Magic. Otherworldly. Imposing. Patagonian. Moon-scape-ish.
Actually, scrap that, I’m making words up trying to find the right superlatives. This post is going to be a little different from others because there are simply no words to describe The Enchantments.
It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful place I have ever been. And what follows is simply a photo-based account of what we witnessed. It won’t do it justice. It won’t even come close.
Go and explore the area for yourself.
Stuart Lake / Colchuck Lake Trailhead
Approximately halfway to Colchuck Lake looking across Mountaineer Creek valley
Looking south across Colchuck Lake in the early morning light, before the sun hits it
Colchuck Lake as the morning sunlight hits
Looking north back across Colchuck Lake with the infamous Asgard Pass to the right
Early morning light hitting Colchuck Peak (8705′)
Scrambling up the Asgard Pass – super fun
Slowing making our way up the Asgard Pass and getting a better view of the monstrous Colchuck Peak (8705′)
Halfway up the Asgard Pass, weaving around snowfields and looking back down towards Colchuck Peak
Nearing the top of the Asgard Pass, with Colchuck Lake getting smaller down below
Continuing to scramble up the Asgard Pass, now in the morning sun as we approach the summit
The final few steps of the Asgard Pass as we are about to break over the top
On top of the Asgard Pass – 670m in 1km – looking back down at a now tiny, Colchuck Lake
Looking into the land of The Enchantments from the summit of the Asgard Pass (7800′)
Dragontrail Peak – a Patagonia-esque series of spires at the west end of The Enchantments
The route ahead into The Enchantments (Tranquil Lake to left of pic)
Isolation Lake – the first of The Enchantments
A huge chunk of glacier breaking off into Isolation Lake – the size of a house
A wild mountain goat wonders alone across the centre of Isolation Lake (click to zoom in and spot him)
Panoramic views of Isolation Lake – in The Enchantments
Continuing on into The Enchantments
Taking a momentary breather (one of many) to enjoy the views across The Enchantments
Finding a lunch spot on one of The Enchantments – with Dabous running across a snow field
Heading further into The Enchantments with The Enchantment Peaks to left of pic
Trail running through The Enchantments with first view of The Temple in the distance
Looking back west towards Dragontail Peak our point of entry into The Enchantments
Looking down on Crystal Lake and McClellan Peak (left) that towers over it
Mountain Goats in The Enchantments
Baby goat in The Enchantments
Mountain Goats wondering freely through and pooping all over The Enchantments
Heading towards Inspiration Lake in The Enchantments
Heading over a snow field above Inspiration Lake
Getting up close to Inspirational Lake – The Enchantments
Making our way around Inspiration Lake – the colour of the water is unreal
Inspiration Lake – point of entry was from Snowfield in top left
Lizzie bonding a family of mountain goats taking an ice bath
A creek that flowing out of Perfection Lake – The Enchantments
Running around Perfection Lake and the trail becoming increasingly green as we get further through the Enchantments
Waterfall from Perfection Lake filling Sprite Lake – The Enchantments
Sprite Lake – being filled from Perfection Lake
Creek flowing from Sprite Lake, down towards Leprechaun Lake – The Temple providing the backdrop
Running between Sprite Lake and Leprechaun Lake
Following the maze of creeks from Sprite Lake heading towards Leprechaun Lake
Spot the Dabous – en route to Leprechaun Lake
Looking back west at the descent down from Sprint Lake
Leprechaun Lake – The Enchantments – McClellan Peak standing tall in the background
Scrambling around Leprechaun Lake – The Enchantments
Lake Viviane – The Enchantments – and our chosen swimming spot
Looking over the top of the waterfall, east, down Snow Creek valley with Upper Snow Lake in the distance
The manmade cross between Upper and Lower Snow Lakes jammed up with logs
Upper and Lower snow lakes – The Enchantments
Looking down the 3km-long Upper Snow Lake with The Enchantments hidden away over the ridge in the distance
The sunset view from our cabin over looking the Wenatchee River, following a big day exploring and running The Enchantments
DETAILS:
Format = Point to point
Distance = 30km.
Time = 8.5 hours (approx for running. allow 12+ for hiking)
Elevation Gain = 1980 meters
HELPFUL HINTS:
We ran The Enchantments from the Stuart Lake/Colchuck Lake trailhead, finishing at the Snow Lakes trailhead. This is the reverse way it’s traditionally done, but favours runners (and the views, in our opinion). It also means that, if you start early enough, you’ll get on the Asgard Pass before the sun hits it.
Unless you have two cars (we didn’t) your options to get back to your car are hitchhiking, calling a cab from Lavenworth (no idea how much this would cost) or running back along the FSR (approx 11km w. another 250m elevation gain – you simply wont want to do this post-run). Based on going the direction we did, I’d recommend leaving your car at the finish (Snow Lake trailhead) and hitchhiking in the morning to the starting trailhead – reason being that there are more cars heading up to the Stuart Lake/Colchuck Lake trailhead at the start of the day compared to the end of the day.
Don’t underestimate the distance, elevation gain and time on feet.
There is plenty of running water along the route from which you can refill packs, but make sure you take enough food and sun cream.
The Jager Schnitzel at the Bavarian House and the sausages at the Munchen Haus are the best way to get calories back in you post-run.
cronkski 