Hey friends, Harper here! If you're looking for a hike that combines jaw-dropping alpine scenery with a true backcountry adventure, the Enchantment Lakes Trail in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness is an absolute must. This trail is known for its challenging terrain, but it's also one of the most rewarding hikes you'll ever experience, with crystal-clear alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and wildflower-filled meadows. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone who loves nature's beauty, the Enchantment Lakes will leave you speechless. Let me tell you why this trail is so special!

Why the Enchantment Lakes Trail is So Special - The Enchantment Lakes are part of a pristine wilderness area located in the Cascade Range, and they’re often described as some of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the world. What makes this trail so special is the sheer variety of landscapes you’ll encounter—from lush forests and rugged granite peaks to crystal-clear lakes surrounded by wildflowers. The hike is challenging, with steep ascents and tricky descents, but the beauty of the Enchantments is unmatched. Whether you’re there for a multi-day backpacking trip or a (long) day hike, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a magical world.

The trail is part of a lottery permit system due to its popularity, especially for overnight stays, but the effort to get there is so worth it!

Highlights of the Enchantment Lakes Trail - Crystal-Clear Alpine Lakes
The stars of the Enchantment Lakes Trail are, of course, the alpine lakes themselves. The trail passes by numerous pristine lakes, each with its own unique charm. Colchuck Lake, with its striking blue waters, is the first major lake you’ll encounter, and it sets the tone for what’s to come. Further along, you’ll reach the heart of the Enchantments, where lakes like Perfection Lake, Leprechaun Lake, and Isolation Lake seem to glow with crystal clarity, reflecting the rugged granite peaks surrounding them. The serenity of these lakes, nestled among rocky outcrops and alpine meadows, is pure magic.

Towering Granite Peaks - Surrounding the Enchantment Lakes are some of the most impressive granite peaks in the Cascade Range. These towering spires, like Dragontail Peak, Little Annapurna, and Prusik Peak, create a dramatic backdrop to the lakes below. The contrast between the stark, jagged rock formations and the calm, turquoise lakes is breathtaking. If you’re lucky, you might catch the peaks glowing in the soft light of sunrise or sunset, turning the landscape into a scene straight out of a fantasy novel.

Wildlife and Flora - The Enchantments are home to a rich array of wildlife and plant life. One of the most famous residents of the area is the mountain goat—don’t be surprised if you spot one (or several) as you hike through the alpine meadows. They’re often seen grazing near the lakes or along the ridges. The area is also full of wildflowers in the summer months, with colorful blooms like Indian paintbrush, lupine, and columbine decorating the meadows and adding to the enchantment of the landscape.

A True Wilderness Experience - The Enchantment Lakes Trail offers a sense of true wilderness that’s hard to find elsewhere. The rugged beauty of the terrain, the remote feel of the high alpine meadows, and the challenge of the hike combine to create an adventure unlike any other. While it’s popular among hikers and backpackers, the vastness of the area means that you’ll often find yourself in quiet, peaceful moments with nature. Whether you’re camping by one of the lakes or pushing through the day hike, the feeling of being surrounded by such raw, untouched beauty is unforgettable.

The Trail Itself - The Enchantment Lakes Trail is about 18 miles point-to-point and is typically done as a multi-day backpacking trip, though some ambitious hikers attempt it as a (very long) day hike. The trail can be approached from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead via Colchuck Lake or the Snow Lakes Trailhead, though most people prefer the Colchuck Lake route for its shorter, steeper climb into the Enchantments. Either way, you’re in for a tough but rewarding adventure.

Colchuck Lake: The first major milestone if you start at Stuart Lake Trailhead, Colchuck Lake is a stunning, glacial-fed lake surrounded by towering peaks. The trail to Colchuck is moderately challenging, but the beauty of the lake makes it worth every step.

Aasgard Pass: After Colchuck Lake, the trail gets serious. You’ll need to climb Aasgard Pass, a steep and rocky ascent that gains about 2,000 feet in just 0.8 miles. It’s a tough climb, but once you reach the top, you’ll be standing at the entrance to the Core Enchantments.

Core Enchantments: This is the heart of the Enchantment Lakes Trail. The Core Enchantments area is where you’ll find the stunning alpine lakes and the most dramatic views. It’s a high plateau filled with lakes, meadows, and granite peaks. Most backpackers set up camp in this area and spend time exploring the different lakes and side trails.

Descent to Snow Lakes: If you’re doing the full point-to-point hike, the trail descends through the Snow Lakes Basin and eventually leads to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. This descent can be tricky, with rocky terrain and steep sections, but the views of Snow Lakes make it worth the effort.

Best Time to Hike the Enchantment Lakes Trail - The best time to hike the Enchantment Lakes Trail is in the summer and early fall, typically from mid-July to October. Snow can linger in the higher elevations well into July, so if you’re hiking earlier in the season, be prepared for snow and ice on the trail. Fall is especially magical in the Enchantments, as the larch trees turn golden, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape. Keep in mind that this area is extremely popular, so you’ll need a permit if you plan to camp overnight, and the permit system operates on a lottery basis.

Tips for Hiking the Enchantment Lakes Trail - Apply for a Permit: If you’re planning to camp, you’ll need to apply for a permit through the Enchantment Permit Area lottery. The lottery is highly competitive, so apply early and have backup dates in mind.

Bring Plenty of Water and a Filter: The lakes are crystal clear, but you’ll need to filter or purify the water before drinking it. There’s plenty of water available along the trail, so you can refill as needed.

Prepare for Elevation: The trail takes you up to high elevations (Aasgard Pass is around 7,800 feet), so be prepared for the effects of altitude, and take your time on the steeper sections.

Start Early: Whether you’re doing the trail as a day hike or a multi-day trip, start early to avoid the heat and give yourself plenty of daylight for the climb.

Pack for Changing Weather: Weather in the Enchantments can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Bring layers and rain gear, even if the forecast looks clear.

Be Ready for the Challenge: The Enchantments are beautiful, but the trail is tough. Make sure you’re in good shape and prepared for a long, strenuous hike, especially if you plan to tackle Aasgard Pass.

Why I Love the Enchantment Lakes Trail - For me, the Enchantment Lakes Trail is a once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience. The sheer beauty of the lakes, surrounded by towering peaks and wildflower meadows, is something you have to see to believe. Every turn of the trail reveals something new and magical, whether it’s the still waters of Perfection Lake or the dramatic rise of Dragontail Peak.

I love how challenging the trail is—climbing Aasgard Pass and pushing through the rocky terrain makes reaching the Core Enchantments feel like an incredible achievement. And once you’re there, the serenity and beauty of the landscape make you feel like you’ve entered another world. It’s a hike that pushes you physically and rewards you spiritually, and it’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever.

Take care, happy hiking, and I hope you get the chance to explore the magic of the Enchantment Lakes Trail soon!