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CHS 2 Hike

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - The Enchantments

CHS hike led at "Enchantments" pace-- overall we'll probably hit about 1.8mph. The crown jewel of Washington hikes. We're going all in for the full thru-hike: larch season, goat sightings, and one jaw-dropping alpine basin after another.

Contacts

Craig Behnke
Craig Behnke
Primary Leader
  • Very Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 18.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,800 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 possibly slower on the steeper sections
  • FULL, 2 on waitlist (6 capacity)
  • FULL (2 capacity)
  • Wed, Aug 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
  • Thu, Sep 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

  • Meetup Time & Place:
    Meet at the Snow Lakes Trailhead at 3:30 AM Saturday morning. We’ll leave a few cars there and shuttle to the Stuart Lake Trailhead to begin our thru-hike. Trail time will start as soon as shuttles return — aim to be hiking by 4:00 AM.

  • Why So Early?
    This is a challenging 18-mile alpine traverse with 4,500 ft of elevation gain. Starting early allows for:

    • ~11 hours of hiking at 1.8 mph

    • Generous buffer for breaks, pictures, and group pacing

    • A target finish of 6:00 PM 

      • Please note that this is a targeted time, and the actual finish may verify depending on the buffer we all need to complete the hike safely. Please expect to be out in the wilderness all day. 12 - 18 hours.

  • Shuttle Note:
    We'll need a few drivers willing to help with the car drop-off. If you have space and are comfortable driving, please flag me Friday night.

Route/Place

The Enchantments


  • Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX
    Green Trails Enchantment Lakes No. 209S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports