Hiking The Enchantments Trail, WA
Make This Your First Backpacking Trip
We want to use this blog to encourage similar minded readers curious about outdoor adventures to start the first journey.
Included are our top action packed destinations with a carefully planned and researched gear list and newbie tips to stay safe and make the most of your new experience.
Season: May 15, 2019 — October 31, 2019 (permits required)
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 17.7 miles | point to point thru hike
Ascent: 5,943 ft | Descent: 8,059 ft
Trail map: Gaia GPS Map
Adventure Rating:
9.5 / 10
— Level of wonder and awe inspired
Newbie Tips:
- Get lottery permits early (lottery opens 2/15/19, closes 3/2/19). Overnight permits go fast!
- Go during larch season. (peaks for the first two weeks of October, turns orange through Halloween)
- Start at Stuart Lake trailhead to get all the elevation gain out of the way. Double car drop-off: go with a friend to leave a second car at the finish line (Snow Lake trailhead).
4. Follow the cairns and when in doubt navigate with Gaia GPS.
5. Enter core zone (Aasgard Pass) early. The sun melts the snow, and the slush makes climbing difficult. Bring microspikes.
6. Go light on gear. Ultralight!
Check our detailed list of gears: Enchantments Gear (2 people, 2 days)
7. Hit up Leavenworth after the hike for beer and brats.
8. Leave no trace.
