the enchantments 2023
Enchantments, WA One-Day Thru Hike (~22 miles) August 2023
The Enchantments is a region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington state's Cascade Mountain Range, and it certainly lives up to its name as it is in fact, enchanting. I checked a bucket list item off by conquering this feat.
Ideally, this hike would be done as a backpacking trip over the span of a few days, but you have to win a massive lottery to be able to take that route and the odds are not in your favor. I did submit an entry into the lottery but did not win. So, the alternate option is to do it all in one day…hike over 20 miles, 5,850 elevation gain according to my Garmin Fenix 6 watch, with 2k of that gain spanning a mile. Sounds like a great idea, right?!
It was a challenging hike and it took me from sunrise, past sunset and even miles in the dark (when I thought I was going to get eaten by a cougar), but I finished and am in awe of the majesty I witnessed.
The first stretch, which can be done as a much more feasible day hike, is a little over 4 miles and you reach Colchuck lake. This is a wonderful spot to admire and swim, and if you turn around here, you get a nice 8.7 mile round trip hike.
If you continue, you climb through a big boulder field and up the rocky, steep Aasgard pass. Once you crest the top, you enter the “core,” that is full of a series of alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountain goats, wildflowers, and a meadow area I called the Shire because it was so surreal (but no hobbits in sight). It is absolutely breathtaking and unforgettable. We swam in some of the lakes, fished, and relaxed while soaking in the views and eating lunch. I could have stayed here for a long time. If you are lucky enough to win the lottery, it would be a dream to camp and truly give the core area the time it deserves.
The climb back down is grueling, long, and makes you question your life choices, but somehow, the whole experience is so worth it!
I couldn’t have done this without my brother and sister-in-law, who had already done this difficult hike a few times, and who guided and encouraged me through the process. We also couldn’t have done it without my dad, who drove us to the trailhead (and hiked to Colchuck with us before he turned around), and picked us up in the area we exited. My mom also played a critical part in praying us through the day and providing a delicious meal for us to eat when I finally made it out, as well as a celebratory chocolate peanut butter cake!!
This is sure to be an epic, unforgettable day!
Make sure to bring your water filter, lots of nutrition, sunscreen, bug spray, and your most comfortable pair of hiking shoes.