📗Hiking Guide for The Enchantments

Washington's most challenging day-hike for the North Cascade's iconic 'Golden Larches'

⛰️Overview

The Enchantments in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a bucket-list hike renowned for its stunning alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and pristine wilderness. The hike through the Core Enchantments is challenging and typically done as a strenuous day hike or multi-day backpacking trip. It’s known for its dramatic elevation changes, making it both rewarding and demanding.

💪Trail Difficulty

Total Distance: ~18 miles (29 km) point-to-point
Elevation Gain: 1,850 meters (6,100 feet)
Time: 10-14 hours (day hike) or 2-3 days (backpacking)
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Permit Requirement: Permit required for overnight stays, no permit required for day-hikers, Northwest Forest Pass required for all trailhead parking

How do you get there, park, and navigate the trail?

🚗 Driving Instructions from Vancouver, BC:

1. Take BC-99 South toward the USA border.
2. Cross the USA-Canada Border – Continue on I-5 South after crossing into Washington.
3. Stay on I-5 South – Drive for approximately 90 miles until you reach Everett, WA.
4. Take exit 194 for US-2 East – Follow signs for US-2 East toward Wenatchee, staying on US-2 East for about 85 miles.
5. Turn right onto Icicle Creek Road – In Leavenworth, turn right onto Icicle Creek Road and continue for approximately 8.5 miles.
6. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601 – Drive about 3.5 miles on this gravel road to reach the Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead.

Estimated time: ~4.5 to 5 hours (border and traffic dependent).

🚗 Driving Instructions from Seattle, WA:

1. Take I-90 East – Continue for approximately 70 miles.
2. Take exit 85 for WA-970 North – Follow WA-970 North for about 10 miles.
3. Turn left onto US-97 North – Continue for about 35 miles.
4. Turn left onto Blewett Pass (US-97) – Continue through the pass for about 13 miles.
5. Turn right onto Icicle Creek Road – After entering Leavenworth, turn left onto Icicle Creek Road and drive for approximately 8.5 miles.
6. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601 – Drive about 3.5 miles to the Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead.

Estimated time: ~2.5 to 3 hours.

💡 Tip: Trailhead Shuttle

Since the Enchantments is a point-to-point hike, arranging transportation between trailheads is essential. Many hikers use a shuttle service to drop off at Stuart Lake Trailhead and pick up at the Snow Lake Trailhead. The Leavenworth Shuttle or Loop Connector provides convenient options. Make sure to book the shuttle in advance, especially during peak hiking season.

🥾 Trail Instructions

1. Stuart Lake Trailhead to Colchuck Lake
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet (670 meters)
Terrain: Moderate uphill through forest, with rocky sections and stream crossings.
Notables: This section starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead and ascends through dense forest, offering occasional views of Mountaineer Creek. After about 2 miles, you’ll reach a junction where you take the left path towards Colchuck Lake. The last mile climbs more steeply to the shores of the stunning, turquoise Colchuck Lake, with views of Aasgard Pass looming overhead.

2. Colchuck Lake to Aasgard Pass
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet (670 meters)
Terrain: Extremely steep, rocky terrain with loose rock and boulders.
Notables: This is the most challenging section of the hike, ascending the infamous Aasgard Pass. The climb is steep and unrelenting, gaining over 2,000 feet in just over a mile. The route is unmarked, so be prepared for scrambling and route-finding. Use caution and pace yourself, especially with the loose rock and exposure. Once at the top of the pass, you’ll be at 7,841 feet and rewarded with incredible views of the Enchantments Core Zone.

3. Aasgard Pass to Core Enchantment Zone
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Elevation Gain: 700 feet (213 meters)
Terrain: Mostly flat, rocky alpine terrain with some short uphill sections.
Notables: This section takes you through the heart of the Enchantments, where you’ll pass some of the most stunning alpine lakes, including Tranquil Lake, Isolation Lake, and Crystal Lake. The terrain is mostly flat and rocky, but the views are extraordinary. This is a great place to stop for lunch and enjoy the pristine alpine beauty. Look for mountain goats, which are common in this area.

