The Enchantments Thru-Hike
Also known as: Core Enchantments
The Enchantment Lakes basin - golden larches, granite, and Prusik Peak reflected in turquoise tarns
The route
The line through Alpine Lakes, Washington, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Late Jul-Sep (snow-free)
Alpine exposure, sudden storms, cold nights; smoke possible in fire season
Best late summer once Aasgard is snow-free; larches turn gold late Sep-early Oct. Confirm.
On the trail
Forest, granite slabs, alpine lakes and larch basins, a steep boulder pass
Non-technical but Aasgard Pass is a steep ~600 m boulder/scramble climb
Cairned; Aasgard Pass and the granite basins need attention in poor visibility
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
Day-hikers common (no day permit needed); the overnight core zone is capped and lottery-only
Colchuck Lake out-and-back (no lottery) for a taste; reverse direction; the classic west-to-east downhill-net thru
Getting there & staying
Stuart Lake TH (west) and Snow Lakes TH (east) near Leavenworth; arrange a car shuttle
Point-to-point - shuttle a car between the two trailheads
Overnight only by permit - dispersed camping/bivy at designated zones; most do it in a day
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Leavenworth; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
NO permit for a single-day thru-hike; overnight in the core zone is a brutally competitive Recreation.gov lottery. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Aasgard Pass falls, altitude, long committing day, weather, mountain goats habituated to salt/urine
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.