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Coordinates: 47°28′52″N 120°48′14″W / 47.48111°N 120.80389°W / 47.48111; -120.80389
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{{Short description|Scenic mountains near Leavenworth, Washington, USA}}
{{Infobox valley
{{Infobox valley
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'''The Enchantments''' is an area comprising an upper and a lower [[Drainage basin|basin]], the lakes and [[tarn (lake)|tarn]]s contained within them, and the peaks of the [[Stuart Range]] bounding the basins.<ref name="USFS zone map"/> The area is located entirely within the [[Alpine Lakes Wilderness]] about {{Convert|15|mi|km|0}} southwest of [[Leavenworth, Washington]] in the [[United States]].<ref name="Johnson04"/> The Enchantments is regarded as one of the most spectacular locations in the [[Cascade Range]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Day Hiking Central Cascades|first=Craig|last=Romano|chapter=Hike 56|year=2013|publisher=Mountaineers Books}}</ref>
'''The Enchantments''' is a region within the [[Alpine Lakes Wilderness]] area of [[Washington (state)|Washington state's]] [[Cascade Mountain Range]].<ref name="USFS" /> At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), it is home to over 700 alpine lakes and ponds surrounded by the vast peaks of Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States.<ref name=":3" /> The highest peak, Dragontail Peak, stretches 8,840 feet (2,694 m) high. The Enchantments is located 15 miles southwest of the popular Bavarian-themed town [[Leavenworth, Washington]] in the [[United States]] and is regarded as one of the most spectacular regions in the Cascade Range.<ref name="marler" />

The population increase in western Washington, specifically in the city of [[Seattle]], marked the region a prime outdoor destination for wilderness lovers. By 2019, 100,000 visitors made their way to The Enchantments annually.<ref name=":5" /> The influx in foot traffic and lack of maintenance from forest services and visitors had caused permanent damage to the delicate ecosystems in the region.<ref name=":4" /> As a result, the [[Alpine Lakes Wilderness Society]] (ALPS) proposed a permit system restricting access to a maximum of 60 people at any given time.<ref name=":4" /> In 2019, the system was approved and implemented by the [[Okanogan National Forest|Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest]] (OWNF).<ref name=":4" />


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Enchantment Basin.jpg|thumb|left|Enchantment Basin from Prusik Pass]]
[[File:Enchantment Basin.jpg|thumb|left|Enchantment Basin from Prusik Pass]]


[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] tribes, [[Yakama|Yakima]], [[Chinookan peoples|Chinook]] and [[Wenatchi tribe|Wenatchi]], traveled and thrived in and around The Enchantments region before it was ever discovered by western civilization.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Leavenworth History {{!}} City of Leavenworth, WA|url=https://cityofleavenworth.com/about-leavenworth/leavenworth-history/|access-date=2020-11-06|language=en}}</ref> In the early 1900s, logging and mining had consumed much of the region.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Alpine Lakes Wilderness|url=https://www.historylink.org/File/20940|access-date=2020-11-06|website=www.historylink.org}}</ref> It was during this time that The Enchantments was named by [[European Americans|European American]], [[Albert Hale Sylvester|A.H. Sylvester]], a topographer for the [[United States Geological Survey|US Geological Survey]] in the [[Snoqualmie Ranger District]] from 1897 to 1907.<ref name=":5" /> During his time as [[Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest|Wenatchee Forest]] district supervisor from 1908 to 1931, Sylvester had come across the unmapped alpine lakes. While exploring much of the middle basin, the upper basin was likely covered thoroughly with snow from the [[Snow Creek Glacier]].<ref name="marler" /> In a letter, he had described the area writing, "It was an enchanting scene. I named the group Enchantment Lakes."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Enchantments : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost|url=https://www.summitpost.org/enchantments/170944|access-date=2020-11-06|website=www.summitpost.org}}</ref>
The first [[European American]] to discover the area and name it was [[A.H. Sylvester]], topographer for the [[US Geological Survey]] and first supervisor of the [[Wenatchee National Forest]].<ref name="SpringManningAlpineLakes"/> Sylvester visited the middle Enchantment basin and probably did not venture into the upper basin. [[Snow Creek Glacier]] covered more of the upper basin at the time than it does today, which may have discouraged him from exploring the higher areas.<ref name="marler"/> He is credited with naming some of the features in the region.


