The Enchantments

A long, strenuous day hike or backpack through one of the most beautiful alpine settings on earth, The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Starting at either end hike through forest to gain the 7,000-foot plateau. Then follow the trail over ridges, through alpine meadows, and a medley of lakes, granite peaks and subapline larches. It's up to 26 miles and 6,500 feet of elevation gain.

getting there

stuart lake trailhead

From SR-2 in Leavenworth drive Icicle Creek Road (Forest Road 76) for 8.4 miles. Turn left on Eightmile Road (Forest Road 7601), about one mile past Eightmile Campground and signed Lake Stuart/Colchuck Lake. Continue 3.8 miles to the trailhead (3,400 ft).

snow lake trailhead

From SR 2 in Leavenworth drive Icicle Creek Road (Forest Road 76) drive 4.2 miles to the trailhead and large parking lot on the left (south) side of the road (1,350 ft).

ON THE TRAIL

Hike through the beautiful Enchantments passing many alpine lakes and towering peaks approaching the 7,000-foot plateau from Snow Lakes or Colchuck Lake. There are many ways to enjoy an outing to The Enchantments--thru hike or round trip, car shuttle or key exchange, day hike or backpack. Here are some of the options:

Snow Lake to Colchuck Lake thru hike: 18 miles and 6,500 feet of elevation gain
Snow Lake to Aasgard Pass out and back: 26 miles and 6,500 feet of elevation gain
Colchuck Lake to Lake Vivian out and back: 16 miles and 4,400 feet of elevation gain

NOTES

The section of trail up Aasgard Pass is very strenuous and should only be attempted by those is top condition and experienced with very steep trails with a full pack. From Colchuck Lake 2,200 feet is gained in a mere 0.9 mile.
In rain or with snow cover, the Aasgard Pass trail may be quite slippery and dangerous to descend. And in early season, the pass is prone to avalanches.
Camping in the Upper Enchantments, at Snow Lakes and at Colchuck Lake is strictly controlled via a quota/permit system administered by the Leavenworth Ranger District.

Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
Seasons: July, August, September, October
Weather: View weather forecast

Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Length: 18.0 mi
Elevation Gain: 6,500 ft
High Point: 7,800 ft

Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
The Enchantments, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF)
Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Recommended Party Size: 8
Maximum Party Size: 8
Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 8

Map

Recommended Maps & Charts:

Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX
Green Trails Enchantment Lakes No. 209S

Activities

Trip Reports

Titles

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