4. Core Enchantments to Leprechaun Lake and Viviane Lake
Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Elevation Loss: 1,000 feet (305 meters)
Terrain: Gradual downhill through rocky terrain with small streams and lake crossings.
Notables: As you descend, you’ll pass Leprechaun Lake and Viviane Lake, both surrounded by dramatic granite peaks. This section is more gradual, with stunning views of waterfalls cascading between the lakes. The descent through this section can be slow due to the rocky terrain, but the surrounding beauty makes it worthwhile.

5. Viviane Lake to Snow Lake
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Elevation Loss: 1,400 feet (425 meters)
Terrain: Steep switchbacks through rocky terrain, with some forested areas.
Notables: After passing Viviane Lake, the trail drops steeply toward Snow Lake. You’ll navigate rocky switchbacks and traverse exposed granite slabs. This section can be challenging on tired legs, so take it slow. Snow Lake is a beautiful, large alpine lake where many hikers choose to camp if breaking the trip into multiple days.

6. Snow Lake to Snow Lake Trailhead
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.4 km)
Elevation Loss: 2,000 feet (610 meters)
Terrain: Gradual descent through forest, with some rocky and stream-crossing sections.
Notables: This final section is a long but more moderate descent through forested terrain, eventually reaching the Snow Lake Trailhead. You’ll pass Nada Lake, which offers another scenic spot to rest before completing the hike. The trail is well-marked and less technical here, though fatigue can make this stretch feel long.

👇 Trail Tips, Summit Photos + Video of St Marks Summit, continued below...

🏕️ Camping in The Enchantments

Camping in the Enchantments requires careful planning due to its popularity and permit system. Here's a guide on how to camp in the Enchantments:

Permit required: Overnight camping in the Enchantments between May 15 and October 31 requires a permit through a lottery system. There are five zones:

• Core Enchantments (most popular): If you're lucky enough to secure a Core permit, you can camp in the heart of the Enchantments, between Aasgard Pass and Lake Viviane.
• Colchuck Zone: Camp near Colchuck Lake or Stuart Lake if you have a permit for this zone. It's a great place to stay before heading up Aasgard Pass.
• Snow Lake Zone: This is a common exit point, and camping here is permitted with a Snow Lake Zone permit.
• Stuart Zone: Camp near Stuart Lake and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Stuart, with fewer crowds and a calm setting.
• Eightmile/Caroline Zone: A more accessible zone offering peaceful camping near Eightmile Lake, good for a quieter backcountry experience.

Permit Lottery: The lottery opens each February. If you're planning last minute, a few permits are released 7 days before entry, but they go fast.

Where to Apply: Apply for permits on Recreation.gov

Bear Canisters: Required to store food properly, as the area has wildlife, including mountain goats that are attracted to salt (urine and sweat). Always pack out your trash

🤩 The Enchantments Photos + Views

💡Tips for Hiking the Enchantments

Start Early: Whether doing the hike in one day or breaking it into a multi-day trek, starting early gives you more time to navigate the tough terrain. Especially for day-hikers, I recommend starting no later than 7am ideally, earlier than 6am.

Water Sources: There are plenty of water sources along the trail, but it’s advisable to bring a water filter to safely drink from streams and lakes.

Permits: A permit is required for overnight camping in the Enchantments from May 15 to October 31. If you’re planning a day hike, you don’t need a permit, but you still need to arrange transportation between trailheads.

Weather: Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations. Even in summer, temperatures can be cold, and storms can roll in quickly. Wear a breathable base layer and pack a warm mid layer, and a proper windbreaker or shell.

Wildlife: Mountain goats are common in the Core Enchantments. Keep your distance and avoid leaving food out to prevent encounters.

🦺 Safety
Know Your Limits: The Enchantments are beautiful but demanding. Make sure you’re in good physical condition and prepared for long hours of hiking.

Scrambling Skills: Sections like Aasgard Pass require scrambling over loose rock and boulders. Take your time and be cautious, especially if the weather turns.

Navigation: While the trail is generally well-marked, parts of the route, particularly around Aasgard Pass, require good route-finding skills.