whether it's an out-and-back to Colchuck Lake, or by trekking the entire trail system from Stuart Lake trailhead to Snow Lakes. Distance: Approximately 19 miles Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Total Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet Highest Elevation (Aasgard Pass): 7,841 feet A Note On The Trail A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. Those lucky enough to land an overnight permit in the Enchantments are in for a treat. Enchantment Permit Area Advanced Lottery (offered annually in February); apply on this w The group I would be going with does not have any experience with mountaineering or really anything besides just general backpacking. 61 likes, 12 comments - nigels_vacation on September 6, 2021: "Backpacking the Enchantments!". 2. So, if you're like me and don't have the best luck with permit lotteries, an epic 19-mile day hike is the best way to experience the Enchantment Core. Winning a permit to hike the Enchantments Washington feels like a winning lottery ticket for the adventurous. These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. One of the best backpacking trips in Washington is the Enchanted Valley Olympic National Park Trail. As you make your way around Colchuck Lake, you’ll first have to cross a boulder field, and the gaps Hiking in the Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington. And with the continuation of amazing weather Jen, her brother and I set out It's day four and it's our day off. Due to overwhelming response, this trip is full including several individuals on the wait list. 5 miles, point-to-point Elevation gain: 4,954 feet Difficulty: Challenging Timing: Full day hike; or broken into 2 days Pets: no dogs allowed in the Enchantments Permits: between May The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Olympic NP beaches like Rialto Beach are easy and great year round for easy backpacking. Wilderness Took a trip thru the Enchantments with a couple of buddies for a 2-night loop backpack on the week before the “Permit” season began. Backpacking The Enchantments Eightmile and Caroline Zone-Alpine Lakes Wilderness Hiking the Enchantments Eightmile and Caroline Zone. Enjoy an epic 5-day backpacking journey from Stuart Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead as we share our experiences, challenges, and breathtaking encounters with nature. Welcome to the first installment of our Enchantments backpacking the CORE mini series! In this first episode we set off from the Snow Lakes Trailhead and mak 3. Here are five tips about the advanced permit lottery, the walk-up version and backpacking the Enchantments more generally. Total Distance: 7 miles. It's not a long hike, but it is a steep hike with a . It was 90 degree sunny days in Central Wash The heart of this wilderness area – the Enchantments – is accessed via a strenuous 19+ mile hike that is best done as a 2-3 night extravaganza (though people do it in a day, which is nuts to us). neighborhoodpacks. August 26, 2023 . Want to join next time? A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. Acquiring a Permit For Enchantments Washington. Day 2: Following the Our route began at the Snow Lakes trailhead by hiking into the Snow Lake (pictured above), which is one of the entrances to the Enchantments. Came back again but this Since the Enchantments is a trendy and unique hiking area, any visitor must obtain a permit if they plan to visit between May 15th and October 31st. Permits have never meant to be a barrier to entry, but we know first-hand that they can be Me and five other women backpacked the Enchantments and had an incredible time. For shoulder season use, consider the MSR Hubba NX 1, which is 14 oz Welcome to Paria's “Hike of the Week” series. 8-21 miles Elevation: 5280 feet of gain, 7200 of Elevation Loss (starting at Stuart Lake) or 7200 gain and 5280 loss (starting at Snow Lakes) Type: Point to Point, Thru Hike Length: 10-16 hours total (depends on your pace, breaks, and weather) Difficulty: Very Hard (The most challenging hike I’ve ever done) pete won the enchantments lottery for this particular area - eightmile lake and lake caroline (if you’re not from washington, the enchantments are a big region of mountains and the most gorgeous alpine lakes that are only accessible via a lottery system that people enter in every year to be able to go hiking & camping there). Jen, Kevin, Matt, Ty and I set off to conquer the Enchantments Stuart Zone in early summer. Hi everyone! I need some help with my itinerary for my trip to the enchantments. We hit the top of Asgard right at sunset where thankfully there were some flat spots! Looking for some advice on my itinerary for our upcoming backpacking trip into The Enchantments in WA. Crypto Backpacking The Enchantments for three days and two nights. Those attempting to day hike the Enchantments Trail should be experienced hikers and physically fit. Advertising. Few places are more beautiful to hike than The Enchantments in fall. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned veteran, Enchantments Guide has all the information you need to help make your trip an unforgettable experience. The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area is contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. We feel extremely lucky to have scored a permit. Me and some friends have been planning a pnw road trip/backpacking trip and want to complete the 18-20 mile enchantments hike (if we get lucky enough to get an overnight permit, if not we’ll probably just day hike for a little and turn around) around June 10th. The Enchantments is a mesmerizing location in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, arguably the forerunner to visit in the cascades and a highly sought after destination for Washington backpacking. The PNW is a beautiful place to wander! From the North Cascades to the Redwoods, we've got it all: dry desert, coastal rainforests, high alpine volcanoes, deep gorges, and old growth forests. Business, Economics, and Finance. ----- Day 1: Hike out to Colchuck Lake and camp r/backpacking • Big Bend, Canada. 1M subscribers in the backpacking community. As you gradually The Enchantments At A Glance. There are two options to get an overnight Enchantment Area permit: 1. Back up to January when I told my bestie we should enter and hike Hiking through the stunning basins, lakes, and peaks known collectively as the Enchantments is to experience the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at its best. Off-trail, I am a professional classical singer/voice teacher, though you might not believe that if you hear me singing to Backpacking in the Enchantments . 25 miles (31 km) Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet (1,675 meters) Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) Starting Elevation (Stuart/Colchuck TH): 3,225 feet (980 Everything you need to know about backpacking the Enchantments, from getting permits, planning the route, and finding the best spots along the trail. Backpacking the Enchantments: Day 2 into the Core. In my first year, we struck out on getting any permits in the random drawing. The Enchantment Lakes are among the most well-traveled sites in the Northwest, and for good reason. Nunzio Cimino, a Portland-based It's day Five. You could get a a few backpacking trips in before the Enchantment permit season. Participants **must** have recent backpacking experience with approx 12 miles / 5000ft gain in a day. The trail via Snow Lakes may be gentler, but requires over 18 miles round trip of hiking and over 6000 feet of elevation gain. gov. Hi! I am Ruth, or Sailor. One really important thing to keep in mind are parking passes! Hiking Checklist - The Enchantments. We were among the lucky ones who scored a five-day, four-night Core Enchantment Zone permit to savor our time exploring the area. This is a through hike, so you will end up 19 miles away from where you started. 4. Thus, one may conclude that backpacking the Enchantments is surely preferable to a day hike. It was 5:30 Likewise, campfires are prohibited throughout the Enchantments so come prepared with proper cooking gear if backpacking. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. Before starting our 4-day journey into the wilderness, we decided to stop in I think the main reason why mine was so heavy was because I didn't have anyone to break up the weight with and the tripod which added ~3 lbs. Obviously, for camping, you will need general backpacking gear. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. Why is it called Enchantments? According to the Wikipedia, when US Geological Survey's topographer found the area, he wrote, "It was an enchanting scene. Day Once you reach the top, you will follow the trail for about a mile until you are surrounded by the Enchantment Lakes. Amazing views, a gorgeous sunrise, and some magical lakes made an amazing end to the trip. The Enchantments is a challenging hike. While backpacking the Enchantments Trail is the ultimate dream, it’s not the only way to hike the Enchantments. The most daunting part of hiking or backpacking the Enchantments is Aasgard Pass. She does not have much experience, but is in good shape and is going with experienced backpackers. Anyone can hike it, but only about 2-4% of applicants win the lottery each year to camp in the region. Perfect Guide To Backpacking The Enchantments in Washington. Find out how to get permits, choose zones, prepare for weather, and follow trail etiqu In this complete guide, I highlight everything you need to know for either backpacking or day-hiking the Enchantments. The trail is filled with waterfalls, river views, bridges, beautiful trees, bears, mountains, and it even has a chalet in the valley! The experience Backpacking is hard work, especially in the alpine terrain of the Enchantments. It’s full of some of Washington’s best scenery, including alpine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, rugged peaks, and larches. The Core Zone is the farthest area into the Enchantments. He and some friends hiked in to the It's day three and we have made camp in the Lower Core Zone at Lake Inspiration. I know for us, A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. We’ll start with the logistics, like what route to take, day hiking vs. This map begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead, but visitors often enter from either end. For this reason, I wrote a separate post about what backpacking gear is worth the money, from my experience, and what the best alternatives are to save you money. We had to evacuate the enchantments due to extreme weather. August 16, 2018 March 22, 2023 Updated on March 22, 2023. It is a compact area that can be divided into 3 parts: the Colchuck lake area to the west, the core Hiking the Enchantments is officially one of my favorite backpacking experiences of all time. We spent four days and three nights backpacking this stunning area. Distance: 19. As the date is getting closer she is getting nervous about the trip and what she should pack and expect. Golden larches surround pristine blue lakes, beneath rugged, jagged mountains. Start by figuring out how long you’ll be backpacking. This is a series that highlights an outstanding backpacking trip from around the world. A subreddit for traveling backpacking and wilderness backpacking, not restricted to one or the other. When backpacking, it usually takes two days to reach, so Core Zone permits allow you to camp anywhere in the Enchantments. gov, which is open February 15 – March 1 each year. Expect to need between 2500 and 4000 calories per day on your trip. It is a mountainous landscape full of gorgeous alpine lakes and The Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Washington, USA. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. Ruth's Bio. Activity Type: Backpacking Audience: Adults, Retired Rovers Difficulty: Very Strenuous Leader Rating: Moderate Mileage: 26. With Less than 1% chance of winning this lottery in ideal seasons, this is Those attempting to day hike the Enchantments Trail should be experienced hikers and physically fit. An Enchantments permit is required for both day hikers and those on a The Enchantments in central Washington is one of the most beautiful nature experiences in the world! This is footage from our 5-day backpacking trip. A subreddit for traveling backpacking and wilderness backpacking, not restricted to one or the other Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Enchantments in Washington State. The Enchantments starts to thaw out in June and completely thaws out in August. The Trek. Core Enchantment Zone. Many of you might know, but we are limited to weekends for adventures due to Austin’s surgery residency. But it's not easy to get to, because you need a permit to camp there, and those permits are awarded in a lottery that is becoming harder and harder to win. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds Backpacking the Enchantments Trail – Our Experience. In 2024, I attemped WA PCT Section J, and hiked the Enchantments and Mt. The Encha Part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, the Enchantments are about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, Wash. Hiking the Enchantments Trail? Check out our interactive map, full list of hostels, hotels, campgrounds, b&bs and much more along the trail from Leavenworth, Washington wildlife rock-formations canyons mountain-views lakes wildlife-viewing wildflower-viewing camping backpacking nature-trips. This is partially contingent on weather; my permit is for the Colchuck zone and is for the last few days of June. The last 2 miles of the drive is a dirt road and took us about an hour to get The Enchantments is one of the most beautiful backpacking location in the country. Author. Explore Enchantment Permit Area Advanced Lottery in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington with Recreation. Shares. How to choose a backpacking tent For a July or August trip in the Enchantments, this will probably be okay. Distance: 18. One of the most challenging trips I've ever done; my knees still hurt. Reviews. Mountain goats inhabit the area and are commonly seen all over The Enchantments region. 0 mi This route is meant to be completed as an overnight backpacking trip, although some fit hikers may be able to complete it in a day. Granite peaks worn smooth by glaciers, sunset over Prusik Peak, a herd of baby Include a scramble up to Enchantment Peak (via Prusik Pass) or up to Little Annapurna (above Inspiration lake) for an added adventure! To see a map of these lakes and peaks, check out REI for a green trails map of the Enchantments. You'll be fine hitting Asgard the next day. Aasgard Pass is Backpacker Magazine called the Enchantments Traverse one of “America’s hardest day hikes”. The most desired way is to score an overnight backpacking permit and camp in one of the five zones: Core Enchantments Zone (most popular), Colchuck Lake Zone, Stuart Lake Zone, Snow Lakes Zone or Eightmile/Caroline Zone. Just outside of Leavenworth, WA is one of the nation’s most coveted outdoor recreation areas – the Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will be reminiscing on our 5-day backpacking trip for the remainder of my time here on Spent 5 days backpacking around the Enchantments in Washington state. Backpacked through The Enchantments from the Snow Lake trailhead, to Snow Lake itself, and back May 28 - 29. Getting There and Parking Backpacker Radio. Avoid peak season. What makes applying for a permit complicated is the different available zones. overnight hiking, which direction to hike, Here’s a quick guide to help maximize your enjoyment while backpacking Washington’s stunning Enchantment Lakes. Last week I was super fortunate to join five other awesome women in backpacking the Enchantments for four days. I cover how to apply for permits, parking, shuttle services, what to expect, what to pack, and how to In this guide, we’re going to do our best to cover everything you need to know to safely hike the Enchantments trail. 