By the 1940s climbers discovered the area and began naming the crags. Bill and Peg Stark of Leavenworth, became frequent visitors who drew upon various mythologies to name features of the landscape. When they made their first visit in the [[autumn|fall]] of 1959, they were captivated by the golden splendor of the [[Larix lyallii|larch]] trees in the fall, the numerous lakes and [[tarn (lake)|tarn]]s, and jagged peaks towering above. They used fairy names such as Gnome Tarn, Troll Sink, Naiad Lake (officially Temple Lake), Sprite and [[King Arthur]] legends in the Lower Enchantment Basin because "the lower basin was not as austere as the upper basin," according to Peg. They used [[Norsemen|Norse]] names and mythology for features of the upper basin, for example Brynhild Lake (officially Inspiration Lake), Lake Freya (officially Tranquil Lake), and Valhalla Cirque because, Peg said, it felt "as if the Ice Age had just gone off."<ref name="Starks"/>
By the 1940s climbers reached the area and began naming the crags. Bill and Peg Stark, of Leavenworth, became frequent visitors who drew upon various mythologies to name features of the landscape. When they made their first visit in the [[autumn|fall]] of 1959, they were captivated by the golden splendor of the [[Larix lyallii|larch]] trees in the fall, the numerous lakes and [[tarn (lake)|tarn]]s, and jagged peaks towering above. They used fairy names such as Gnome Tarn, Troll Sink, Naiad Lake (officially Temple Lake), Sprite and [[King Arthur]] legends in the Lower Enchantment Basin because "the lower basin was not as austere as the upper basin," according to Peg. They used [[Norsemen|Norse]] names and mythology for features of the upper basin, for example Lake Brynhild (officially Isolation Lake), Lake Freya (officially Tranquil Lake), and Valhalla Cirque because, Peg said, it felt "as if the Ice Age had just gone off."<ref name="Starks"/>


The official naming rulings of the US Board on Geographic Names in the 1960s resulted in a mixture of two name sets being adopted as official, particularly for the lakes, but also exemplified by the feature popularly known as [[Aasgard Pass]] being officially designated Colchuck Pass. Different sources still use the unofficial names in some contexts. The current policy of not adopting new names for geographic features in wilderness areas probably precludes the rest of the names identified by the Starks from achieving official status.
The official naming rulings of the US Board on Geographic Names in the 1960s resulted in a mixture of two name sets being adopted as official, particularly for the lakes, but also exemplified by the feature popularly known as [[Aasgard Pass]] being officially designated Colchuck Pass. Different sources still use the unofficial names in some contexts. The current policy of not adopting new names for geographic features in wilderness areas probably precludes the rest of the names identified by the Starks from achieving official status.
⚫
[[File:Colchuck Lake 2012.jpg|thumb|right|Aasgard Pass is a very steep approach to the Enchantments]]

== Ecology ==
The elevation of The Enchantments range from {{convert|5000|ft|m}} at [[Nada Lake]] to {{convert|7800|ft|m}} in the Upper Enchantments to {{convert|8840|ft|m}} at the summit of [[Dragontail Peak]].<ref name=FSmap>{{cite map|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5428875.pdf|publisher=US Forest Service|title=Enchantment Permit Area Zones}}</ref><ref>{{cite peakbagger|2179|Dragontail Peak, Washington}}</ref> The treeline is approximately {{convert|6400|ft|m}} above [[Snow Lakes|Snow Lake]].<ref name=FSmap/> The EPA ecoregion below the treeline is 77g, "Wenatchee/Chelan Highlands", dominated by [[Douglas fir]], [[Grand fir]], and [[Subalpine fir]]. [[Lodgepole pine]], [[Engelmann spruce]], and [[Acer circinatum|vine maple]] are also present.<ref name=EPAeco>{{cite web|url=https://store.usgs.gov/assets/mod/storefiles/Ecoregion/21630_WA_OR_Ecoregion_Front.pdf|title=Ecoregions of Western Washington and Oregon|publisher=US EPA|accessdate=2022-08-07}}</ref><ref name=":5"/> [[Alnus alnobetula|Slide alder]] grows in [[avalanche]] chutes.<ref name=":5"/>

The [[alpine zone]] lies above the treeline. The climate of the alpine zone is too harsh for trees to grow,<ref name=EPAeco/> but the zone is home to a number of alpine flowers: ''[[Dryas octopetala]]'', ''[[Phacelia sericea]]'', ''[[Saxifraga oppositifolia]]'', ''[[Anemone drummondii]]'', and the endemic ''[[Erigeron salishii]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/alpinefloraofwashingtonstate/north-cascades|title=North Cascades|work=Alpine flora of Washington State|accessdate=2022-08-07}}</ref> A number of animals are permanent residents of the alpine zone: [[white-tailed ptarmigan]], [[hoary marmot]]s, and [[pika]]s.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Johnson |first=D.H. |title=Wildlife Habitat Relationships Washington and Oregon |last2=O’Neil |first2=T.A. |publisher=Oregon State University Press |year=2001 |isbn=0-87071-488-0}}</ref>


