Trip Reports, Trail Work Parties & Guidebooks
Recent posts:
Day hiking through the Enchantment Lakes Basin: A local’s guide
Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it’s not for everyone.
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When is the best time of year to day hike through the Enchantments?
If you’re looking for an outstanding summer hiking experience, the best time to go is when the snow has melted off the trails but before the weather turns sour in fall.
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How bad really are the mosquitoes in the Enchantment Lakes Basin?
If you’re day hiking through the Enchantments, here’s how to be prepared for the bugs.
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How’s the smoke in the Enchantment Lakes Basin?
Here are some online resources for researching smoke and air quality levels in the Enchantments.
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What is the best footwear for through-hiking the Enchantments?
I know someone who did the whole hike barefooted. But I recommend shoes or boots
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Where can we swim on our Enchantments hike?
Upper Snow Lake and Nada Lake will be the warmest lakes, relatively. The south shore of Upper Snow is mostly beach. The south end of Nada is smooth granite.
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What about transportation for our Enchantment Lakes thru hike?
There are ways to avoid an eight-mile road hike between the Snow Lakes and Stuart Lake trailheads after a long day on the trail. Here are the details.
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What should we carry in our packs on our day hike through the Enchantments?
Hikers traverse the Enchantment Lakes with everything from full backpacks to running vests holding only water and an InReach. Here’s the common wisdom on what to pack.
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How bad are the goats in the Enchantment Lakes?
The goats in the Enchantments are famous. Or infamous? You’ll probably come home from your Enchantments through hike with
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Will we need bear spray on our Enchantments thru hike?
Bears are rarely reported by hikers in the Enchantment Lakes. The most common mammal sightings are goats
Keep readingDo we need a Garmin InReach or Spot when we thru-hike the Enchantments ?
You should expect to lose cell phone connection on your way out Icicle Road as you approach the Snow Lakes trailhead
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What time should we start our Enchantments through hike?
The beginning and ending 4 miles of the trail are not particularly exciting or spectacular. Or difficult. Lots of parties intend to start hiking at 4:00 am by headlamp.
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How long does it take to day hike through the Enchantments?
Everyone hikes at their own pace. To finish this 18 mile trail by daylight requires at least very brisk walking with minimal stops.
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Do we need a permit to hike through the Enchantment Lakes Basin in one day?
Yes and no. You’ve probably heard of the hellacious process of trying to get an overnight camping permit in the Enchantments Core
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What’s the weather forecast for my Enchantments through hike?
After making all the plans, booking the shuttle, getting fit, and getting your friends psyched, do you really want to cancel your hike due to rain? Maybe.
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How should we train for our Enchantments through hike?
Training for an Enchantments thru hike is a great excuse to explore some of the region’s more challenging day hikes.
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PCT Section H, Bridge of the Gods to White Pass
What’s the most scenic part of the PCT? Hikers often say it was the Goat Rocks Wilderness of Washington in section H.
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PCT Section J, Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass
We hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Stevens Pass on US 2 to Snoqualmie Pass on I-90. This domain is for sale at Sedo.com
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Ancient Lakes from Quincy Lakes Trailhead
An east-central Washington hike where trail conditions allow very early season visits (and the heat discourages anything later). March and April are a good time to visit Ancient Lake. The vegetation is green, flowers are in bloom and the air is cool. Plus the waterfalls are running strong, making for good photos. In very early…
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Sage Hills & Horse Lake Mountain
This lowland wildflower garden is a Mecca for those seeking early season dry hikes! There are multiple trailheads in Wenatchee, Washington, to access this preserve, but the highest and largest parking area is the Horse Lake Trailhead on Horselake Road. Trail conditions are superb. The trails are a mix of easy paths and old roads.…
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North Cascades: Tricouni, Junction, Park Creek Pass, Stehekin
Beautiful alpine scenery!! And easy hiking. The trail was well maintained within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and as far as Tricouni Camp. All water crossings as far as Thunder Basin Camp were bridges or easy rock hops. Our first night’s camp was Tricouni Camp, a 2-site campground roughed out of the woods. Our…
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Tips for social distancing and the outdoors
In 2020, getting some fresh air and exercise is a good way to keep yourself healthy—physically and mentally. But we all need to do so responsibly. If you choose to head outdoors, consider possible effects on vulnerable individuals as well as our healthcare system, taking steps to minimize risk. Make sure to continue practicing social…
Keep readingDomain for Sale
What a great domain name for hiking, biking and backcountry adventures! It can be yours today. Visit the sale page at Sedo.com and make it your own. Use it for your own web site about…
Keep readingWashington’s Trails of Association
Puget Sound is a crowded region and the mountain trails of Washington are equally busy. That’s why our trails are social. Hiking is an opportunity to make acquaintances.
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Washington Trails 