3 day backpacking trip in the Enchantments with my cousins Mike and Matt, and friend Daichi. We set up basecamp at Lake Stuart and proceed to day hike to Colc Trip Overview: The 20 mile Enchantments Traverse backpacking trip goes the beautiful and popular Enchantments Lakes region of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains. A subreddit for traveling backpacking and wilderness backpacking, not The Enchantments in Washington feature magical landscapes filled with placid alpine lakes, jagged snow-draped peaks, meadows of wildflowers, Just the very mention can strike fear in the heart of a backpacker with a fully loaded pack. com Everything you need to know to choose the perfect tent for your style of backpacking. • The Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth makes for a great basecamp for a trip to the Enchantments, although it is quite touristy. I hiked the Colorado Trail in 2022-2023. Hiking & Backpacking the Enchantments There really is no easy way into the Enchantments. Enchantments Guide Planning Gear Picks Tips Trail Guide Map Get the App. August 19, 2018 July 3, 2022 Updated on July 3, 2022. 1K votes, 31 comments. A journey on Washington State’s most iconic backpacking trail, called The Enchantments, is like stepping into paradise. Hello, My fiance is going back packing in the Enchantments in the beginning of July. This system makes obtaining a backpacking permit into the Enchantment Core almost more challenging than the hike itself. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the enchantm A cinematic look at my backpacking trip through Washington's Enchantments in 2022. Music:Freedo A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. With hundreds applications, you never know when the golden ticket will There are a few ways outdoor enthusiasts can experience The Enchantments. Rainier's Northern Loop. To start, let’s break down the key parts of the Enchantments through hike so you can get an idea for what it is. We have a permit for snow zone The Enchantments is also a superb backpacking destination, but the highly competitive lottery system requires a fair bit of luck. Backpacking the Enchantments. Last summer, I thru-hiked The Enchantments. To help preserve the environment, Permits. Day 1: Stuart Lakes Trailhead, Colchuck Lake, Aasgard Pass, setup camp at Isolation Lake. For those who are familiar, we all know there is usually a lot of snow and the weather does Backpacking the Enchantments - Colchuck Zone . I was thinking about Mt. User comments, reviews and Three generations spend three nights and four days backpacking the amazing enchantments, from Stuart Lakes Trailhead to Snow Lakes Trailhead. For a more complete map of the Enchantments and their zones, click here. Sorry ab The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. Off-trail, I am a professional classical singer/voice teacher, though you might not believe that if you hear me singing to ward off animals! Known as one of the most pristine areas in Washington State, The Enchantments are conveniently tucked in the cascade range near the touristy Bavarian town of Leavenworth. It’s not for the intro hiker or backpacker but The Enchantments trail passes through 4 of the 5 zones (Stuart, Colchuck, Core Enchantment, & Snow Zones). The Enchantments was a bucket-list hike for me and all the hype was not overdone, even in the slightest bit. It's the holy grail of backpacking in the Northwestern United States. However, backpacking to the Enchantments isn't as easy as it sounds, for not only physical but also bureaucratic reasons. The destination? Aasgard Pass and Inspiration Lake. If you're interested in planning a trip to The Enchantments, I also wrote a backpacking guide for it. I’ve never been here and am wondering if there’s a campsite or if just set up camp in a place that won’t damage vegetation. It's the morning of Day two and it's time to make the push up into the lower core from Upper Snow Lakes. I’m wondering if anyone has any experience in this area. Learn how to plan a backpacking trip through the Enchantments, a stunning alpine area with lakes, rocks, and peaks. +5,800 / -7,900 feet of elevation across the course of this trek with a peak elevation of 7,860 feet. These maps incorporate an incredible amount of detail, from topo When are backcountry permits released for the Enchantment area? Beginning February 15, 2022, 7:00 am (PT) and ending March 1, 2022, 11:59 pm (PT), 75% of the total permits are issued by reservation through an online lottery at recreation. If you want plenty of time to enjoy all the beauty