== Conservation ==
The number of visitors to the Enchantments grew to large numbers partly due to the fast-growing population of Seattle. By the late 1970s up to 300 people camped in the basin on summer weekends, leaving trash, creating unauthorized paths, and trampling the heather. The Forest Service installed toilets in 1966, restricted horses in 1972, and banned dogs in 1982. In 1987 the Forest Service enacted a permit system for overnight camping in the Enchantments and the Snow Lakes, Stuart Lake, and Colchuck Lake areas.<ref name="Foster89"/>
[[File:Poorly marked trail near Perfection Lake, Enchantments (11 October 2024).jpg|thumb|The trail through the Enchantments is poorly marked, leading multiple routes to develop without any indication which one is official (near Perfection Lake on 11 October 2024)]]
The number of visitors to the Enchantments has exponentially increased largely due to the fast growing population in the western region of Washington state. By the late 1970s, up to 300 people would be found camping in the basin on summer weekends. The Forest Service installed toilets in 1966, restricted horses in 1972, and banned dogs in 1982. By 2019, 100,000 people would visit The Enchantments annually.<ref name=":4" /> In 1987, a permit system was implemented to prevent further destruction of the region, restricting access to only 60 campers into the region at any given time.<ref name="Foster89"/><ref name=":4" /> After the ban on dogs, the population of [[mountain goat]]s and [[rock ptarmigan|ptarmigan]] recovered.<ref name="Johnson04"/><ref name="SpringManningAlpineLakes"/>

Both the rocky alpine and subalpine meadows of The Enchantments sustain highly sensitive ecosystems.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Rebecca|date=2018-05-08|title=Places of the Pacific: The Enchantments|url=https://wildlandsnetwork.org/blog/places-of-the-pacific-the-enchantments/|access-date=2020-10-17|website=Wildlands Network|language=en-US}}</ref>  At such high elevation, vegetation are particularly vulnerable to foot traffic due to their short growing season, sparsity and low resilience to changes in their environment.<ref name=":7" />  In 2016 the ALPS proposed a permit-system that would regulate the number of visitors allowed to stay overnight in the region in order to prevent further landscape destruction. In October 2018, the OWNF approved the permit system effective in 2019.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Alpine Lakes Protection Society|date=February 2019|title=USFS action regarding Enchantments overuse|url=http://www.alpinelakes.org/newsletters/alpine_2019_01.pdf|access-date=October 16, 2020|website=Alpine Lakes Protection Society}}</ref>

In 2016, [[Chelan County, Washington|Chelan County]] and the [[Washington State Department of Ecology]] had proposed the [[Icicle Strategy]] plan to resolve the shortage of water supply that threatened [[irrigation]], fish habitat and passage, and [[Tribal fisheries|tribal]] and non-tribal fisheries in the [[Icicle Creek]] subbasin region.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Icicle Creek strategy - Washington State Department of Ecology|url=https://ecology.wa.gov/Water-Shorelines/Water-supply/Water-supply-projects-EW/Icicle-Creek-strategy#:~:text=Strategy%20identifies%20projects%20to%20improve%20streamflows,%20water%20availability&text=In%202018,%20they%20formally%20adopted,resolves%20habitat%20and%20fisheries%20issues.|access-date=2020-10-17|website=ecology.wa.gov}}</ref> The purpose of the plan was to improve stream flow and water availability into the subbasin that previously relied heavily on the tight stream of Icicle Creek.

Particularly during seasons of drought, Icicle Creek would often fail to meet minimum adopted levels.<ref name=":2" /> In 2018, the plan was approved by the [[Washington State Department of Ecology]]. The Icicle Strategy directly impacted seven subbasin lake reservoirs in The Enchantments, optimizing, modernizing and automating the outlet works and gate infrastructures. It also restored the dam infrastructure at [[Eightmile Lake]], also in The Enchantments, permitting higher levels of water storage.<ref name=":2" /> Although there were concerns for flooding in and around the areas surrounding each lake and the possibility of damaging trails and vegetation, the positive impacts outweighed the risks; habitat protection, fish passage, fish screening and water conservation efficiencies.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|title=Chelan County Natural Resources - Environmental Review|url=http://www.co.chelan.wa.us/natural-resources/pages/environmental-review|access-date=2020-10-17|website=www.co.chelan.wa.us|language=en}}</ref>


== Hiking ==
== Hiking ==
⚫
{{wide image|Enchantment Lakes Topo.png|512px|OpenTopoMap of the Enchantment Lakes|50%|right}}
⚫
[[File:Colchuck Lake 2012.jpg|thumb|right|Aasgard Pass is a very steep approach to the Enchantments]]
⚫
{{wide image|Enchantment Lakes Topo.png|512px|USGS Topographic map of the Enchantment Lakes|50%|right}}


