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Through hiking the Enchantments and more!

Author Archives: CoolTrails

Can we hike the Enchantments in winter?

It’s a different and beautiful landscape in snow. And there aren’t any permit restrictions.

Posted byCoolTrailsOctober 25, 2022December 25, 2022Posted inAlpine Lakes, Enchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsSeptember 17, 2022March 19, 2023Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsSeptember 17, 2022September 22, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsSeptember 17, 2022September 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

How’s the smoke in the Enchantment Lakes Basin?

enchantments smoke forecast map

Here are some online resources for researching smoke and air quality levels in the Enchantments.

Posted byCoolTrailsSeptember 13, 2022October 5, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 26, 2022October 10, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 17, 2022September 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 12, 2022October 6, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 3, 2022September 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 2, 2022September 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 2, 2022September 22, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

Do 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

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 2, 2022September 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 2, 2022March 19, 2023Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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. 

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 2, 2022September 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 2, 2022October 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 2, 2022September 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 2, 2022September 17, 2022Posted inEnchantment Basin Thru Hike1 Comment on How should we train for our Enchantments through hike?

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.

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 1, 2022September 23, 2022Posted inPacific Crest Trail

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

Posted byCoolTrailsAugust 25, 2021August 25, 2021Posted inAlpine Lakes, Waterfalls, Wildflowers

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 earlyContinue reading “Ancient Lakes from Quincy Lakes Trailhead”

Posted byCoolTrailsMay 8, 2021May 8, 2021Posted inWaterfalls

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