Hiking in June - The Enchantments

FWIW, my wife and I did an overnight in the core zone last week of June last year and it was completely covered in snow once we got over Aasgard Pass. That being said, it was amazing and totally worth it. No crowds either was fantastic. We got a day of lottery permit. 

If you do go, try not to die on Aasgard. 

HaroldT wrote:

Green lakes would probably be the best chance of possible entry in June, and you could explore around Broken Top, but it’s hard to beat Jefferson Park or Hunts Cove- those are my favorite.  There’s actually some smaller lakes above Hunt’s Cove on the PCT that are very nice too- Shale lake and coyote lake, I think.  

thanks everyone for the feedback, its been very helpful. I think what weve decided is to try and come back in September and day hike The enchantments or possibly score a permit. for the June Trip I think we are going to look at the 3 Sisters area in Oregon so thanks for the feedback Harold.

Are you committed to Washington State? California is having a terrible snow year so mid June could be feasible for many lovely Sierra alpine adventures. This could all change, however. But get your permit now if you're considering it. 

RockinOut wrote:

I did it 2 years ago and there wasn't any snow. the lakes up high were partially frozen and there were only patches of snow so the hiking was easy.

Keep in mind that this is highly variable season to season. Three years ago, I climbed rock at 9,500 feet in the Sierra in March, but that’s not something to count on. If by 2 years ago you mean 2015, that was after one of the least snowy winters in PNW history. This year is well above average. I would guess that melt-out dates will be at least 2 weeks, maybe 3, later than average. 

Edit: also, don’t worry about the 4x4 in the Northwest for the popular trails. I’ve gotten to most of the trailheads without issue in a lowered VW GTI

Where is all this data that we're having an "above average" snow year? The most optimistic numbers Im finding are for the Olympics and maybe 109% of average for the cascades. The North Cascades are the only section of the mountains I have not been to this winter and anecdotally, I feel like its average at best. But if anyone has links to some data that proves me wrong, by all means....

mediocre wrote:

You’re right, my bias towards Bozeman was influencing me and I didn’t even realize it. Only Olympics and North Cascades above average. 

Briggs, I tend to agree with you but the dude said he wants to hike the Enchantments, so he’s obviously not too worried about crowds. 

Briggs Lazalde wrote:

How many days will you have in september? Days are shorter and slightly colder but you have 1000× more access to some of the alpine stuff and it would be worthwhile to take a few days off and day hike several different key areas. Pm me and ill throw some sick ideas your way

don't know yet, it'd be a week max but more likely 4-5 days. I would prefer to avoid crowds but from everything i've seen for the enchantments its worth dealing with the crowds for the experience. i've been looking at the 3 sisters wilderness in Oregon, but unfortunately we would have to trade snow melt for scenery. everything i've seen looks cool but its not the same as the north/central cascades. also it was asked if we are committed to Washington and yeah pretty much. I have family there and the main pull for my girlfriend is the rainforests in the Olympics and the PNW coastline with the rock outcrops.

Kurt G. wrote:

don't know yet, it'd be a week max but more likely 4-5 days. I would prefer to avoid crowds but from everything i've seen for the enchantments its worth dealing with the crowds for the experience. i've been looking at the 3 sisters wilderness in Oregon, but unfortunately we would have to trade snow melt for scenery. everything i've seen looks cool but its not the same as the north/central cascades. also it was asked if we are committed to Washington and yeah pretty much. I have family there and the main pull for my girlfriend is the rainforests in the Olympics and the PNW coastline with the rock outcrops.

I hope Im stating the obvious here but you 2 realize the Enchantments are a hell of a lot different than the Olympic Rainforests...right?

mediocre wrote:

I hope Im stating the obvious here but you 2 realize the Enchantments are a hell of a lot different than the Olympic Rainforests...right?

lol yes. someone asked if we were committed to Washington as compared to California and i was giving the other reasons why we were going to Washington.

Kurt G. wrote:

lol yes. someone asked if we were committed to Washington as compared to California and i was giving the other reasons why we were going to Washington.

Copy that. Just making sure.

Looking across Asguard Pass to Dragon Tail first week of July 2017 (heavy snow season) could give you an idea of what you might be looking at in terms of snow.  

BrokenChairs BrettC wrote:

Looking across Asguard Pass to Dragon Tail first week of July 2017 (heavy snow season) could give you an idea of what you might be looking at in terms of snow.  

do you remember how frozen the lakes were in the core enchantments? we can handle snow but my girlfriend really wanted to see the alpine lakes

Kurt G. wrote:

do you remember how frozen the lakes were in the core enchantments? we can handle snow but my girlfriend really wanted to see the alpine lakes

This is Inspiration Lake with Prusik Peak in the background on June 24, 2017. 

Hector Luevano wrote:

This is Inspiration Lake with Prusik Peak in the background on June 24, 2017.

Awesome picture!

so we didnt get the enchantments permit anyways (shocker) but we have switched to tuck and robin lakes hike. we will be coming in from the north from the scenic, skykomish area. how has the winter been so far? harsh or mild? trying to get an idea if the lakes will be frozen or not. I plan on calling the local ranger station but not until closer to the actual time.

Kurt G. wrote:

so we didnt get the enchantments permit anyways (shocker) but we have switched to tuck and robin lakes hike. we will be coming in from the north from the scenic, skykomish area. how has the winter been so far? harsh or mild? trying to get an idea if the lakes will be frozen or not. I plan on calling the local ranger station but not until closer to the actual time.

Tuck and Robin lakes are pretty high up, 6000 feet, it'll be snowy and frozen. Current snowpack in the west-central cascades is 113% of normal. Trailhead will be snow free but you're gonna have to do some slogging.

Jimmy Downhillinthesnow wrote:

Tuck and Robin lakes are pretty high up, 6000 feet, it'll be snowy and frozen. Current snowpack in the west-central cascades is 113% of normal. Trailhead will be snow free but you're gonna have to do some slogging.

Thanks Jimmy. by chance do you know of any alpine lakes similar to tuck and robin that are less likely to be frozen?

Go to the Washington Trail Association website and look at some of their trail guides. Or order a copy of the Mountaineers 100 hikes in either the Alpine Lakes or Southern Cascades. Southern Cascades will melt out fIrst. Look for a lake with lower elevation, preferably under 5000 feet. However, most high-country hikes in the Cascades are going to be snowed in this year in June. 

Go to the Wasatch, they’ve had a low snow winter. 

If you’re this fearful of frozen lakes maybe being outside isn’t for you. 

HI Kurt, I live in Portland OR.  If you look for the similar beautiful lakes like Enchantment, you could drive toward to North Cascade area like Apline Lakes Wilderness.  Many of them don't require overnight Permits while some require.  You might have luck if you go to ranger station on the weekday to get permits to overnight stay at Enchantment but lottery permits submittal time were done and win or loss was publicized.  In high elevation area, it's probably has some snow in Olympic N.P.   In OR side, there are many good area to visit.  If you're up to climb 10k ft elevation mountains, South/Middle Sisters are nice one to go.  You'll need to bring crampons and mountaineering axe.  Crater Lake N.P. is also beautiful place to visit.  Mount Thielsen is nearby.