There are two primary approaches to the Enchantments Basin. Both trail heads are accessed via [[Icicle Creek]] Road. The Snow Lake trailhead is off [[Icicle Creek]] Road at a large parking lot next to the creek. The trail climbs {{convert|6.5|mi|km}} to [[Snow Lake, Chelan County, Washington|Snow Lake]] gaining {{convert|4100|ft|m}}. From Snow lake the trail ascends over sloping granite rock to the Lower Enchantments. The entire hike is {{convert|9|mi|km}} one-way, with {{convert|6000|ft|m}} of elevation gain to an end elevation of {{convert|7800|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/enchantment-lakes|title=Enchantment Lakes|publisher=Washington Trails Association}}</ref> This hike usually takes two days each way and is described as "long, steep, and grueling."<ref name="SpringManningAlpineLakes"/> The alternate route is from the Stuart Lake trail head a couple of miles up Eightmile road off Icicle Creek Road. The trail up to [[Colchuck Lake]] is {{convert|4.75|mi|km}} long and gains {{convert|2100|ft|m}}; another {{convert|1.75|mi|km}} bring hikers to the south end of the lake and [[Aasgard Pass]], which climbs {{convert|2200|ft|m}} in {{convert|0.8|mi|km}}.<ref name="SpringManningWashington"/> Aasgard Pass is a steep scramble which is dangerous to descend in snow.<ref>{{cite book|title=Selected Climbs in the Cascades|volume=1|edition=2nd|page=114|publisher=Mountaineers Books|first1=Jim|last1=Nelson|first2=Peter|last2=Potterfield|year=2003}}</ref> The Aasgard Pass route has also been described as "in very bad taste" because it bypasses the beauty of the lower basin to get to the upper basin first.<ref name="SpringManningWashington"/> The two routes can be combined to form a loop if the hiking party has two cars, a bicycle, or otherwise arranges transportation between the trail heads.
There are two primary approaches to the Enchantments Basin. Both trail heads are accessed via [[Icicle Creek]] Road. The Snow Lakes trailhead is off [[Icicle Creek]] Road at a large parking lot next to the creek. The trail climbs {{convert|6.5|mi|km}} to [[Snow Lakes]] gaining {{convert|4100|ft|m}}. From Snow Lakes the trail ascends over sloping granite rock to the Lower Enchantments. The entire hike is {{convert|9|mi|km}} one-way, with {{convert|6000|ft|m}} of elevation gain to an end elevation of {{convert|7800|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/enchantment-lakes|title=Enchantment Lakes|publisher=Washington Trails Association}}</ref> This hike usually takes two days each way and is described as "long, steep, and grueling."<ref name="SpringManningAlpineLakes"/> The alternate route is from the Stuart Lake trail head a couple of miles up Eightmile road off Icicle Creek Road. The trail up to [[Colchuck Lake]] is {{convert|4.75|mi|km}} long and gains {{convert|2100|ft|m}}; another {{convert|1.75|mi|km}} bring hikers to the south end of the lake and [[Aasgard Pass]], which climbs {{convert|2200|ft|m}} in {{convert|0.8|mi|km}}.<ref name="SpringManningWashington"/> Aasgard Pass is a steep scramble which is dangerous to descend in snow.<ref>{{cite book|title=Selected Climbs in the Cascades|volume=1|edition=2nd|page=114|publisher=Mountaineers Books|first1=Jim|last1=Nelson|first2=Peter|last2=Potterfield|year=2003}}</ref> The Aasgard Pass route has also been described as "in very bad taste" because it bypasses the beauty of the lower basin to get to the upper basin first.<ref name="SpringManningWashington"/> The two routes can be combined to form a loop if the hiking party has two cars, a bicycle, or otherwise arranges transportation between the trail heads.


