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Author:
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Backpacker Magazine
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Activity:
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Hiking
ActivitySearchHiking
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State:
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Washington (WA)
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Distance:
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22.2 mi
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Difficulty:
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8 / 10
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USGS Topo Map:
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Cashmere Mountain, Enchantment Lakes, Blewett, Leavenworth
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Rating:
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 4 rating(s)
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Tucked in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Enchantments is a stunning, backcountry basin brimming with turquoise lakes and towering granite peaks. Reserve a long weekend to explore its inner reaches on this classic, 22.2-mile trek. On day one, drop a shuttle car at the Snow Creek Trailhead before starting at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The route climbs south through the mossy forest flanking Mountaineer Creek. After 2 miles, turn left at the first trail junction and climb a series of switchbacks that lead to the banks of Colchuck Lake.
After skirting the western edge of the lake, prepare for a stiff, 0.8-mile scramble up granite slabs and jumbled boulders that rise to Aasgard Pass, a 7,800-foot perch on the western edge of the Enchantments. As you climb, the sounds of falling rock—easily mistaken for peals of thunder—may echo off the granite walls. At the top of the pass, hike east through a stark basin dotted with Tranquil, Isolation, Inspiration, Perfection, Sprite, and Leprechaun lakes; set up camp anywhere along this scenic stretch.
Day two: Leave heavy packs at camp for a 5-mile out-and-back that crests Prusik Pass and drops to a string of three small lakes. (Stop at the top of the pass for striking views of Prusik Peak, a jagged, fang-shaped pinnacle.) The maintained trail ends at the northern tip of Mesa Lake where a granite hillside forms the lake's eastern shoreline. Backtrack to camp and pack up your gear, then continue east to a picturesque campsite overlooking Snow Lakes.
On the last day, hike north to Nada Lake—look for mirror reflections of the Stuart Range in the lake’s glassy waters. From here, the trail descends into the Snow Creek valley for the final, 5-mile stretch to the Snow Creek Trailhead. Pick up your shuttle car and return to the Stuart Lake Trailhead.
Note: Overnight permits for this area are issued through a lottery system. For more information, go to Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits.
-Mapped by David Tate
TO TRAILHEAD: Start: From Mill St. and US 2 in Leavenworth, go southwest on US 2. In 0.2 mile, left on Icicle Rd. In 8.4 miles, left on FR 7601. Go 3.6 miles to trailhead. End: From Mill St. and US 2 in Leavenworth, head southwest on US 2. In 0.2 mile, left on Icicle Rd. Go 4.2 miles to trailhead on left.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
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Enchantment Lakes
| Dist: 22.22 mi |
Points: 747 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
ENC001
Location: 47.527735°, -120.820588°
Start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and hike south-southwest along Mountaineer Creek. The well-maintained trail climbs gently through mossy forest.
ENC002
Location: 47.510447°, -120.829225°
Cross a footbridge over Mountaineer Creek and continue heading south-southwest through Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
ENC003
Location: 47.505012°, -120.840297°
Bear left @ Y-junction (the trail on the right leads to Lake Stuart). Ahead: The climb steepens as the trail ascends to Colchuck Lake.
ENC004
Location: 47.497111°, -120.834460°
Hike along the western banks of Colchuck Lake, where dramatic views of Dragontail Peak, Colchuck Peak, and Aasgard Pass extend to the south. Campsite: Turn left off the trail and hike 150 feet north to a site near the lake; pitch your tent in the sandy soil.
ENC005
Location: 47.487731°, -120.832851°
The stiff climb to Aasgard Pass (Colchuck Pass on USGS maps) starts at the southern tip of Colchuck Lake. Prepare to gain 2,200 feet of elevation in less than a mile.
ENC006
Location: 47.480438°, -120.821877°
Crest Aasgard Pass (the trip's highpoint), then hike southeast toward Tranquil and Isolation lakes, two tarns separated by a narrow spit of land. Dragontail Peak rises in the background.
ENC007
Location: 47.483221°, -120.795322°
Turn left @ T-junction for a 5-mile out-and-back that drops over Prusik Pass en route to Shield Lake, Earle Lake, and Mesa Lake.
ENC008
Location: 47.487274°, -120.790676°
Prusik Pass: At the top of the pass, look east for striking views of Prusik Peak, a jagged, fang-shaped pinnacle. Next, descend the pass and head north to Shield Lake (watch for trout darting through the water).
ENC009
Location: 47.508780°, -120.764830°
The maintained trail ends at the northern tip of Mesa Lake (a large granite hillside forms the lake's eastern shoreline). Turn around, return to Waypoint 8, and turn left @ the Y-junction.