that the Enchantments has to offer, you’ll want to try your luck at winning a backpacking permit. We awoke by 8 AM and started getting our gear ready to get us into the Core Zone, which is home to First day of my summer backpacking trip into the Enchantments. Getting a permit for The Enchantments and climbing Aasgard Pass are both nearly overwhelming challenges but once you are inside the Core Zone you will not want to leave. More Backpacking The Enchantments Trail, Washington. yeah for sure:65L pack, jetboil stove, tent, fuel canister, sleeping pad and bag, 6 or 7 freeze dried meals (can't fully remember), tons of snacks, tripod, camera, ice axe, climbing helmet (didn't need it for this trip), backpacking chair, While an Enchantments hike can offer rewarding views, getting there in the first place is the first challenge to knock off the list. . We packed up and headed into the Enchantments core zone on our third day. Backpacking the Enchantments Words and photos by Catie Bergman Leavenworth, Washington. Backpacking. Our permit allowed us to camp in the Snow Lakes zone, and day hike into the Core Enchantments zone. Distance: 20. Jen, Founder and Editor of Green Wedding Shoes, has been a leading voice in the wedding and lifestyle industry since 2008. We’ve Day 2 of my backpacking trip into the Enchantments. The goal is to inspire you to want to get out and see these places for yourself. gov Explore the Enchantments during early larch season! On this 4-day thru-hike, we'll enter via Stuart Lake TH, exit via Snow Lakes TH, and use Upper Snow Lake as our basecamp. Backpacking can We checked off a major PNW bucket list item: backpacking The Enchantments! The Enchantments is a gorgeous region in Washington full of alpine lakes, rocky te I wish others did the same as I believe everybody should get to experience the Enchantments. It's a week later. Follow this guide for a tried-and-true solution that’ll work great for your trip to Check out this Guide to Backpacking in the Enchantments . If you are looking to explore the cascading granite basin of magic, you will need to focus on three zones: Colchuck The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area is contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Wait, no it's not. We were lucky enough to score overnight Core Enchantment permits which allowed us to camp at any campsite in the area. The Core Zone receives the most permit applications every year. To get permits to hike the Enchantments you must enter the online lottery system when it opens in After backpacking the Enchantments twice since 2018, with another trip to Colchuck Lake baked in there, I know a thing or two about the Enchantments lottery, the permit process, and this beautiful area. Permits are required between May 15 and October 31. November 7th, 2018! Neko, Joe, and I set off in the morning with hopes of backpacking the complete 18+ mile thru hike of the Enchantments trail just outside My friend Marc Dilley sent me photos of his Fall hike to the Enchantments, an alpine plateau surrounded by peaks in the Stuart Range of the Cascades, near Wenatchee Washington. I’ve heard talk of snow still being too heavy around this time. We had a 1-night permit to camp at the Core zone of the Enchantments Trail on September 20th. I have a permit to backpack the Enchantments, specifically the Colchuck Zone. gained, 6,000 feet lost; Season: July – October; Trail Type: Thru Hike (One Way); Difficulty: Very Hard ; Trailhead Location: Stuart / The Enchantments Photos: Epic Pictures from Summer. gov or the Wenatchee River Ranger Station daily lottery. Author Page. Backpacking defined as: Multi-day trips into the wild, unpopulated, areas of the world. While it is a very tough hike, it was the first strenuous hike I’ve done that I instantly wanted to do again, unlike hiking Half Dome or Rim to Rim. The Enchantments Backpacking: Camping, Permits, and Gear for the Enchantments; Hiking and Lakes of the Enchantments; Plan a Trip Resources. open_in_full. 1. Author: Alec Sills-Trausch. Rare among Cascade basins, granite trails connect jewel-like lakes set against the Guest blogger: Stacy, Marketing Director for Staheekum The Enchantments is a beautiful area in Washington state, nestled in the Cascade Mountain range within the Alpine Lakes wilderness area. It is not recommend to do Enchantments as your first backpacking trip. Trying to plan my trip through The Enchantments and would appreciate some advice on whether this is a plausible/advisable itinerary. But the delicate alpine ecosystem can only bear so much of our love before it begins to collapse. Day 2: Scouting hike to an overlook of Crystal Lake, full afternoon and night at Isolation Lake with the goats. There are some people that do A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. And we're not the only ones, as hundreds of abled-body hikers and trail How to cook and store your food in the Enchantments last updated May 31, 2021. The Enchantments are a beautiful paradise located in the Central Cascades near Leavenworth, WA. Because of their popularity, there is a strict permit process in place to limit impact and keep the area The Enchantments hike stats. Moderate amounts of snow at around 1300m but no Backpacking The Enchantments Eightmile and Caroline Zone-Alpine Lakes Wilderness Hiking the Enchantments Eightmile and Caroline Zone. 0. 