Hiking in June - The Enchantments

Hi MP,

Before anyone says anything yes I know this is hiking related on a climbing forum. I went over to hiking project and theres barely anyone on there so I didn't think my odds were too good of getting info.

So as the title says I'm looking for help with hiking options. We have a trip planned for the 2nd week of June to visit Washington state. First off we cant change the time we go because this is the only time we could both get off. We really wanted to do the Enchantments in the North/Central Cascades. What I'm coming to realize is that in years past and is typical with the area that it will still be snow covered and the upper Alpine lakes will be frozen which is one of the main reasons we wanted to go. 

First is this pretty accurate of the area and second does anyone know of any alternatives similar to the enchantments area (alpine environment) that are less likely to be frozen and snow covered? 

Thanks for all your help

Go to California or the Wasatch. Snowy winter in the Northwest this year, the true high country won’t melt out until at least July. The Olympics may have a little less snowpack than the cascades this year, you could try there if you’re set on coming to Washington. 

Jimmy what about anything in Oregon or would that still be heavy snow?

No bugs that early. It's almost nicer up there with all the snow, fewer people, still incredibly beautiful.

My girlfriend has a high priority on seeing the alpine lakes. perhaps not entirely melted but most of the way there and not having everything covered in snow

ill be renting a vehicle, but i plan on getting 4 wheel drive. obviously though the trails cant be too rough

yeah i wouldnt take the rental anywhere crazy but dirt roads and some ruts and mud i dont care about. backpacking wont be an issue, in fact im after a good hike in, it makes the destination better. im looking to do an overnighter/2 nights. i was eyeballing tuck and robin lakes because of the slightly lower elevation but i dont know if a couple thousand feet would make a difference.

Keep in mind that you can't camp overnight in the Enchantments without a permit, and permits can be hard to come by.  A lottery will be held after March 2nd to award permits.  You can also try for a walk-up permit the day of, you may have a decent chance of that, especially if you are there on a weekday and have some flexibility.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_053607

Snow is going to be a strong function of elevation, latitude, and location relative to the Cascades crest.  It's been warm this winter, so stuff further south has significantly less snowpack than further north.  For example, Jefferson Park (OR) currently is WAY below average snow depth (~30%), while stuff further north in WA is deeper.

All that being said, in general the snow is still pretty deep in the alpine in June in the PNW.  The last 2 years I have been on climbing and skiing objectives that time of year, where the approach trails were covered in snow basically from the trailhead.  I went into Stuart via the Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead last year in June and it was snow basically all the way from the parking lot.

This area is ugly, crowded, and has copious mosquitos. Wolverine attacks are frequent, and of unusual severity.

blakeherrington wrote:

This area is ugly, crowded, and has copious mosquitos. Wolverine attacks are frequent, and of unusual severity.

Listen to this guy! Iowa is sick in June. Huge mountains. Ya just don't hear about them because the locals like to keep it a secret. 

Just remember that you have to win a lottery to visit the enchantments that time of year. I believe the lottery starts next month, in my personal opinion it seems like it’s hard to win unless you’re a social media “influencer”.

Kyle Tarry wrote:

Keep in mind that you can't camp overnight in the Enchantments without a permit, and permits can be hard to come by.  A lottery will be held after March 2nd to award permits.  You can also try for a walk-up permit the day of, you may have a decent chance of that, especially if you are there on a weekday and have some flexibility.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_053607

Snow is going to be a strong function of elevation, latitude, and location relative to the Cascades crest.  It's been warm this winter, so stuff further south has significantly less snowpack than further north.  For example, Jefferson Park (OR) currently is WAY below average snow depth (~30%), while stuff further north in WA is deeper.

All that being said, in general the snow is still pretty deep in the alpine in June in the PNW.  The last 2 years I have been on climbing and skiing objectives that time of year, where the approach trails were covered in snow basically from the trailhead.  I went into Stuart via the Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead last year in June and it was snow basically all the way from the parking lot.

thanks for the info Kyle. yeah ive read up a good bit on the Enchantments and am aware of the lottery permits. my biggest concern is the snow and if its too much also finding alternatives that still have the spirit of the enchantments. will tuck and robin lakes be any better or still about the same?

Also for everyone mentioning about the lottery system its actually not that bad. everyone goes for the Core Enchantments permits which are extremely hard to get but Colchuckhas much better odds and the Snow lake area in 2016 actually had more tickets than were taken and in 2017 had a ticket for almost everyone that requested one.https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd568443.pdf

my main concern is the snow and how frozen the lakes will be. 

As far as Oregon, You may be able to get into Green Lakes, Jefferson Park, or Hunts Cove, but they would most likely have a bit of snow left in June.  That said, the high lakes are beautiful with some snow around.  Just bring a gps. 

For those discussing the lottery, I'd like to throw in that the Enchantments Thru-Hike in a day is definitely doable and can be a very enjoyable trip if done with the right preparations, allowing you to skip the lottery altogether

Nick Young wrote:

For those discussing the lottery, I'd like to throw in that the Enchantments Thru-Hike in a day is definitely doable and can be a very enjoyable trip if done with the right preparations, allowing you to skip the lottery altogether

we considered that but we will be coming from Pennsylvania so we want to take our time and enjoy it.

HaroldT wrote:

As far as Oregon, You may be able to get into Green Lakes, Jefferson Park, or Hunts Cove, but they would most likely have a bit of snow left in June.  That said, the high lakes are beautiful with some snow around.  Just bring a gps. 

Harold what do you think would have the best odds of decent melt and what has the best alpine lakes in your opinion. hiking the PCT would be a bonus. thanks for the input

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.  

I day hiked the enchantments last July. 1st week. No real snow until Aasgard summit, but anything further up than perfection lake was still snow pack (but spotty and rapidly melting) 

You don't need a 4x4 to park at snow lakes TH and even so, I've taken plenty of fwd cars (a saab, a focus, and a passat) up Stuart road as long as the snow was melted. 

Kurt.  If you are going to be flying into the Seattle side, In June the weather will likely be very nice. Although the enchantments are beautiful, logistically you may have some problems with permits.  May I suggest a backpacking trip through the Pratt Lake Basin https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/pratt-lake

no permit needed, beautiful lakes and Mountain View’s, less people (weekend day hikers and campers being an exception). You can set up camp at Pratt or Melakwa and do many beautiful day hikes to peaks in the area with tons of lakes.  You are still in the Alpine lakes wilderness area, just not the enchantments.  The elevation is much lower so your chances of snow melt and ice are greatly reduced.   

good luck. I’m from Pittsburgh and it’s a different world out here! 

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.

I tried a same day - week day lottery trip last fall. Didn't get it. Got a tip to do the mormon ladies loop on the other side of icicle crk rd. It was rad, uncrowded, larches popping. Highly recommend.