Witches Tower/South Face
Witches Tower is the distinct rock pinnacle at the west end of the Enchantments. It divides the Snow Creek Glacier between Little Annapurna and Dragontail Peaks. The South Face is a long, strenuous scramble to a great viewpoint above the Enchantments.
getting there
From US 2 in Leavenworth, turn onto Icicle Creek Road. Follow road 8.6 mi to Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left and drive through campground, cross the river to Forest Road 7601 (Eightmile Creek Road). Drive 4 mi to start of Lake Stuart trailhead 3,500 ft.
Approach & Ascent
Follow the Lake Stuart Trail for 2.5 mi then go left on the Colchuck Lake Trail. Reach Colchuck Lake (5,570 ft) in another 1.8 mi. Follow trail around south end of lake, then ascend to Aasgard Pass (7,750 ft). Hike south towards Witches Tower. At the south side of the tower, scramble the south face to the summit.
Notes
- Strong scramblers could combine this with a scramble of Dragontail Peak or Little Annapurna.
- For a more relaxed trip, camp at Colchuck Lake or near Aasgard Pass (be prepared to camp on snow).
- Suitable Activities: Scrambling
- Seasons: July, August, September
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Strenuous 5, Technical 5
- Length: 16.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 5,000 ft
- 8,520 ft
-
Land Manager:
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX
- USGS Enchantment Lakes
- Green Trails The Enchantments No. 209S
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