シェラン郡の湖・トップ20

The Enchantments Core Zone may be one of the most popular destinations in Washington state, but those who venture to Lake Stuart may receive the particularly enchanting reward of relative solitude in a highly trafficked area. Most hikers heading into the Enchantments use the Lake Stuart Trailhead, but make it into the Core Zone via Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass. However, taking the right trail 2.2 miles from the trailhead will lead you into an adjacent valley with a large, shallow lake at the base of the imposing massif of Mount Stuart.

A host of small alpine lakes are nestled here below Dragontail Peak. The Upper Enchantment Lakes are fed by Snow Creek Glacier, which sits in the shadow of Little Annapurna across Isolation Lake from the trail. You can back country camp on the shore of Tranquil Lake to the north.

Lake Chelan, nestled in the North Cascades of Washington, is a 50.5-mile long natural lake. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the lake is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and mountainous terrain.

Nestled deep into the North Cascades National Park lies the tiny town of Stehekin. It is less than 100 miles from the Canadian border and only accessible by foot, boat or seaplane. It is eleven miles from the Pacific Crest Trail on a dirt road. Two shuttle companies run at least four times a day to get you here. Most hikers send their final resupply package to Stehekin. The small town has a friendly post office, an excellent restaurant, a small store, hotel, campground and a laundromat with showers. You should definitely stop at the bakery outside of town and get some delicious cinnamon rolls – my personal favorite. The shuttle stops there, too.

Trails in the Enchantments are popular for a reason. With jewel colored lakes, brilliant larches and towering mountain faces, most destinations are crawling with people. For those who are willing to put in a little extra effort with routefinding and scrambling over downed trees, Horseshoe Lake is a quiet destination that you will likely have to yourself.

Horseshoe Lake is a stunning body of water situated in a bowl beneath Mount Stewart. The rocky shores are lined with trees that create a surreal feel. Being that most people stop at Stuart Lake, this lake is typically more quiet.

This is a particularly good spot for views of majestic McLellan Peak, on the far side of the water. These lakes used to be a popular place for people to basecamp within day-hiking distance of the Enchantments, if you didn't get a permit to camp within the Enchantments. But now you need an overnight permit here, too, if you plan to camp between May 15 and October 31. More information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/specialplaces/?cid=fsbdev3_053607

You are nearing the outflow of Blue Lake. Along the way, keep an eye out for dramatic views of Cutthroat Peak, Early Winters Spires and Liberty Bell Mountain. During autumn, this is a popular destination to take in fall colors.