The Enchantments, located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that draws hikers and backpackers from all over the world. The trailhead at Colchuck Lake offers access to some of the most stunning scenery in the Pacific Northwest, and your planned trip promises to be nothing short of amazing.
Oct 4, 2023
Camping in Eightmile Campground
You need drive about two and half hours from Seattle to here. The camping ground is pretty big, and also this is pretty late season for most of the people. You can either book online or drive here to pick up a spot.
I arrived here in the late afternoon to meet my hiking buddy. Instead of setting up the tent, I decided to camp inside my car. So the next morning, I would save about 40 minutes to clean up the camping site.
Oct 5, 2023
Hike to Colchuck Lake and climb up Assgard Pass
I got up very early the next morning, had a quick breakfast and then drove to Colchuck Lake trail head. It took us about half hour to drive to the Colchuck Lake Trail Head. We arrived there before 6:30AM.
We met a few day hiking people there and a bunch of them took the shuttle from Snow Lake Trail Head.
The trail is pretty decent, but you have to take care you need to turn left for Colchuck Lake, instead of Stewart Lake, in about 3 miles from the trail head.
I arrived at Colchuck lake at 10:00AM. The lake was pretty quiet. There is a few larch trees around Colchuck Peak, which shining in golden color
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| Colchuck Lake viewed from west |
You need to walk around the lake about 1 mile to get the foothill of the Assgard Pass. In the last section from climbing the pass, we scrambled over the boulder area.
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| Foothill of Assgard Pass |
Climbing the Assgard pass is pretty brutal if you carry over 50+lb load of overnight camping gear. You'd better start early with cool temperature and take it easy to have periodical water breaks.
The 1~1.3miles' trail over the pass is pretty hard for my buddy. He later told me that he didn't prepare the enough water. That's the reason I waited him on top of the Pass for over one and half hour. We met on the top at 3:30PM. From the trail head, we had hiked over 8 hours!
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| Colchuck Lake and Cashmere Mountain viewed from the top of Assgard Pass |
Oct 5, 2023
Camped at Inspiration Point
The trail on the upper environment is pretty flat, the altitude keeps decreasing. We arrived at the Inspiration Point about 4:00PM, one mile from the Pass.
Sunset and Milky Way
Camping near Inspiration Point was an unforgettable experience. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant oranges and purples, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The stillness of the evening was only broken by the whisper of the wind and the distant calls of wildlife.
After dark, the true magic unfolded—countless stars emerged, and the Milky Way stretched across the sky in stunning clarity. Surrounded by nature's grandeur, I felt a deep sense of peace and awe, as if the universe had paused just long enough to share its beauty.
Camping by Inspiration Lake was a dream. We woke early, wrapped in the stillness of the alpine morning, to catch the sunrise reflecting off the glassy water. As the first light spilled over the peaks, the landscape transformed—soft pinks and golds lit up the granite and made the lake shimmer with color. After soaking in the beauty of the morning, we spent the day exploring the Upper Enchantments. The trails led us past hidden tarns, weathered stone, and pockets of snow, each turn offering new views more stunning than the last. It was a day filled with quiet wonder and awe-inspiring beauty.
Oct 6, 2023
Camped at the Perfection Lake
After spending a peaceful night camping near Perfection Lake, we woke early to catch the sunrise from Inspiration Point and the Upper Enchantments. The morning air was crisp, and the alpine landscape slowly came alive as the first light touched the jagged peaks and glassy lakes. Shades of pink and gold danced across the sky, reflecting in the still waters below and illuminating the rugged beauty of the terrain. Standing there, surrounded by the quiet majesty of the Enchantments, we couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to the wild and a deep appreciation for the start of a new day.
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| Sunrise from Inspiration Point |
Sunset Prusik Pass
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Prusik Pass in the Upper Enchantments to catch the sunset. The light softened as the sun sank behind the granite spires, casting golden hues across the rugged landscape. Prusik Peak stood in silhouette against a sky ablaze with color—fiery oranges melting into soft purples and deepening blues. The stillness of the alpine wilderness made the moment feel almost sacred. Watching the last rays of sunlight fade over the jagged skyline was a quiet reminder of nature’s raw, untamed beauty.
Oct 7, 2023
Enjoy the Perfection Lake and upper enchantment
We decided to stay another day to fully soak in the magic of the Upper Enchantments. After a breathtaking sunset at Prusik Pass, we spent the following day exploring the alpine wonderland around us. Jagged peaks, crystal-clear tarns, and fields of wildflowers surrounded us at every turn. We wandered past shimmering lakes, crossed patches of snow, and paused often to take in the surreal beauty of the high country. With every step, the landscape revealed something new and awe-inspiring. It was a day of quiet adventure and deep connection to the wild—one we won’t soon forget.
Oct 8, 2023
Leave Perfection Lake for home
On our final morning, we left Inspiration Point and began wrapping up our unforgettable three-night adventure in the Enchantments. With packs on our backs and memories in our hearts, we headed west toward Aassgard Pass for the steep descent back to the Colchuck Lake trailhead.
The trail was still challenging, but the vibrant autumn colors lining the route made every step worth it—flaming reds, golden yellows, and burnt orange leaves painted the landscape in a breathtaking farewell. We reached the trailhead just before sunset, tired but fulfilled, carrying with us the magic of alpine lakes, granite peaks, and star-filled skies.
