11/08/2022
Backpacking The Core Enchantments was the experience of a lifetime. And this group made the journey all the better. 3 days, 2 nights exploring some of the most protected lands in the US!
It all started 6 months earlier with applying in a lottery, with less than 1% chance of getting the permit. Once we were lucky enough to receive it (thanks permit holder ), the preparation began. The trail on a straight shot is ~21 miles and 5k elevation, with virtually a 5k ft gain all on day 1… and with all our side trips, we did well beyond this (all with ~35lbs on our backs)! Needlesstosay the months leading up to this adventure were full of fun hiking trips in the PNW to train.
Overall cannot recommend this experience enough. The Core and whole enchantments area of the central cascades is out of this world. Genuinely we many times stated, “this looks like another planet”. The protection of this land is incredible, virtually no trace of humans, incredibly pristine/clear water, land that just looks untouched.
Thankful for this crew of backpackers and appreciative for the opportunity to experience this place for as long as we did. If you love to backpack or are looking for an epic day hike into part of this protected area, I cannot recommend it enough. Travel safe, take lots of water, and pack everything out!
If you have any questions on our experience, don’t hesitate to reach out!
