Spellbound by Nature at the Enchantments

Spellbound by Nature at the Enchantments

Written by Nick
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Published on April 6, 2017
Enchantments Feature

Washington state is prolific when it comes to outstanding natural spaces to explore, but few can compare to one particular location that more than lives up to its name: the Enchantments.

The Trek

The Enchantments are an apt moniker for this mountainous area comprised of an upper, mid, and lower basins connected by streams and crystal clear lakes that glow in various shades of blue and green, depending on the season. The views are stunning, but this is no day hike for the hobbyist.

Hikers must undertake a 7-mile hike with 4,400 feet of elevation gain on treacherous, rocky terrain just to get to the first lake in the upper basin. Certain parts of the climb require scrambling on hands and feet, and loose rocks are a common part of the topography within the basins.

Brief History

Enchantments
Photo from David Merrick/Unsplash

First discovered in the early 20th century by US Geological Survey topographer A.H. Sylvester, he was so taken with the region that he immediately dubbed it “Enchantment Lakes”. The name was later shortened to just “the Enchantments.” It became a popular destination for climbers not long after in the 1940s. By the time the 1970s rolled around, the Enchantments were a popular party spot for weekend warriors. Unfortunately, the partiers left destruction in their wake. Not long after, the Forest Service began to take action.

They began by installing toilets in 1966, restricting horses in 1972, and banning dogs in 1982. By 1987, the Forest Service made the decision to implement a permit system for overnight use of the area. The permit system drastically reduced the amount of human traffic and allowed the landscape to recover. This resulted in a supreme comeback of native plants, and even a resurgence of mountain goats and the rock ptarmigan.

Check out this amazing video of everything the Enchantments has to offer, and try to keep yourself from being mesmerized by its stunning beauty!

Video by youtube/Tickled Trails

Featured Image from Paul Callo/Unsplash

Nick

Nick