Who needs a fairy-tale to get themselves enchanted?
This gorgeous gem is here in my home state of Washington. How had I not heard of it before? No idea. But someday, I look forward to checking this place out- hopefully on a week day when I can get some solitude away from the crowds that this natural beauty draws to the area.
This gorgeous gem is here in my home state of Washington. How had I not heard of it before? No idea. But someday, I look forward to checking this place out- hopefully on a week day when I can get some solitude away from the crowds that this natural beauty draws to the area.
In The Enchantments...
“Nature has carved one of the magnificent places of this world--an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers, larches manicured by wind and cold, and crystal blue lakes strung together by a creek that tumbles and thunders between them. Seemingly everywhere, herds of mountain goats calmly wander by. Superlatives simply don’t suffice, and you quickly find yourself resorting to otherworldly comparisons, just like the early visitors who bestowed place names like Aasgard, Sprite and Leprechaun on the fairytale surroundings.” - Washington Trail Association
Info:
“Nature has carved one of the magnificent places of this world--an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers, larches manicured by wind and cold, and crystal blue lakes strung together by a creek that tumbles and thunders between them. Seemingly everywhere, herds of mountain goats calmly wander by. Superlatives simply don’t suffice, and you quickly find yourself resorting to otherworldly comparisons, just like the early visitors who bestowed place names like Aasgard, Sprite and Leprechaun on the fairytale surroundings.” - Washington Trail Association
Info:
Due to the popularity of the area, the permit holders will
be determined by lottery, and therefore you are not guaranteed a pass. To
increase your chances of getting a pass, shoot for days that are in less
demand, such as weekdays early in the season. Weekends in August are the most
popular dates that people fight for, so I would stay clear of those. A smaller
number of additional permits are available on a walk-in basis from the Ranger
Station daily except Sunday when the Ranger Station is closed. Since demand for
these walk-in permits also usually exceeds availability, a daily lottery is
also held at 7:45 am daily except Sunday, to distribute these permits.
On the flipside, if you wish to only day hike in The
Enchantments, you are in luck! Day users need only fill out a free day-use
permit, available at any of the three trailheads accessing The Enchantment
Permit Area. It has potential to be busy, and you will not get to see as much
of the area as one would on a backpacking excursion, but ambitious day hikers
will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles (round trip, out-and-back
trail) in a day, but don’t feel too pressured! Taking in only part of this
trail is still splendid. Do what you are physically able to.
Check out the link below for locations of campsites,
toilets, and trail heads/intersections.
Full trail map of The Enchantments
*Please note that dogs and campfires are prohibited
year-round in The Enchantments.
Getting There:
To get to the Lake Stuart trail head from Leavenworth, WA,
follow US-2 West for 0.8 mile, then turn left onto Icicle Road for about 8.5
miles. Turn left on Forest Road 7600, then stay right on Forest Road 7601.
Follow Forest Road 7601 for about 4 miles to the trailhead. WARNING: Parts of
this are dirt roads which frequently contain deep potholes and washboard. Be
sure to get to the trailhead early to get a parking, as it is popular and fills
quickly.
Lake Stuart Trailhead
co-ordinates: 47.5277 -120.8210
Visit here for more trailheads, peaks, & photos.
Fees:
A $6.00 non-refundable Application Fee is required for each
Lottery Application or Permit reservation. Application Fees are used to finance
the on-line reservation system.
[If you win the
lottery] A $5.00 per person per day user fee is charged for your group when
reserving an Overnight Permit for entry from June 15th to October 15th each
year. Fees are charged per day, not per night, so the minimum visit is 2 days.
Use fees are utilized to finance the on-the-ground management of the
Enchantment Permit area.
Contact Information
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Wenatchee River Ranger District
600 Sherbourne
Leavenworth, WA 98826
Phone: 509-548-2550
Fax: 509-548-5817
Resources:
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