The [[United States Forest Service]] restricts access to the Enchantments permit area, which includes five zones. The three most popular zones are the Snow Zone (from Icicle Creek up to Snow Lakes), the Colchuck Zone (the area surrounding Colchuck Lake) and the Core Enchantment Zone (the Upper and Lower Enchantment Basins and surrounding peaks). The other zones are the Stuart Zone (the area around Stuart Lake and the northern approaches to [[Mount Stuart]]) and the Eightmile/Caroline Zone (Eightmile Lake, Eightmile Mountain, [[Cashmere Mountain]], and vicinity). In addition, the Forest Service has proposed adding the Ingalls Lake, Headlight Basin, and Mount Stuart areas to the permit area in accordance with a 1993 [[National Environmental Policy Act|NEPA]] decision. The earliest the change could be implemented is 2010.<ref name="USFS"/>
The [[United States Forest Service]] restricts access to the Enchantments permit area, which includes five zones. The three most popular zones are the Snow Zone (from Icicle Creek up to Snow Lakes), the Colchuck Zone (the area surrounding Colchuck Lake) and the Core Enchantment Zone (the Upper and Lower Enchantment Basins and surrounding peaks). The other zones are the Stuart Zone (the area around Stuart Lake and the northern approaches to [[Mount Stuart]]) and the Eightmile/Caroline Zone (Eightmile Lake, Eightmile Mountain, [[Cashmere Mountain]], and vicinity). In addition, the Forest Service has proposed adding the Ingalls Lake, Headlight Basin, and Mount Stuart areas to the permit area in accordance with a 1993 [[National Environmental Policy Act|NEPA]] decision. The earliest the change could be implemented is 2010.<ref name="USFS"/>
[[File:The Temple in Enchantments.jpg|thumb|[[The Temple (Washington)|The Temple]] seen from [[Little Annapurna]]]]
[[File:The Temple in Enchantments.jpg|thumb|[[The Temple (Washington)|The Temple]] seen from [[Little Annapurna]]]]
The 1981 Alpine Lakes Wilderness Plan established a quota of 60 people at one time as the carrying capacity of the Core Enchantment Zone. For overnight camping between May 15 and October 31 hikers in any of the five currently established zones must have permits. 75 percent of the permits for each hiking season are awarded in advance by lottery. The first round of the (very competitive) lottery includes all applications received between February 15, 2016 (12:01 a.m. PT) and March 2, 2016 (11:59 p.m. PT) for the 2016 season. All applications received during this period will be randomly drawn on or around March 6th.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.recreation.gov/permits/Enchantment_Permit_Area_Wa/r/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=detail&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72280|title=Enchantment Permit Area, WA|publisher=Recreation.gov|accessdate=2015-09-25}}</ref> The other 25 percent of permits are issued each morning (except Sunday) at 7:45 a.m. at the [[Leavenworth, Washington|Leavenworth]] ranger station for trips beginning the same day. If not enough permits are available for the day's applicants, the permits are awarded by lottery.<ref name="USFS"/>
The 1981 Alpine Lakes Wilderness Plan established a quota of 60 people at one time as the carrying capacity of the Core Enchantment Zone. For overnight camping between May 15 and October 31 hikers in any of the five currently established zones must have permits. 75 percent of the permits for each hiking season are awarded in advance by lottery. The first round of the (very competitive) lottery includes all applications received between February 15, 2016 (12:01&nbsp;a.m. PT) and March 2, 2016 (11:59&nbsp;p.m. PT) for the 2016 season. All applications received during this period will be randomly drawn on or around March 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.recreation.gov/permits/Enchantment_Permit_Area_Wa/r/wildernessAreaDetails.do?page=detail&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72280|title=Enchantment Permit Area, WA|publisher=Recreation.gov|access-date=2015-09-25}}</ref> The other 25 percent of permits are issued each morning (except Sunday) at 7:45&nbsp;a.m. at the [[Leavenworth, Washington|Leavenworth]] ranger station for trips beginning the same day. If not enough permits are available for the day's applicants, the permits are awarded by lottery.<ref name="USFS"/>

The Forest Service has banned dogs in the area, which has allowed the population of [[mountain goat]]s and [[rock ptarmigan|ptarmigan]] to recover.<ref name="Johnson04"/><ref name="SpringManningAlpineLakes"/>


{{clear right}}
{{clear right}}
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== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
{{reflist|refs=

<ref name="USFS zone map">
{{cite web
|url = http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/passes/enchantments/zone-map.jpg
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20090120031233/http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/passes/enchantments/zone-map.jpg
|archivedate = 2009-01-20
|title = Enchantment Permit Areas Zone Map
|accessdate = 2009-10-05
|year = 2009
|format = [[JPG]]
|publisher = [[US Forest Service]]
}}</ref>


<ref name="Johnson04">
<ref name="Johnson04">
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|url = http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/A-heavenly-reward-awaits-in-the-Enchantment-Lakes-1157203.php
|url = http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/A-heavenly-reward-awaits-in-the-Enchantment-Lakes-1157203.php
|title = A heavenly reward awaits in the Enchantment Lakes Basin
|title = A heavenly reward awaits in the Enchantment Lakes Basin
|accessdate = 2007-08-09
|access-date = 2007-08-09
|last = Johnston
|last = Johnston
|first = Greg
|first = Greg
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{{cite web
{{cite web
|url = http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/100898/ench08.html
|url = http://www.seattlepi.com/getaways/100898/ench08.html
⚫
|archiveurl = http://www.summitpost.org/enchantments/170944#chapter_11
|archivedate = 2015-09-06
|title = World-renowned basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has a magical allure
|title = World-renowned basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has a magical allure
|accessdate = 2007-08-09
|access-date = 2007-08-09
|last = Sykes
|last = Sykes
|first = Karen
|first = Karen
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|work = Special to the Post-Intelligencer
|work = Special to the Post-Intelligencer
|publisher = [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]
|publisher = [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]
⚫
}}{{dead link|date=July 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [http://www.summitpost.org/enchantments/170944#chapter_11 Alt URL]</ref>
}}</ref>