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. If you go, please practice Leave No Trace principles! Enchantments Hike: Trail Stats. We didn’t realize it at the time, but there is a brewery in town (Icicle Brewing Company) that would make for an Some scenes from a solo three night backpacking trip through The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, Washington state. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I The Enchantments are just a small portion of it, but a particularly stunning portion and one sought after by countless hikers every year. Can't wait to do it again someday. It is managed according to the Wilderness Management Plan and the 1964 Wilderness Act, to provide protection of fragile resources and preservation of wilderness Hiking the Enchantments: The Trail Details. Enjoy!Follow m Fast forward ten years to 28-year old Anne, hiking the world-class Enchantments, sitting on a log overlooking Upper Snow Lake, still waiting for Brandon to return from his ventures on the toilet. Austin in the Core Enchantments Backpacking The Enchantments: The Trip Report Logistics in Seattle, WA. Keep in mind the trail is always changing, and this is a very remote area. Hiking the Enchantments is often considered a bucket list trip for many outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, and climbers. In addition, getting to camp overnight at Perfection Lake was a dream. We didn't have a Colchuck permit so tried to push into the core zone the first day. The short season and limited backcountry camping sites combined with a very high number of people The Enchantments: unimaginable beauty and solitude with alpine lakes and picturesque peaks in the heart of the Cascades The Enchantments is a magical place in Washington, a backpacker’s paradise. So while this hike would definitely be more enjoyable as a multi-overnight trip without any pending flights to catch, of course we had Last month I was fortunate enough to tag along to a three day backpacking trip in the Enchantments. Length: 19 miles; Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft. As with most people, we would have preferred to get a Core Zone permit that would allow us to camp in any of the areas, however, we got a permit for the Snow Zone. The area is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring rugged granite peaks, clear mountain lakes, and numerous mountain goats. From permit info and essential gear to trail maps and safety tips, our guide is designed for everyone. Once you’ve reached The Enchantments backpacking permit lottery is extremely competitive and less than 2% of entrants get a permit for the season. Helens, and it led me to wonder, what are The Enchantments teaching me abou Last week I was super fortunate to join five other awesome women in backpacking the Enchantments for four days. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will be reminiscing on our 5-day backpacking trip for the remainder of my time here on The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of the most sought-after backpacking destinations in Washington State. The route up Aasgard Pass is shorter, but the 2,220 foot elevation gain in under a mile is difficult (especially in bad Backpacked and stayed overnight in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Eight Mile/Lake Caroline Zone of the Enchantments. Finally, dogs are not allowed anywhere within the Enchantments area. These permits are the most sought-after, and the most To obtain a permit for Enchantments backpacking, you need to apply to a lottery on Recreation. However, while the trail starts in the Stuart Zone this would not be a zone worth camping in as it is too far from Backpacking the Enchantments: Day 1 to Snow Lakes. A friend scored an Enchantments permit his first time entering the lottery despite doing everything I told him not to do - I said to choose a date later in the season, start on a weekday, and just do the permit for two people - he choose a weekend starting date in mid The Enchantments! The Enchantments is the wilderness area consisting of mountains and numerous lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade mountains, Washington state, USA. St. One of the most difficult aspects of backpacking or through hiking the Enchantments is figuring out the driving logistics. Embark on an unforgettable adventure starting from Snow Lakes TH. Permits are required to sleep overnight in the Washington Enchantments area from May 15- October 31st. You can look through the Washington Trail Association’s page for more information, or recent reviews on All Trails. Most backpackers camp at Colchuck Lake or Snow Lake prior to entering the Core Zone. Total pack weight was 36lbs with 5 days of food + camera gear. Total. So join us, and our Florida friend, as we embark on another multi-night backpacking adventure in lovely Washington state! Day One. Pick a spot that looks nice and set up camp for the night. Backpacking Caroline Lake Eightmile Lake Hiking Mountain Mountains Nature outdoors Pacific Northwest Photography The Enchantments Washington Washington State Wildflowers Explore the most popular trails in my list Stuart Zone Enchantments with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Jen Campbell: Author. We started out our backpacking journey through the Enchantments by struggling to find a parking spot for our truck camper (YOLOM) at the Snow Lakes Trailhead just to the south of Leavenworth, WA. Thousands of people visit the Enchantments every year, seeking to experience its spectacular natural beauty. 