Enchantment Lakes Washington – Some Questions

The reason the weather forecasts conflicting is that they don't know. Go prepared for the worst plus a bit worse than the worst forecast.

As for rain gear. Snow is just as wet as rain. You might think snow is not water, but it is water. Even really dry snow when it hits the warmth of your clothing/rain jacket melts into water. If your rain jacket leaks, you will be wet in snow.

Billy

Thanks Billy. Yes I will definitely need a new hard shell before heading up.. I've been putting it off because of the cost but if I'm to do this hike it may be unavoidable. Really dreading the hike up with 5 days worth of food and 12lb of photography gear.

Throwing this out there for others to weight in: If cost is the factor, would DriDucks/Frogg Toggs be reliable enough?

Cause it's cheap and light. I have one, but haven't put it to the test.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-120.79221&lat=47.48786 is pretty good forecast. You can scroll around and get forecast for anyplace.

still far out for accurate forecast – wait a couple days

eVent jacket probably good. or Gore-Tex.

snow is much easier than rain, but if there's snow, it'll probably be wet snow, which is the same as rain

GPS would be good. Possible, there'de be enough snow to obscure trail. As you're walking in, look back where you came from so you'll know how to get back, even if there's snow covering the trail. Like, see which valley you want to go back down.

I've always gone there in early September, but I've seen trip reports for early October with some snow.

Weather forecasts say it will just barely go below freezing at night, so you probably don't need fleece for hiking – just base layer and jacket. It might go down to 20 F so make sure you bring extra warm stuff. It won't be that cold during the day so probably fleece gloves and beanie are sufficient.

Thanks Jerry. The forecast has cleared a bit and it doesn't look like I will really get any snow/rain. I think I have enough warm gear with the Cap 4/Atom LT/Cerium LT and Cap 3 legs. Appreciate the assistance! Now just to hope the larches are going to be good up there!