The Enchantments
One of Washington’s most popular hikes, the Enchantments are a series of alpine lakes tucked into the Eastern Cascades. The trailhead is located just outside Leavenworth, Washington’s Bavarian-themed mountain town. Day hikers are allowed without any prior permits, but securing a camping permit can be extremely difficult.
The edge of the Eastern Cascades, as seen from Cashmere, WA.
24,614
the number of camping permits requested in 2019
2,060
the number of camping permits awarded in 2019
The Goats
The northern Cascades are also home to Mountain Goats (Oreamnos americanus) the only known species of it’s kind in the world. Addicted to the naturally occurring salt licks in the mountains, the goats can sometimes follow too closely to humans, and attempt to eat sweaty clothing/backpack straps.
Because of their altitude, the Enchantments can be covered in snow well into the summer months. But melting ice, mixed with minerals from the surrounding granite, can cause lakes to turn a turquoise color rarely seen elsewhere.
Long Exposure
With so much running water, and so little light pollution, this is the perfect setting for practicing long exposure.