ENC010
Location: 47.479813°, -120.786030°
Camp: Turn right and hike 100 yards southeast to a campsite near Leprechaun Lake; pitch tents on the sandy soil. Take in incredible views of the surrounding peaks and lakes; it's likely you'll spot mountain goats rambling across the lake's bouldered shoreline.
ENC011
Location: 47.479392°, -120.763350°
The trail skirts the edge of Snow Lakes; look east for up-close views of the Stuart Range.
ENC012
Location: 47.485280°, -120.749617°
Continue hiking north to Nada Lake. Pass a campsite on the right (identified by its massive boulder).
ENC013
Location: 47.497952°, -120.735412°
Pass campsites (with sweet views) on the right. Look for mirror-like reflections in Nada Lake's calm waters. Ahead, the trail descends into Snow Creek valley.
ENC014
Location: 47.511621°, -120.718203°
Descend a set of razor-like switchbacks to the banks of Snow Creek.
ENC015
Location: 47.539398°, -120.706809°
Descend the final set of switchbacks to the Snow Creek Trailhead.
ENC016
Location: 47.544308°, -120.708890°
Snow Creek Trailhead: Pick up your shuttle car and return to the Stuart Lake Trailhead.
Prusik Peak and Gnome Tarn
Location: 47.484623°, -120.789833°
Gnome Tarn reflects Prusik Peak. © David Tate
Mountaineer Creek
Location: 47.510549°, -120.829589°
© David Tate
Colchuck Lake
Location: 47.495632°, -120.835362°
Colchuck Lake is surrounded by Aasgard Pass (far left), Dragontail Peak (center), Colchuck Peak (right). © David Tate
Aasgard Pass Scramble
Location: 47.482641°, -120.823281°
© David Tate
Aasgard Pass
Location: 47.480393°, -120.821672°
The view of Colchuck Lake from the top of Aasgard Pass. © David Tate
Ptarmigan near Aasgard Pass
Location: 47.480205°, -120.820921°
© David Tate
Tranquil Lake and Isolation Lake
Location: 47.480045°, -120.818968°
© David Tate
Tranquil Lake and Isolation Lake
Location: 47.479943°, -120.818110°
These two lakes are separated by a narrow spit of land. Dragontail Peak rises in the background. © David Tate
Inspiration Lake
Location: 47.482554°, -120.799012°
The crystal clear waters of Inspiration Lake are surrounded by granite cliffs. © David Tate
Prusik Pass Views
Location: 47.487274°, -120.790558°
Perfection Lake and Little Annapurna from Prusik Pass. © David Tate
Prusik Peak
Location: 47.487433°, -120.790279°
© David Tate
Shield Lake
Location: 47.498648°, -120.782361°
Prusik Pass and the backside of Prusik Peak © David Tate
Earle Lake
Location: 47.504574°, -120.772865°
Southern tip of Earle Lake © David Tate
Mesa Lake
Location: 47.508780°, -120.764594°
One huge chunk of solid granite forms the eastern shore of the lake; larch trees cling to the cracks in the rock. © David Tate
Trail alongside Perfection Lake
Location: 47.482119°, -120.795203°
© David Tate
Perfection Lake
Location: 47.479479°, -120.796180°
A small island is visible in the lake with Little Annapurna in the distance. © David Tate
Sprite Lake
Location: 47.479160°, -120.794807°
A small waterfall feeds Sprite Lake. © David Tate
Campsite at Leprechaun Lake
Location: 47.479356°, -120.785172°
© David Tate
Mountain Goat
Location: 47.479226°, -120.785000°
© David Tate
Leprechaun Lake
Location: 47.478319°, -120.785226°
Leprechaun Lake with Prusik Peak in the distance © David Tate
Prusik Peak with Leprechaun Lake
Location: 47.478667°, -120.784915°
© David Tate
Leprechaun Lake with McClellan Peak
Location: 47.480408°, -120.784925°
© David Tate
Leprechaun Lake
Location: 47.480466°, -120.784668°
Leprechaun Lake with McClellan Peak in the distance © David Tate
Lake Viviane
Location: 47.482018°, -120.780899°
Another crystal clear blue lake with sheer granite walls surrounding it--the rock in the middle of the picture is called Excalibur. © David Tate
Upper Snow Lake
Location: 47.485280°, -120.749188°
Looking back toward McClellan Peak and The Temple to the right. © David Tate
Nada Lake
Location: 47.497952°, -120.734983°
Reflections in Nada Lake © David Tate
Snow Creek
Location: 47.520244°, -120.717945°
© David Tate