<ref name="SpringManningAlpineLakes">
<ref name="SpringManningAlpineLakes">
{{cite book
{{cite book
| author = Spring, Ira
| author = Spring, Ira
| authorlink = Ira Spring
| author-link = Ira Spring
|author2=Manning, Harvey |authorlink2=Harvey Manning
|author2=Manning, Harvey |author-link2=Harvey Manning
| year=1998
| year=1998
| edition = 1st
| edition = 1st
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<ref name="Foster89">
<ref name="Foster89">
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CZFTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yYYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6704%2C6588764
|url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=CZFTAAAAIBAJ&pg=6704%2C6588764
|title = Rangers help control overcrowding as hikers try loving forests to death
|title = Rangers help control overcrowding as hikers try loving forests to death
|accessdate = 2014-09-19
|access-date = 2014-09-19
|last = Foster
|last = Foster
|first = David
|first = David
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<ref name="USFS">{{cite web
<ref name="USFS">{{cite web
|url = http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/passes/enchantments/
|url = http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/passes/enchantments/
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070329021407/http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/passes/enchantments/
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070329021407/http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/passes/enchantments/
|archivedate = 2007-03-29
|archive-date = 2007-03-29
|title = Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits
|title = Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits
|accessdate = 2009-10-05
|access-date = 2009-10-05
|year = 2009
|year = 2009
|publisher = [[US Forest Service]]
|publisher = [[US Forest Service]]
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[[Category:Cascade Range]]
[[Category:Cascade Range]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Chelan County, Washington]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Chelan County, Washington]]
[[Category:Wilderness Areas of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Wilderness areas of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Wenatchee National Forest]]
[[Category:Wenatchee National Forest]]

Latest revision as of 17:10, 20 October 2024

The Enchantments
View of Prusik Peak from Gnome Tarn
The Enchantments is located in Washington (state)
The Enchantments
Floor elevation7,428 ft (2,264 m)[1]
Length5 mi (8.0 km)
Depth1,400 ft (430 m)
Geography
CountryUnited States
StateWashington
DistrictAlpine Lakes Wilderness
Coordinates47°28′52″N 120°48′14″W / 47.48111°N 120.80389°W / 47.48111; -120.80389 [1]
Topo mapUSGS Enchantment Lakes

The Enchantments is a region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington state's Cascade Mountain Range.[2] At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), it is home to over 700 alpine lakes and ponds surrounded by the vast peaks of Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States.[3] The highest peak, Dragontail Peak, stretches 8,840 feet (2,694 m) high. The Enchantments is located 15 miles southwest of the popular Bavarian-themed town Leavenworth, Washington in the United States and is regarded as one of the most spectacular regions in the Cascade Range.[4]

The population increase in western Washington, specifically in the city of Seattle, marked the region a prime outdoor destination for wilderness lovers. By 2019, 100,000 visitors made their way to The Enchantments annually.[5] The influx in foot traffic and lack of maintenance from forest services and visitors had caused permanent damage to the delicate ecosystems in the region.[6] As a result, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Society (ALPS) proposed a permit system restricting access to a maximum of 60 people at any given time.[6] In 2019, the system was approved and implemented by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (OWNF).[6]

History

[edit]
Enchantment Basin from Prusik Pass

Native American tribes, Yakima, Chinook and Wenatchi, traveled and thrived in and around The Enchantments region before it was ever discovered by western civilization.[7] In the early 1900s, logging and mining had consumed much of the region.[5] It was during this time that The Enchantments was named by European American, A.H. Sylvester, a topographer for the US Geological Survey in the Snoqualmie Ranger District from 1897 to 1907.[5] During his time as Wenatchee Forest district supervisor from 1908 to 1931, Sylvester had come across the unmapped alpine lakes. While exploring much of the middle basin, the upper basin was likely covered thoroughly with snow from the Snow Creek Glacier.[4] In a letter, he had described the area writing, "It was an enchanting scene. I named the group Enchantment Lakes."[3]

By the 1940s climbers reached the area and began naming the crags. Bill and Peg Stark, of Leavenworth, became frequent visitors who drew upon various mythologies to name features of the landscape. When they made their first visit in the fall of 1959, they were captivated by the golden splendor of the larch trees in the fall, the numerous lakes and tarns, and jagged peaks towering above. They used fairy names such as Gnome Tarn, Troll Sink, Naiad Lake (officially Temple Lake), Sprite and King Arthur legends in the Lower Enchantment Basin because "the lower basin was not as austere as the upper basin," according to Peg. They used Norse names and mythology for features of the upper basin, for example Lake Brynhild (officially Isolation Lake), Lake Freya (officially Tranquil Lake), and Valhalla Cirque because, Peg said, it felt "as if the Ice Age had just gone off."[8]

The official naming rulings of the US Board on Geographic Names in the 1960s resulted in a mixture of two name sets being adopted as official, particularly for the lakes, but also exemplified by the feature popularly known as Aasgard Pass being officially designated Colchuck Pass. Different sources still use the unofficial names in some contexts. The current policy of not adopting new names for geographic features in wilderness areas probably precludes the rest of the names identified by the Starks from achieving official status.

