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Enchantments Thru-Hike

Wenatchee National Forest, Washington · 3 min read

Distance
18 mi
Elevation Gain
4,500 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
July through October
Est. Time
12-16 hours
Dog Friendly
No
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • One of the most sought-after backcountry permits in the United States
  • Pristine granite alpine lakes at 7,000-8,500 feet rimmed by larch and granite spires
  • Resident mountain goats throughout the upper core zone
  • The alpine larch turn golden yellow in October, the most dramatic fall color in Washington
  • The full thru-hike descends to Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake trailheads
lakeviewsalpine meadowglacierrock formationswildlife

Overview

The Enchantments is the crown jewel of the Wenatchee National Forest and arguably the most sought-after backcountry permit destination in the Pacific Northwest. The core zone holds more than 700 acres of pristine alpine terrain: granite lakes at 7,000 to 8,500 feet, spire ridgelines, resident mountain goats, and in October, the golden larch display that draws lottery entries from across the country.

The full thru-hike covers 18 miles from the Snow Lakes Trailhead through the core zone and out via the Colchuck Lake or Stuart Lake trailhead. The route climbs Aasgard Pass (2,200 feet in 1.5 miles, one of the steepest maintained climbs in Washington) to enter the upper core zone, then descends through a chain of lakes to the exit trailheads.

Permits: A lottery permit is required for overnight stays in the core zone (as of 2026). The lottery opens in February through Recreation.gov. Day hike permits are also required for core zone day trips. Plan months in advance.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3: Snow Lakes approach. The trail climbs from Icicle Creek Road through granite and forest to Snow Lakes at 5,400 feet. The lakes are the most accessible destination for day hikers without core zone permits.

Miles 3 to 6: Aasgard Pass. The climber's route from Snow Lakes to the core zone ascends Aasgard Pass directly, steep, rocky, and unmistakable. This 2,200-foot gain in 1.5 miles is the crux of the thru-hike.

Miles 6 to 13: Core zone traverse. Enchantment Lakes, Leprechaun Lake, Lake Viviane, and a chain of smaller lakes through open granite. Mountain goats are common throughout.

Miles 13 to 18: Colchuck descent. The trail descends to Colchuck Lake (another spectacular lake) and out to the Colchuck Trailhead. Shuttle required if doing the full thru-hike point-to-point.

When to Visit

July through October. Snow may linger in the core zone into early July. October larch color requires a permit and willingness to hike in cold, potentially snowy conditions. September is often the best combination of stable weather and manageable crowds.

Practical Details

Permits required; plan via Recreation.gov (as of 2026). Shuttle logistics needed for the thru-hike. Bear canisters required in the core zone. See the America the Beautiful pass guide for pass applicability and the forest guide for other Wenatchee hiking options.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Trailhead Parking

Snow Lakes Trailhead (lower entry) off Icicle Creek Road, Leavenworth. Large paved lot. Enchantments core zone requires a lottery permit; day hike and non-core overnight permits also available through Recreation.gov.

← Back to Wenatchee National Forest

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Snow Lakes Trail

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Guide to the Snow Lakes Trail in Wenatchee National Forest, Washington. A 6.0-mile out-and-back to twin alpine lakes at 5,400 feet, the gateway to the Enchantments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get an Enchantments permit?
Enchantments core zone permits are awarded by lottery through Recreation.gov. The lottery opens in February for summer/fall permits (as of 2026). Day hike permits for Snow Lakes and other zones are also available. The lottery is highly competitive; apply early and list multiple dates.
How hard is the Enchantments thru-hike?
The full 18-mile thru-hike is extremely strenuous: 4,500 feet of gain, significant off-trail scrambling over Aasgard Pass (which gains 2,200 feet in 1.5 miles), and a long descent. Most parties take 12 to 16 hours as a day hike or 2 to 3 days as a backpacking trip.
When do the larch trees turn in the Enchantments?
Alpine larch (western larch) typically turn golden in the Enchantments from late September through mid-October, peaking around the first week of October in average years. The combination of golden larch, granite spires, and lake reflections makes this the most sought-after fall color experience in the Cascades.
Can I do the Enchantments as a day hike?
The full thru-hike as a day hike is possible for very fit and experienced hikers (18 miles, 4,500 feet, 12-16 hours). Day hike permits are required for the core zone even as a day hike. Most visitors access Snow Lakes (6 miles round trip) or Stuart Lake (10 miles round trip) as day hikes without crossing into the core zone.