Bottom line: Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it’s not for everyone.
Why hike the enchantments in a day
The Enchantment Lakes Basin is known throughout the Pacific Northwest as a beautiful wilderness area. This tiny basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a little slice of the Sierras in Washington. Pristine alpine lakes strung together by cold, rushing mountain streams dot a rugged landscape of glacier-polished granite and stunted larch trees.
This is my neck o’ the woods. I’d like to welcome you and share some tips for getting the most out of your day hike through the Enchantments.
Backpacking here is by lottery
Backcountry camping permits for this stunning locale are restricted by draconian quota limits and only a lucky few applicants are randomly selected each season.
That leaves day hiking in the Enchantments
Day hiking doesn’t require a quota permit. The permit for day hiking is self-issued at the trailhead.
“It was a magical and special experience that I’ll cherish forever.”
Hiker from Olympia
Decide when to schedule your adventure
You’ll first be faced with the decision about when to do the Enchantments through hike. Each part of the season has its unique qualities. In may and June, the mosquitoes are legion. In August, it can get smoky. Fall brings less stable weather — and less crowded trails.
“Every step was worth it!”
Hiker from Eugene
Get in shape for the hike
Work your way up to the best conditioning hikes for the Enchantments.
Make plans
Who’s bringing team gear, like first aid or an InReach?
Decide which direction to hike
The most popular direction to hike through the Enchantments is counter-clockwise, starting at Stuart Lake trailhead with Colchuck Lake as your first lake and Aasgard Pass as your ascent route. You end lower than you started and it takes less time.
Arrange transportation or a car drop
If you’re planning to use an Enchantments shuttle, make arrangements for that online well in advance.
Pack the right gear
You’ll need the ten essentials plus some extras for this long day hike.
“It’s an amazing and breathtaking hike, for sure.”
Godwin
It’s go time
Enchantment through hikes start at oh-dark-thirty, so get to bed early. Or stay overnight in Leavenworth or Icicle Creek. There are plenty of hotel rooms and short-term rentals in town and in Wenatchee 30 minutes east.
Get your trailhead parking pass. Get to the trailhead early.
On the trail
It takes about 15-18 hours to hike through the Enchantments. Set a steady pace that everyone in your group can sustain. Remember your manners and trail etiquette.
Goats can interrupt your journey. They live here, it’s their home you’re visiting. Give them space. Bear spray is optional. I’ve never heard of anyone using it here.
Emergencies happen. When it happens to you, or to someone you find on the trail, it takes absolute priority. Never leave a distressed hiker unless it is to go for help. In a rescue, more hands make it less work. Once the patient is on their way to definitive care, you can resume your hike — with a story to tell.
Remember that cooler you left in car two? Or the beer and bratwurst you’ll have in Leavenworth? Celebrate your successful adventure!
Congratulations!
“What an amazing day it turned out to be. Certainly the through hike is not a hike. Give it the fullest respect.”
Thru hiker
Where to get more detailed information and current trail conditions for your Enchantments through hike:
Enchantments Hiking & Backpacking group on Facebook
Washington Trails 