Table of Contents
How long does it take to thru hike enchantments?
8 to 15 hours
Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. The median time is 10 to 12 hours.
Can you hike the enchantments in one day?
The Enchantments in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one of the most sought after backcountry permits in the country. But to get around this, you can hike the entirety of the Enchantments in one day without a permit, if you’re willing to take on a grueling 21-mile one-way adventure!
How do you train for enchantments through hike?
PREPARE PHYSICALLY (and MENTALLY). In addition to about 8-10 hours of general aerobic exercise a week and some strength training, be sure to take day hikes on weekends, progressively longer and more challenging (8-15 miles) over a couple months leading up within 1-2 weeks before your Enchantments day hike.
Can you camp at the Enchantments without a permit?
It’s about a 5-mile hike from the trailhead to the pass. As mentioned above, no overnight camping permit is required. The Enchantments and the Lake Ingalls area are part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. At first we passed many groups and individuals hiking down.
Do I need a permit to day hike enchantments?
Day users need only fill out a free day-use permit, available at any of the three trailheads accessing The Enchantment Permit Area. Day use is very popular and opportunities for solitude are limited and not likely during the summer.
What to bring to hike the Enchantments?
Packing Your Pack for the Enchantments
- Tent.
- Sleeping Bag.
- Sleeping Pad.
- Water Filter.
- Quality Backpack (Yes, splurge on this. You want to be comfortable walking.)
- Hiking Boots.
- Hiking Poles.
- Cooking system (I’d suggest a JetBoil)
Is the Enchantments a hard hike?
The median length of time is 10 to 12 hours. We did this in 10 hours and 30 minutes and we are fast hikers. However, this is a hard trail to hike at a fast pace. The lakes and the views are incredibly beautiful, and it is the main reason why you are on this trail, so take your time through the core Enchantments.
Do you need a permit to hike the Enchantments?
Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area, all visitors must obtain a permit if visiting from May 15 through October 31. Day users need only fill out a free day-use permit, available at any of the three trailheads accessing The Enchantment Permit Area.
What happens if you hike the Enchantments without a permit?
You can thru-hike the Enchantments (as a day hike) without a wilderness permit. For any day hikes into the Enchantments, you will need a National Forest Recreation Pass. The day pass, which is essentially a parking pass, costs $5 per vehicle.
Can you hike the Enchantments in May?
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. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started.
Do you need a permit to day hike in the Enchantments?
The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area is contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area.
Is Colchuck Lake hike hard?
Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail is a 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Leavenworth, Washington that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October.
How to thru hike the enchantments in one day?
How to Thru-Hike the Enchantments in One Day, Part 1: Parking Lot to Colchuck Lake Time: 2 to 2.5 hours. The first thirty minutes is very easy as it meanders through the forest, however, the next hour and a half to Colchuck lake is a thigh burner. About 1 hour into the hike you’ll get to a sign that says Colchuck Lake on it. Follow it.
Where does the enchantments trail start and end?
Starting at the Stuart Lake Trailhead our route gained 4,400 feet of elevation over six miles before hitting the high point, Aasgard Pass. From here, the trail passes by a dozen alpine lakes as the plateau drops along drainages and over sheer rock faces slanting down from the towering domes of the Stuart Range.
What are the names of the mountains in enchantments?
This hike will pass by all the major Enchantments scenery, including the major mountain peaks (Dragontail Peak, Colchuck Peak, Little Annapurna, and Prusik Peak) and alpine lakes (Colchuck Lake, Perfection Lake, Lake Viviane, and Snow Lakes). The major elevation gain will be ascending to Colchuck Lake and then over Asgard Pass.
How long is the hike from Snow Lake to the enchantments?
Even though it is an overall downhill, hiking from the the Core Enchantments to Snow Lake, this part of the trail is still challenging. And it’s very difficult to move quickly. For 1.5 miles, you will descend down steep dirt trails, stepping and scrambling over large rocks and tangled tree roots. You will also hike down bald, granite rock.