💬 INSIDER TIP: while the trail is pretty easy to follow 90% of the time, there are sections in the really high alpine areas where it can be a bit tough Your complete guide to backpacking Washington’s Enchantments. If Aasgard is too technical would the snow lakes approach still be doable in the winter? 3. Driving Logistics For The Enchantments. How feasible is it to do the Enchantments in the winter with a group of people who have only backpacking experience? 4. Our fir I’m looking to hike and camp up in The Enchantments next week. Read My Separate Post: Best Ultralight Backpacking Gear The Enchantments was my first backpacking trip and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. We're not totally sure about the incoming change in weather, so we skip the hard summits and move to explore Prusik Pass Backpacking in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, the Enchantments are a well protected landscape with mountain rages that look straight out of a fairytale. This is a very popular route on the east side of the Cascades, and has notoriously difficult t On our previous, and first trip to the Enchantments, we visited during the beginning of the summer and stayed in the Stuart zone. Any tips for where the best camping sites would be that a good distance from the lake and Asgard’s pass? This subreddit is a community for discussion of the PA Wilds specifically but is open to all things related to hiking, backpacking, camping, and other types of outdoor If you’re planning on backpacking The Enchantments from May 15 through October 31, you can obtain a permit on Recreation. We went into survival mode, and the number o We can’t help how quickly permits sell out, but we hope this blog clears up details making backpacking more accessible to all. I used my iPhone to capture the video. Below is an Enchantments backpacking photo journey through the 22-mile trail with over 10,000 feet of elevation change. On the last day of your backpacking trip hike from Leprechaun Lake back to the Snow Lake trailhead. Our group was fortunate to have won overnight permits for the coveted Core Zone. At 4 AM, the alarms sounded, and the restlessness I felt during the night turned to excitement as we went through the usual morning routine before heading out the door and towards the Enchantments. Highlights include glacial-fed alpine lakes, impressive granite peaks, spectacular views, and The trail runs past rocky scree piles, alpine meadows, and countless glacial lakes. Technically, there are 5 permit zones in the Enchantments: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Snow, and the Core Zone. I'm forever grat The Enchantments thru hike is a strenuous day hike, but those who take on the challenge are rewarded with incredible views. Hopefully the difficult of getting Enchantments permits will be a cautionary tale to folks about hyping up places on social media and having the multi-fold increases in use result in limitation on Hike at a Glance. or Sailor. The Enchantments Core. The Enchantment Lakes are among the most well-traveled sites in the Northwest, and for good The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) 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 So, how do you get the chance to backpack the Enchantments? Sitting 15 minutes outside Leavenworth and inside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, you’re in for an absolute treat once you lace up your boots and hike the Backpacking in the Enchantments is a highly coveted privilege. Potential day hikes to Little Annapurna, Prusik Pass, and Crystal Lake. Also, I hate vlogging and suck at it so don't judge. If you’re planning your first backpacking trip, choosing a stove system and creating a meal plan can be daunting. Camp by the stunning Inspiration Lake or Perfection Lake, surrounded by majestic mountains and the company of mountain goats. In the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, these chain of lakes are heavily protected. Oct 3rd : Ruth. 9M subscribers in the backpacking community. We drove to Leavenworth the previous evening from Redmond, WA and were on our way to Stuart Lake trailhead by 4:00 am. Because it is one of the most scenic areas in the Washington Cascades, many decide to take their time hiking this demanding route; thru-hiking is also an option, however, for those who wish to push their How to Leave No Trace in the Enchantments last updated May 12, 2021. Want to explore the true enchantments, not your ordinary guided tour, but all the enchantments have to offer. Maps. ngzs kugm xovpx delv xolsgjs pujw oztq ckplp bufwjg tkgdp