The Enchantments — Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

While autumn takes hold of lower elevation destinations in Washington state, winter comes quick and early in higher elevations of the mountains, including the Enchantments. Hikers should be prepared for winter conditions when hiking through the full traverse from now until spring.

This week, a series of storms have brought the first lasting layer of snow through the core of the Enchantments in addition to the Snow Lakes Basin, where several inches remain. More snow and consistent freezing temperatures are expected this week and throughout the end of the month. Hikers are reminded to check mountain weather forecasts, and not to rely on city of Leavenworth weather forecasts, when planning to go into the Enchantments, as there are several thousand feet of elevation difference between these locations.

Attempting the full Enchantments traverse during the late autumn and winter months is not recommended without a thorough knowledge of backcountry snow travel and route-finding skills. Winter weather patterns including snowfall and freezing rain create ice surfaces over much of the granite terrain surrounding the core zone. This can make both the ascent and descent exceptionally dangerous without proper gear, route-finding abilities, and preparation. It is not enough to simply carry microspikes, an ice axe, or crampons- hikers must have a working knowledge of how to use this gear appropriately in the high mountains and adverse weather.

As always, remember to pack out your trash, and dispose of human waste properly by digging a 6 inch hole in the soil (beneath the snow), or by packing it out.