Enchantment Lakes
Aug 30, 2009
by
Mountain Lover
—
last modified
Sep 05, 2009 08:25 AM
- Type of Outing
- Overnight
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Enchantment Lakes
- Region: Central Cascades -- Leavenworth Area
- Agency: Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District
- Trails: Enchantment Lakes (#1553)
- Avg Rating: 4.52
I'm proud to say I've done Aasgard Pass and even prouder to say, I have no desire to ever do it again. Though, I hear that the Snow Lake way to reach the Enchantments can be as grueling, just in a different way (distance).
We camped at Colchuck Lake, enjoying a long leasurely afternoon as we were there about 12:30. Getting ready mentally for the next day up Aasgard. On the trail the second day by 6:30am, taking nearly another hour to make our way to the other side of the lake, after crossing the large boulder field that lies at the bottom of Colchuck Peak and taking lots of pictures. Up the boulders/rocks of the gulley that is the trail to Aasgard Pass. Took us 3 hours to go up that insanely steep 3/4 of a mile. Goal was to get up before the sun was beating down on us. We made it just in time.
Once up and over, we had great views everywhere. It was a clear day and the high clouds didn't start forming until mid afternoon (giving us shade on the way back down Aasgard). We spent about 3 1/2 hours in the Upper/Middle Enchantments before heading back down. The larches aren't turning yet, but we saw a lot of fall foliage colors in the underbrush along the way. No bugs to speak of.
Enchantments are beautiful. If you've been there, you know. If you haven't, go -- you'll want to see this. I can't speak for the route in via Snow Lake. As for the Aasgard way, wow and ouch!
We camped at Colchuck Lake, enjoying a long leasurely afternoon as we were there about 12:30. Getting ready mentally for the next day up Aasgard. On the trail the second day by 6:30am, taking nearly another hour to make our way to the other side of the lake, after crossing the large boulder field that lies at the bottom of Colchuck Peak and taking lots of pictures. Up the boulders/rocks of the gulley that is the trail to Aasgard Pass. Took us 3 hours to go up that insanely steep 3/4 of a mile. Goal was to get up before the sun was beating down on us. We made it just in time.
Once up and over, we had great views everywhere. It was a clear day and the high clouds didn't start forming until mid afternoon (giving us shade on the way back down Aasgard). We spent about 3 1/2 hours in the Upper/Middle Enchantments before heading back down. The larches aren't turning yet, but we saw a lot of fall foliage colors in the underbrush along the way. No bugs to speak of.
Enchantments are beautiful. If you've been there, you know. If you haven't, go -- you'll want to see this. I can't speak for the route in via Snow Lake. As for the Aasgard way, wow and ouch!
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