Aasgard Pass is a very steep approach to the Enchantments

Ecology

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The elevation of The Enchantments range from 5,000 feet (1,500 m) at Nada Lake to 7,800 feet (2,400 m) in the Upper Enchantments to 8,840 feet (2,690 m) at the summit of Dragontail Peak.[9][10] The treeline is approximately 6,400 feet (2,000 m) above Snow Lake.[9] The EPA ecoregion below the treeline is 77g, "Wenatchee/Chelan Highlands", dominated by Douglas fir, Grand fir, and Subalpine fir. Lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and vine maple are also present.[11][5] Slide alder grows in avalanche chutes.[5]

The alpine zone lies above the treeline. The climate of the alpine zone is too harsh for trees to grow,[11] but the zone is home to a number of alpine flowers: Dryas octopetala, Phacelia sericea, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Anemone drummondii, and the endemic Erigeron salishii.[12] A number of animals are permanent residents of the alpine zone: white-tailed ptarmigan, hoary marmots, and pikas.[13]

Conservation

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The trail through the Enchantments is poorly marked, leading multiple routes to develop without any indication which one is official (near Perfection Lake on 11 October 2024)

The number of visitors to the Enchantments has exponentially increased largely due to the fast growing population in the western region of Washington state. By the late 1970s, up to 300 people would be found camping in the basin on summer weekends. The Forest Service installed toilets in 1966, restricted horses in 1972, and banned dogs in 1982. By 2019, 100,000 people would visit The Enchantments annually.[6] In 1987, a permit system was implemented to prevent further destruction of the region, restricting access to only 60 campers into the region at any given time.[14][6] After the ban on dogs, the population of mountain goats and ptarmigan recovered.[15][16]

Both the rocky alpine and subalpine meadows of The Enchantments sustain highly sensitive ecosystems.[17]  At such high elevation, vegetation are particularly vulnerable to foot traffic due to their short growing season, sparsity and low resilience to changes in their environment.[17]  In 2016 the ALPS proposed a permit-system that would regulate the number of visitors allowed to stay overnight in the region in order to prevent further landscape destruction. In October 2018, the OWNF approved the permit system effective in 2019.[6]

In 2016, Chelan County and the Washington State Department of Ecology had proposed the Icicle Strategy plan to resolve the shortage of water supply that threatened irrigation, fish habitat and passage, and tribal and non-tribal fisheries in the Icicle Creek subbasin region.[18] The purpose of the plan was to improve stream flow and water availability into the subbasin that previously relied heavily on the tight stream of Icicle Creek.

Particularly during seasons of drought, Icicle Creek would often fail to meet minimum adopted levels.[18] In 2018, the plan was approved by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Icicle Strategy directly impacted seven subbasin lake reservoirs in The Enchantments, optimizing, modernizing and automating the outlet works and gate infrastructures. It also restored the dam infrastructure at Eightmile Lake, also in The Enchantments, permitting higher levels of water storage.[18] Although there were concerns for flooding in and around the areas surrounding each lake and the possibility of damaging trails and vegetation, the positive impacts outweighed the risks; habitat protection, fish passage, fish screening and water conservation efficiencies.[19]

Hiking

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OpenTopoMap of the Enchantment Lakes

There are two primary approaches to the Enchantments Basin. Both trail heads are accessed via Icicle Creek Road. The Snow Lakes trailhead is off Icicle Creek Road at a large parking lot next to the creek. The trail climbs 6.5 miles (10.5 km) to Snow Lakes gaining 4,100 feet (1,200 m). From Snow Lakes the trail ascends over sloping granite rock to the Lower Enchantments. The entire hike is 9 miles (14 km) one-way, with 6,000 feet (1,800 m) of elevation gain to an end elevation of 7,800 feet (2,400 m).[20] This hike usually takes two days each way and is described as "long, steep, and grueling."[16] The alternate route is from the Stuart Lake trail head a couple of miles up Eightmile road off Icicle Creek Road. The trail up to Colchuck Lake is 4.75 miles (7.64 km) long and gains 2,100 feet (640 m); another 1.75 miles (2.82 km) bring hikers to the south end of the lake and Aasgard Pass, which climbs 2,200 feet (670 m) in 0.8 miles (1.3 km).[21] Aasgard Pass is a steep scramble which is dangerous to descend in snow.[22] The Aasgard Pass route has also been described as "in very bad taste" because it bypasses the beauty of the lower basin to get to the upper basin first.[21] The two routes can be combined to form a loop if the hiking party has two cars, a bicycle, or otherwise arranges transportation between the trail heads.

