Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide

Washington’s Enchantment Lakes are a truly magical sight to see. They reside in an area where immense granite peaks, majestic mountain goats, and crystal clear alpine lakes are hidden around every corner. If you haven’t had a chance to experience this captivating place, put it on the top of your list.

Here’s a quick guide to help maximize your enjoyment while backpacking Washington’s stunning Enchantment Lakes.

Highlights

• Incredible Views
• Pristine High Alpine Lakes
• Mountain Goats
• Jagged Granite Peaks
• Well Maintained Trails
• Stunning Beauty

Lowlights

• Popular Area
• Big Climbs
• Permit Planning
• No Campfires
• Seasonal Bugs & Snow

Permits

The Enchantment Lakes are among the most well-traveled sites in the Northwest, and for good reason. Because of their popularity, there is a strict permit process in place to limit impact and keep the area pristine for many years to come.

Permits need to be obtained for all overnight camping trips from May 15th to October 31th. Permit applications are not necessary for day hikes and trips outside of that timeframe – day hikers can just fill out the free permit form at the trailhead.

Overnight permits for the May 15th through October 31st timeframe are awarded in a permit lottery, which takes place during February & March every year. A three or four night stay is generally considered a good amount of time to see the entire area.

When you apply for a permit you’ll put in your top three choices of 5 different camping zones. The Core Enchantments Zone permit is the best because it will allow you to camp in any of the permit zones.

The Snow Lakes and Colchuck Lakes zones are the next most popular option because they are adjacent to the Core Zone. Obtaining one of those two permits will allow hikers to day trip up into the Core Zone and return to their camps at Colchuck Lake or Snow Lake.

The permit process sounds like a terrible hassle, but it’s really not that bad. If you get picked for a permit, you simply print it out and bring it with you on the trail.

APPLY FOR PERMITS HERE
ADDITIONAL PERMIT INFO HERE
PERMIT RULES & REGULATIONS HERE

Best Time To Travel

The Permit timeframe, May 15th – October 31st, is a good time to travel to this area.

August is the most popular travel month and Thursdays through Sundays tend to be the most popular travel days. For that reason, weekend trips in August will be the most difficult permits to secure.

It’s likely that there will be snow on the trail – especially in the Core Zone – during May, Juneand possibly July. Late autumn is a good time to see the larch trees change color in this area, but be prepared for the possibility of late season snowstorms.

Difficulty

This trip has a high difficulty rating. Difficulty will obviously depend on your experience level, your fitness level, and how heavy your pack is.

If you want to travel to the Core Enchantment Zone (which you do), you will have a big climb to get there no matter what. Sodo yourself a favor and pack light. For lightweight hiking tips and gear recommendations, check out my Lightweight Basics Video Series and Gear Guide.

Distance

The entire trail from the Stuart Lake trailhead to the Snow Lakes trailhead is about 19 miles.

Some hikers leave a car at both trailheads and hike from one end to the other. If this is your goal, the most popular route is to hike from the Stuart Lake Trailhead (Colchuck Zone) to the Snow Lakes Trailhead (Snow Zone) due to the elevation profile of the area.

Another popular option is to setup a base camp at Upper Snow Lake or Colchuck Lake. Then you can take a steep day hike up into the Core Zone and return back to your camp at night.

Elevation

The Core Enchantments zone is where the real jaw-dropping beauty happens. To get to the Core Zone you’re going have a big climb no matter how you slice it.

Aasgard Pass (7841 ft) – the highest point on the trail – is roughly 6,500 feet above the Snow Lakes Trailhead and 4,400 feet above the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Entering from the Snow Lakes trailhead will provide a more gradual ascent. Entering from the Stuart Lake trailhead will provide a very steep (but shorter) ascent from Colchuck Lake up to Aasgard Pass.

Regulations

This is my personal summary of the regulations for this area. Please visit the forest service’s Enchantment Lakes Regulations Page for the official rules.

• No campfires are allowed in this area
• Camp only in established campsites
• Keep your distance from wildlife – goats can be aggressive
• Don’t feed any wildlife
• Use the backcountry toilets provided
• Pee on rocks and in cracks – goats crave salts

Maps & Guidebooks

Green Trails Enchantments Map 209s
100 Hikes in Washington’s Alpine Lakes
Backpacking Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Backpacking Washington

Navigation

If the trails are free of snow, navigation should be easy along the well maintained trails in this area. Some trails in the Core Enchantment Zone are slightly tough to follow because of all the granite, but if you look out for rock cairns you’ll be good to go.

Water

Water is plentiful along this trail and is generally easily accessible. Carry plenty of water to get from one source to the next and a lightweight water purifier. My current favorite is the SteriPEN Ultra.

Food Storage

There aren’t any specific food storage regulations in this area, but you should make sure to protect your food. There are bears in these woods, but you’re far more likely to be harassed by nighttime rodents and goats looking to get an easy meal. Do not feed any wildlife – voluntarily or involuntary. Protect your food.

Learn how to hang a proper bear bag or carry a food storage container. Bear Canisters and Ursacks are the most effective and easy storage methods.

Backpacking Gear

We prefer lightweight backpacking because it’s more comfortable and it allows us to cover more ground with less effort. For recommendations on our favorite lightweight backpacking equipment, check out the CleverHiker Gear Guide and Top Picks page.

Gear List

Getting There

The Enchantments are just outside of Leavenworth, Washington. The drive time from Seattle is about 2.5 hours and the drive time from Portland is about 5 hours. From Seattle you’ll take highway 2 to Leavenworth and from Portland you’ll follow 97 to Leavenworth.

Icicle Creek Road is on the western edge of the small town and the Snow Lakes Trailhead is about a ten minute drive once you make the turn onto Icicle Creek. For the Stuart Lake Trailhead (an additional 15 minute drive), continue down Icicle Creek until you hit road 7601. Take a left on 7601 and follow it past the first trailhead (Eightmile Trailhead) to the Stuart Lake Trailhead.

If you only have one car and you’re looking for a shuttle service, check out Loop Connector.

Additional Resources

Washington Trail Association Enchantments Guide
EveryTrail Enchantments Guide