The Enchantments · Colchuck to Lake Viviane
Stuart Lake Trailhead via Aasgard to Lake Viviane and Return
The Route
Reaches the high basin by way of Colchuck and Aasgard.
- Stuart Lake TrailheadStart and finish on FR 7601
- Colchuck LakeWestern approach
- Aasgard PassCross into the core
- Lake VivianeFar endpoint of this itinerary
- Aasgard PassReascend across the core on return
- Stuart Lake TrailheadDescend via Colchuck; no Snow Lakes exit
Stuart Trailhead to Colchuck
The approach follows Mountaineer Creek through forest to Colchuck Lake. Beyond the lake, boulders and talus lead to Aasgard Pass at about 7,800 feet. Aasgard is also labeled Colchuck Pass on some maps.
Upper & Lower Basins
From Aasgard, the route passes Tranquil and Isolation Lakes, then Inspiration, Perfection and Leprechaun before Lake Viviane. Bare granite and scree in the upper basin give way to meadows and larch stands lower down. Side trips to surrounding summits are not part of these itinerary totals.
Snow Lakes to Lake Viviane
The connection above Upper Snow Lake includes rough granite and scrambling sections before Lake Viviane. Snow Lakes itself is a lower destination: reaching the core Enchantments adds substantial climbing beyond the lake-only hike.
Endpoint & Return
From Stuart Lake Trailhead, cross Aasgard and the basins to Lake Viviane, then return over Aasgard to Colchuck and Stuart. The 16-mile published itinerary does not exit at Snow Lakes Trailhead.
Published reference figures for the named itinerary. Source dates and access notices are separate from current terrain observations. Reference Set: 2026-10-23.
Weather
Current forecasts open at the providers below. NWS forecasts describe a terrain grid cell, not an exact summit.
Access
Stuart Lake Trailhead, Washington · Leavenworth
Start & Finish
Start and finish at Stuart Lake trailhead on FR 7601. Lake Viviane is the turnaround; the return crosses Aasgard Pass again.
Day & Overnight Permits
May 15–October 31: day permits are free and self-issued; overnight permits are quota-controlled.
Parking Authorization
Day visitors need a Northwest Forest Pass. Overnight permits include a parking pass valid for their dates.
Camp Zones & Groups
Camp in the permit zone; Core permits allow any zone. Groups: eight maximum. No dogs.
Approach Road
The Stuart/Colchuck trailhead is reached by FR 7601, which has a typical winter closure. Snow Lakes trailhead is on Icicle Road; current gate notices determine the actual access date.
Source information checked 2026-10-23. Road snapshots are dated separately.
Reports
Core Enchantments Trip Reports
Dated reports for core basins and traverses. Match the direction and furthest point to this itinerary.
Colchuck Approach Reports
Lower western-approach reports may stop at Colchuck Lake without reaching Aasgard Pass.
Snow Lakes Approach Reports
Eastern-approach reports may end at Snow Lakes without reaching Lake Viviane or the core.
Itinerary Reference
Published descriptions distinguish both traverse directions and the two long out-and-back itineraries.
Links open the publishers’ report pages. Reports are not automatically imported or filtered to a forecast date.