Wilderness · Washington
Alpine Lakes Wilderness
The Enchantments — granite, larches & turquoise tarns
TypeWilderness
StateWashington
Best seasonSummer & golden larch (late Sept)
Don’t missThe Enchantments
A high granite basin of more than 700 lakes in the central Washington Cascades, crowned by the legendary Enchantments — golden larches and mountain goats above turquoise tarns. The permit is one of the hardest to draw in the country.
What to see
- The Enchantments
- Colchuck Lake
- Snow Lakes
- Golden larches
- Mountain goats
On public wild lands, services are sparse and conditions change fast — check the managing agency (Forest Service / BLM / Park Service) for road and seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and any permits before you go, and pack out what you pack in.
Build a trip around wild places like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: