Can you day hike the Enchantments without a permit?

Can you day hike the Enchantments without a permit?

You can thru-hike the Enchantments (as a day hike) without a wilderness permit. For any day hikes into the Enchantments, you will need a National Forest Recreation Pass. The day pass, which is essentially a parking pass, costs $5 per vehicle. If you drop a car at each trailhead you will need two of these passes.

Can you camp in the Enchantments without a permit?

As mentioned above, no overnight camping permit is required. The Enchantments and the Lake Ingalls area are part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. My climbing partner, Will Holmquist, and I headed up the trail on July 4 around 2 p.m.

How many lakes are in the Enchantments?

700 alpine lakes
At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), it is home to over 700 alpine lakes and ponds surrounded by the vast peaks of Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States.

How long is Aasgard Pass?

Most day hikers continue through the Enchantments on a through hike (~18 miles RT) to finish at the Snow Lake TH (See “Day Hike the Enchantments” adventure). Or, you can turn around and descend Aasgard Pass (~13 miles RT) like we did on our larch march in October.

How hard is the Enchantments hike?

Even though it is an overall downhill, hiking from the the Core Enchantments to Snow Lake, this part of the trail is still challenging. And it’s very difficult to move quickly. For 1.5 miles, you will descend down steep dirt trails, stepping and scrambling over large rocks and tangled tree roots.

What should I bring to enchantments?

The absolute necessities for the Enchantments

• Tent – You’ll want to aim for a 2-3 person and have it be lightweight.
• Sleeping Bag – Unless you plan to go in the fall, you probably don’t need to go lower than 25-degrees.
• Sleeping Pad – Keep in mind weight, size, R-Value (how warm it’ll keep you), and toughness.

Are there bears in the Enchantments?

We were lucky to have a group of 5+ people with bear spray, loud poles, and black bear experience. The thimble berries are ripe in the valley below snow lake so just be alert while hiking! Also be sure to bring a bear can or properly hang your food if you’re camping at Snow Lake.

Do you need a bear can in the Enchantments?

There are not actually any specific food storage regulations for the Enchantments, so we decided not to carry our bear canister to reduce weight as bears are not a big issue in this area.

Can you drive to the Enchantments?

The most direct route from Seattle is via HWY 2. You can also take Interstate 90 and US 97 over Blewett Pass. Either way, once in Leavenworth, turn onto Icicle Creek Road at the west end of town. In about 4 miles, you will arrive at the Snow Creek Trailhead parking lot on the left.

How difficult is Aasgard Pass?

As far as miles per hour goes, Aasgard may be one of the slowest hikes you attempt. Achieving the pass is a thigh-burning, chest-bursting, eye-popping endeavor that offers as many extraordinary views as beads of sweat that will fall from your brow as you ascend nearly 2000 feet in just three-quarters of a mile.

Is Aasgard Pass scary?

The ascent up Aasgard Pass into the Enchantments in the Alpine Lake Wilderness has a well-deserved reputation for being difficult and possibly dangerous. In less than a mile, the hiker gains 2,230 feet in elevation.

How do I prepare for enchantments hike?

PREPARE PHYSICALLY (and MENTALLY). In addition to about 8-10 hours of general aerobic exercise a week and some strength training, be sure to take day hikes on weekends, progressively longer and more challenging (8-15 miles) over a couple months leading up within 1-2 weeks before your Enchantments day hike.

Are there grizzly bears in the Cascade mountains?

There have always been grizzly bears in the North Cascades Ecosystem.

How do I prepare for enchantments?

Is the Enchantments a hard hike?

It is an absolutely gorgeous hike, but it is also extremely difficult, when done as a day hike. Over the course of almost 20 miles, you will ascend one mile and then drop down another 7,000 feet to finish the hike. It is a long, hard day but one that you will never forget.

How many days does it take to hike the Enchantments?

Although the Enchantments hike can be done in two days, this hike is best done in at least three days, spending two nights camping within the permit zone. If you have more time, you won’t get bored spending more time in this beautiful area!

Do you need bear spray in North Cascades?

Use your bear spray if you think the bear will attack. Even though most charges are bluffs, there is no cue from the bear indicating that the charge is a bluff. Play dead and leave your pack on as it may offer some protection.

Which way do you hike enchantments?

You can thru-hike The Enchantments in either direction, but I would suggest starting from the Colchuck Lake Trailhead and ending at the Snow Lake Trail Head.

How long is the Enchantments trail?

Experience this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.