The Washington Hike That Feels Like Europe (But Requires 18 Miles To Get There)

Europe has been on my bucket list since I was a little girl. I have always dreamed of wandering around its charming towns, traveling through its lush countryside, and devouring its food. However, one of Europe’s biggest draws is its stunning landscapes. There are places like the Algarve in Portugal, the Swiss Alps, and Plitvice Lakes in Croatia that I dream about seeing in person. Located in Switzerland is Lake Brienz, a turquoise glacial lake surrounded by tall, remarkable mountains that is also at the top of my European bucket list. It’s a place that looks like it’s in a painting—certainly not real life.

As a young mom, it's not possible for me right now to take a long trip overseas to admire this unique lake in Switzerland, but fortunately, there are some beautifully colored glacier lakes here in Washington State that give off some strong European vibes.

The Enchantment Lakes are several pristine alpine lakes near Leavenworth, Washington. The lakes are the type of places where you'll pinch yourself to see if you're dreaming. They are mesmerizing from every angle—and so is the terrain that surrounds them. However, to view these remote bodies of water in person, it’s not going to be easy. You will need to put on your best boots, hike several miles, and climb hundreds of feet in elevation.

In total, the Enchantments Trail is approximately 18 miles and includes portions of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail, and the Snow Lake Trail. This is a beautiful backpacking adventure, but overnight permits are required, and you must enter a lottery to receive a permit. If a permit is not available and you wish to make a day hike a little more manageable, you can reserve a shuttle that will meet you at the Snow Lakes Trailhead and drive you to the Colchuck Trailhead, removing eight miles from your journey.

Although, it doesn’t matter how far you hike or what option you take, you can expect a challenge mentally and physically. This is a hike where preparedness is key. You’ll not only want to hike with the proper gear, but it is wise to prepare physically for this long adventure weeks before you go. You’ll also want to plan your start time carefully as this is no short journey—an early start is best. Dogs and campfires are not allowed anywhere on the Enchantments Trail.

Despite the difficulty, this is a hike you will never forget. You will pass huge cliff walls, walk through alpine meadows, and gaze at glacial lakes of all sizes—some similar to the beautiful color you'll see at Lake Brienz in Switzerland. Wildflowers can line your trail and surround the lakes in the summer months, and you’ll spot small waterfalls tumbling down rocks near your path.

Mountain goats will likely come up and say hello as you hike. They, too, love this area and are unfortunately known to follow human hikers a little too closely. Before you tackle this hike, we recommend watching this short video by the Forest Service to help you safely hike with these animals nearby.

Yes, your journey will be challenging. Yes, it requires many miles with steep inclines, but don’t worry … you can lounge at the side of these pristine lakes and feel like you're far, far away—and no passport was even required. Washington truly is a magical, gorgeous place.

For even more information about the trail, what to expect as you climb, and some tips for this grueling journey, make sure to visit the Washington Trails Association website. Also note that some roads near the access to this trail are closed seasonally, so it's always best to check the Forest Service website for up-to-date alerts and information. Once you have completed your hike, you can feel like you are in Europe even longer by resting, recovering, and enjoying the town of Leavenworth. This Bavarian-themed village has incredible architecture, yummy German food, a nutcracker museum, adventure park, ski area, and so much more.