Enchantments Backpacking Adventure | Colchuck Lake, Up & Down Aasgard Pass & Alpine Fishing

Kristin Jones
Oct 16, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Oct 23, 2025

A Dream Weekend in the Enchantments

After actively refreshing the recreation.gov website daily trying for a permit, I finally scored a three-night stay in the Colchuck Lake Zone, which gave us a chance to explore deep into the Core Enchantments via the legendary Aasgard Pass. While our permit didn’t allow us to camp up in the Core, it was the perfect setup to spend our days climbing high into the alpine lakes basin and our evenings relaxing along the turquoise waters of Colchuck Lake.

It’s early fall in the Cascades, and the larches are just beginning to turn gold. With daytime highs in the low 70s and cool, crisp nights around 50°F, it was perfect hiking weather.

Prepping for the Trip

This trip was special — not only because it was my first time hiking up Aasgard Pass, but also because John joined me, along with our friend Michael. Since there were three of us, we packed strategically to avoid redundant gear and split up the weight.

We brought a larger four-person NatureHike tent (about six pounds total) and divided the components between our packs. For sleeping, we used two double air mattresses — a Klymit Double V and a Hikiner Double Pad — stacked for extra comfort. On top, we tested out a new double quilt, which turned out to be a cozy success.

Our cooking setup included a compact camp stove, two fuel canisters, and plenty of coffee. Since Colchuck Lake is known for its stunning setting, we splurged by bringing along camp chairs, a floaty, and fishing poles.

All in all, it was our heaviest load yet, but with a 4.5-mile hike and about 2,300 feet of elevation gain, it was manageable — and absolutely worth it once we reached camp.

Day 1: Hiking to Colchuck Lake

After grabbing lunch in Leavenworth, we drove to the Stuart Lake Trailhead and hit the trail midafternoon. It was hot, humid, and a little hazy from nearby wildfires, but the excitement carried us up the steady climb.

About halfway in, the trail splits toward Colchuck, and from there, it’s a mix of switchbacks, roots, and boulder steps until you reach that first breathtaking view of Colchuck Lake’s aquamarine water. Even with low water levels, the lake shimmered under Dragontail Peak, and Aasgard Pass loomed steeply in the distance — tomorrow’s challenge.

We found a lakeside campsite with easy water access and views straight across to the pass, and as the sun dipped behind the ridges, we settled in for a calm, starry night.

Day 2: Exploring Around Colchuck

We decided to spend our first full day relaxing at Colchuck before taking on the pass. The weather was warm and calm — perfect for boulder hopping, fishing, and exploring the glacier-fed streams.

We followed the creek toward the Colchuck Glacier, scrambling up the rocks for a closer look at the meltwater rushing down into the lake. The smoky haze muted the distant peaks but added a moody beauty to the scene.

Back at camp, we fished from shore and spotted a few small trout jumping in the shallows. It was the perfect kind of lazy alpine day — warm sun, clear water, and no schedule. After dinner (chicken coconut curry!), we went to bed early to rest up for Aasgard Pass.

Day 3: Up and Over Aasgard Pass

We woke up at sunrise, packed our day gear, and started hiking around 8 a.m. The plan: climb Aasgard Pass, spend the day exploring the Core Enchantments, and return to Colchuck before dark.

Aasgard is known for being brutally steep — about 2,000 feet of elevation gain in just one mile — and it lived up to its reputation. The “trail” is mostly a loose mix of sand, scree, and boulders, but with steady pacing (and plenty of breaks for water and photos), we made it to the top in under two hours.

At the summit, the views opened into the Core Enchantments — a glittering expanse of granite and alpine lakes surrounded by golden larches. We spent the day visiting Tranquil, Reginald, Isolation, and Inspiration Lakes, spotting mountain goats, and even taking a quick polar plunge in the icy water before drying off in the sun.

Fishing was phenomenal — we caught several small rainbow and cutthroat trout, releasing them all, and could have easily stayed longer if daylight weren’t running short. Around midafternoon, we began the long, careful descent back down Aasgard, reaching camp after ten hours round trip — tired, dusty, and completely exhilarated.

Day 4: Packing Out

Our last morning at Colchuck was calm and peaceful. The air was cool, and the sun glowed softly through the smoke. We lingered over coffee by the water before packing up camp and making the final hike out.

This trip was everything I’d hoped for — challenging, beautiful, and full of adventure. The Enchantments truly live up to their name. From the turquoise lakes to the golden larches and the unforgettable climb up Aasgard Pass, it’s an experience that sticks with you long after you’re back home.

Next time, I’m hoping to score a Snow Lake or Core Zone permit to see the full traverse from the other side — but for now, I’m just grateful for three perfect nights in one of the most magical places in Washington.