Enchantments Traverse
Enchantments Traverse Preparation Guide:
http://botnw.com/the-2014-e-t-enchantments-traverse-prep/
The Enchantments is a magical alpine paradise that’s passage must be earned by gaining the formidable Aasgard pass.
Shuttle a second vehicle to the Stuart Lake trail head. Ascend along Mountaineer Creek taking a left to climb more directly into the Colchuck Lake basin (a coveted and heavily permitted camping destination). The trail winds around the south side of the lake on talus fields below Colechuck and Dragontail peaks before climbing the most difficult pass of the trail up Aasgar pass.
Reach the highest elevation of the trip on top of Aasgard Pass near 7,000 feet. Behold views to the west of Glacier Peak and the Central Cascades before dropping down into the upper Enchantments lakes. This is a magical place with high alpine lakes and tarns, connected by picturesque streams and waterfalls. Enchanting indeed.
Pass by Lakes named after mythical characters on open winding trails. From below Prusik Peak drop down Lake Viviane on some steeper terrain with delicate footing.
Drop back in the forest along the long Snow Lake for the long gradual decent along snow creek, Snow Creek Wall to the Snow Creek parking lot where the shuttle car is waiting.
If forced to pick a single favorite trail in the Pacific NW we choose the Enchantments.
That’s why we make an annual trip each fall to experience this magical alpine setting. This trail video was so popular that we chose to remove it from Facebook and YouTube and keep it private for viewing only here on BOTNW. The Enchantments have been popular as long as I can remember, now they are to the point of being over run with hikers, climbers and trail runners.
Never-the-less, if you go in bad conditions or early or late you might just find some solitude in one of Washington’s most beautiful places.
Read tips & tricks article on finding solitude here.
