This Jaw-Dropping Place In Washington Will Blow You Away

All of Washington is beautiful, but the Enchantments area is an awe-inspiring place unlike anywhere else. This wonderland is located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and it consists of an upper and lower basin full of crystal blue lakes, larch trees, mountain goats, and jaw-dropping views surrounded by massive granite peaks. It’s widely regarded as one of the most spectacular places to hike in the whole Cascade range.

This scenic area in the Northwest features a number of jagged, glaciated peaks and lakes that range in elevation. The lower lakes and trails are forested, while the Upper Enchantments (pictured) are in more of an alpine environment. All around, the views will leave you breathless.

There are a few ways to reach the Enchantments, although none are easy. The two primary trail heads, Snow Lake and Stuart Lake Trail, will lead you to the basin, both accessible via Icicle Creek Road just outside of Leavenworth. (Pictured is Perfection Lake - named appropriately.)

Being such a popular area, overnight access is limited during certain parts of the year to help keep the area pristine. This map illustrates the five different permit zones, all of which feature incredible scenery. If you're up for the trip, you can learn more here about obtaining a permit for camping trips from June 15th-October 15th. To visit during the day, you will only need to fill out a free day-use permit form at any of the trail heads. For the remainder of the year, visitors (day & overnight) can fill out a free unlimited permit.

This mystical place is Colchuck Lake - one of the many gems to see in the area. Located in the Colchuck Zone, the path to this lake begins on the Stuart Lake Trail. From here, you can begin hiking up the steep Aasgard Pass to the Enchantments basin where the view is phenomenal.

While visiting the Enchantments, chances are you'll come across herds of mountain goats. They walk around the trails calmly, looking for vegetation to eat with a notable craving for salt.

The Lower Enchantments are marked by McClellan Peak on one side and Prusik Peak on the other. Under McClellan's summit you can find Leprechaun Lake, and further down sits Lake Viviane below Prusik. The area is also full of gorgeous larch trees which turn golden during the fall.

Here's Prusik Peak. The huge granite spire is located in the heart of the Enchantments and is a popular spot for rock climbing. It's rated as an intermediate climb with a high point of 8,000 feet!

Hiking through the Enchantments can be difficult, but the scenery makes it worth every step along the way. If you're not up for the major haul, there are luckily still plenty of photos and videos to admire all of the fairy tale surroundings.

There are magical places to explore all over Washington, but the Enchantments area is by far the most heavenly. If you're up for the adventure of a lifetime, planning a trip out here is definitely a experience you'll never forget.

Here's a sneak peek of what a fascinating trip through the Enchantments is like:

This only scratches the surface of all the beauty this area has to offer. Isn't it amazing though? Have you been to this stunning place in Washington before?? Share your thoughts with us below!