The Enchantments Through-Hike

Enchantment Permit Area, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (near Leavenworth)

The Enchantments are a high basin of granite, larches and lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness above Leavenworth. The usual way to see them in one trip is a point-to-point hike from the Stuart Lake trailhead, past Colchuck Lake and up Aasgard Pass, through the upper basin, and down past the Snow Lakes to Icicle Creek Road.

The Mountaineers list that through-hike at 18 miles and rate it very strenuous. Overnight use is controlled by a permit lottery, and the Forest Service says demand “far exceeds the number available.”

The hike

The Stuart Lake trailhead is at 3,400 feet, at the end of Eightmile Road (Forest Road 7601), which leaves Icicle Creek Road 8.4 miles from Leavenworth (The Mountaineers). The Forest Service calls the road steep and washboarded later in the season and recommends high clearance.

The trail climbs to Colchuck Lake, which Adventures of A+K list at 8 miles round trip as a day hike. Above the lake rises Aasgard Pass, the steepest part of the trip. The Mountaineers say it gains 2,200 feet in 0.9 mile and is suited only to people in top condition who are experienced on steep trails with a full pack. The Forest Service warns that it “is not advised for hikers who are not prepared and equipped for steep snow travel.”

The top of the pass leads into the Core zone, the upper Enchantment basin, a plateau around 7,000 feet that The Mountaineers say can also be reached from the Snow Lakes side. The Mountaineers list the high point at 7,800 feet.

The route leaves the upper basin near Lake Viviane, which A+K, hiking up from Snow Lake, describe as their first view of the Core, and descends past the Snow Lakes and Nada Lake on the Snow Lakes Trail #1553. The Snow Lakes trailhead is at 1,300 feet, 4.3 miles up Icicle Road from Leavenworth (Forest Service), so most of the descent comes on the last day. A+K camped at Snow Lake and found it “more scenic than we thought it would be.”

The Mountaineers warn that Aasgard can be slippery and dangerous to descend when wet or snow-covered. Because the route ends at a different trailhead, you need two cars or a shuttle. A+K suggest the Leavenworth Shuttle and the Loop Connector shuttle.

The Mountaineers say the route is often snow-covered into early July, and its season runs July through October. A+K note that toilets at the camps are “literally just a wood box with a hole.”

Tips

Apply in the spring lottery. The Forest Service runs it Feb. 15 to March 1; leftovers go first come, first served on Recreation.gov.
Think twice about descending Aasgard. The Mountaineers say it can be dangerous to descend when wet or snowy.
Arrange a shuttle or two cars before you start.
Leave the dog at home. Dogs are banned in the entire permit area.
Stay off fragile plants. Hike with Ryan says to use “previously impacted, vegetation-free sites.”

Camping

From May 15 to Oct. 31, every overnight visitor needs a limited-entry permit for a specific zone. Most are allocated in the advance lottery, held Feb. 15 through March 1. A daily lottery for next-day trips is run through the Recreation.gov app; an article in the Leavenworth Echo says applicants must be within 1 mile of the Wenatchee River Ranger Station in Leavenworth, applications are taken 7 to 10 a.m. on weekdays, and winners pick up permits in person. Hike with Ryan says a Core permit lets you camp in all five zones. Groups are limited to 8. Campfires, dogs and drones are not allowed. Day hikers need a free, self-issued permit at the trailhead.

Inside Intel: Adventures of A+K, who camped at Snow Lake on their trip, said it was “more scenic than we thought it would be.” They suggest Colchuck Lake for a first night if you hold a Core permit. No camper accounts recommending a specific site in the Core were found.

Trail facts

Distance: 18 miles one way (The Mountaineers); about 19 (ranger, per A+K)
Route type: Point-to-point, Stuart Lake trailhead to Snow Lakes trailhead
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Elevation: High point 7,800 feet; gain 4,500 to 6,500 feet depending on source
Campsites: By permit zone; Core permit allows camping in all zones
Water: Lakes and streams; treat all water
Permits: Lottery overnight permit May 15 to Oct. 31; free self-issued day permit
Group size: 8
Fires: Not allowed
Dogs: Not allowed
Trailheads: Stuart Lake (Forest Road 7601) and Snow Lakes (Icicle Road)
Last verified: October 12, 2026

The Lowdown

Aasgard Pass: 2,200 feet in 0.9 mile:

Aasgard Pass gains 2,200 feet in 0.9 mile, and the Forest Service warns of steep snow. From there most of the descent to Snow Lakes trailhead comes on the last day. Use your poles right on both.

Get the trekking pole tips →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.