The Enchantments, three hours east of Seattle, are full of alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and endless beauty. Even though it’s a 22+ mile hike with a significant incline, it’s a sought-after place. It’s also why they have a stringent permitting process to help limit visitors’ impact on the terrain. Over 23,000 people a year apply for permits for backpacking the enchantments, with only a few hundred getting the ‘Core Zone,’ which is the most stunning part of it.

Below is an Enchantments backpacking photo journey through the 22-mile trail with over 10,000 feet of elevation change. It’s not for the intro hiker or backpacker but for those with experience hiking long distances; it’s one you’ll never forget.

Related: My Guide of what you need to know for a trip into the Enchantments

Photos From a Dazzling Trip Backpacking the Enchantments

The hike into Colchuck Lake

The hike to Colcuch was uneventful, and we found a great place to sleep in the boulder field towards the back of the lake. Then, we walked back around for a peaceful sunset.

Hiking Up Aasgard Pass

This is one of the most demanding ascents I have ever done. It was slow-moving, with over 2,000 feet of vertical gain in just over a mile. Thankfully, you only have to do it once.

washington central cascades aasgard pass

The Core Zone – Days 2 & 3

Once in the Core Zone, it was super easy to get around. After two days of backpacking the enchantments, the gang was tired, and we lounged around, playing cards and napping.

Views from the Enchantments Core Zone

The Enchantments Mountain Goats

Sunset from Aasgard Pass While Backpacking the Enchantments

backpacking the enchantments aasgard pass sunset

central cascades washington enchantments

Hiking through the Core Zone while backpacking the Enchantments

We moved about two miles through the core to Leprechaun Lake. As 3/5 of us hadn’t been here before, we wanted them to get the whole experience.

Backpacking the Enchantments – Descending through Snow Lakes

I’ve now nicknamed this the Enchantments Death March. It gets boring quite fast with 11 or 12 miles of downhill walking. I think I’d instead go down Aasgard than down this route.

I hope you enjoyed these photos of us backpacking the enchantments. It was grueling but so incredibly worth it!