The United States Forest Service restricts access to the Enchantments permit area, which includes five zones. The three most popular zones are the Snow Zone (from Icicle Creek up to Snow Lakes), the Colchuck Zone (the area surrounding Colchuck Lake) and the Core Enchantment Zone (the Upper and Lower Enchantment Basins and surrounding peaks). The other zones are the Stuart Zone (the area around Stuart Lake and the northern approaches to Mount Stuart) and the Eightmile/Caroline Zone (Eightmile Lake, Eightmile Mountain, Cashmere Mountain, and vicinity). In addition, the Forest Service has proposed adding the Ingalls Lake, Headlight Basin, and Mount Stuart areas to the permit area in accordance with a 1993 NEPA decision. The earliest the change could be implemented is 2010.[2]

The Temple seen from Little Annapurna

The 1981 Alpine Lakes Wilderness Plan established a quota of 60 people at one time as the carrying capacity of the Core Enchantment Zone. For overnight camping between May 15 and October 31 hikers in any of the five currently established zones must have permits. 75 percent of the permits for each hiking season are awarded in advance by lottery. The first round of the (very competitive) lottery includes all applications received between February 15, 2016 (12:01 a.m. PT) and March 2, 2016 (11:59 p.m. PT) for the 2016 season. All applications received during this period will be randomly drawn on or around March 6.[23] The other 25 percent of permits are issued each morning (except Sunday) at 7:45 a.m. at the Leavenworth ranger station for trips beginning the same day. If not enough permits are available for the day's applicants, the permits are awarded by lottery.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Enchantment Basin". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ a b c "Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits". US Forest Service. 2009. Archived from the original on 2007-03-29. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
  3. ^ a b "Enchantments : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost". www.summitpost.org. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  4. ^ a b Marler, Chester (2004). East of the Divide: Travels through the Eastern Slope of the North Cascades 1870-1999. North Fork Books. p. 50. ISBN 0975460501.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Alpine Lakes Wilderness". www.historylink.org. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Alpine Lakes Protection Society (February 2019). "USFS action regarding Enchantments overuse" (PDF). Alpine Lakes Protection Society. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  7. ^ "Leavenworth History | City of Leavenworth, WA". Retrieved 2020-11-06.
  8. ^ Sykes, Karen (October 8, 1998). "World-renowned basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has a magical allure". Special to the Post-Intelligencer. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2007-08-09.[dead link‍] Alt URL
  9. ^ a b Enchantment Permit Area Zones (PDF) (Map). US Forest Service.
  10. ^ "Dragontail Peak, Washington". Peakbagger.com.
  11. ^ a b "Ecoregions of Western Washington and Oregon" (PDF). US EPA. Retrieved 2022-08-07.
  12. ^ "North Cascades". Alpine flora of Washington State. Retrieved 2022-08-07.
  13. ^ Johnson, D.H.; O’Neil, T.A. (2001). Wildlife Habitat Relationships Washington and Oregon. Oregon State University Press. ISBN 0-87071-488-0.
  14. ^ Foster, David (September 7, 1989). "Rangers help control overcrowding as hikers try loving forests to death". The Bulletin (Bend). Retrieved 2014-09-19.
  15. ^ Johnston, Greg (October 21, 2004). "A heavenly reward awaits in the Enchantment Lakes Basin". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
  16. ^ a b Spring, Ira; Manning, Harvey (1998). 100 Classic Hikes in Washington's Alpine Lakes (1st ed.). The Mountaineers. ISBN 0-89886-707-X.
  17. ^ a b Hunter, Rebecca (2018-05-08). "Places of the Pacific: The Enchantments". Wildlands Network. Retrieved 2020-10-17.
  18. ^ a b c "Icicle Creek strategy - Washington State Department of Ecology". ecology.wa.gov. Retrieved 2020-10-17.
  19. ^ "Chelan County Natural Resources - Environmental Review". www.co.chelan.wa.us. Retrieved 2020-10-17.
  20. ^ "Enchantment Lakes". Washington Trails Association.
  21. ^ a b Spring, Ira; Spring, Vicky; Manning, Harvey (2002). 100 Classic Hikes in Washington (3rd ed.). The Mountaineers. ISBN 0-89886-586-7.
  22. ^ Nelson, Jim; Potterfield, Peter (2003). Selected Climbs in the Cascades. Vol. 1 (2nd ed.). Mountaineers Books. p. 114.
  23. ^ "Enchantment Permit Area, WA". Recreation.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-25.
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