When we started planning a GOAT trip to the Enchantments, we pictured one epic day: the full traverse through Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, turquoise lakes, granite peaks, and bragging rights for life. What we got instead was four days of city views, a celebrity run-in, a glacier-cold swim, and a masterclass in knowing when to pivot. Spoiler: it was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken.
Day 1: Hello, Seattle
Our adventure kicked off in Seattle, where the crew arrived, dropped our bags, and immediately fell in love with the view from our Airbnb. Puget Sound stretched out in front of us, and we could have stared at that water all night.
But dinner was calling, and there was only one choice: The Traveling GOAT. Yes, that’s the real name. No, we did not plan our entire trip around it. Okay, maybe a little.
From there, we did the most Seattle thing possible and grabbed cones at Molly Moon’s before walking the whole crew up to Kerry Park for golden hour. The skyline, the Space Needle, ice cream in hand, and a group of women who were quickly becoming friends. It was the perfect start.
Day 2: Biscuits, Flowers, and a Cabin in the Trees
We were up early for a wander through Pike Place Market, fueled by breakfast at Honest Biscuits. A warm biscuit in one hand and market bustle all around? Elite morning energy.
And then things got unreal. We turned a corner and ran straight into comedian Ross Mathews, who handed us flowers. Obviously, we did what any group of women would do and turned it into an impromptu photo shoot, flowers in hand, feeling like the main characters we are.
With the mountains calling, we hit the road to Leavenworth, checked into our cozy cabin, and carb-loaded over a big homemade spaghetti dinner. Pre-hike jitters were officially setting in. Tomorrow was the big day.
Day 3: The Pivot
Hike day started well before sunrise, and our morning ritual wasn’t coffee. It was refreshing the AQI approximately one thousand times.
Here’s the real talk: wildfire smoke was rolling in, and the full Enchantments traverse just wasn’t the safe call. Making that decision as a group was tough, but knowing when to pivot is a huge part of being a responsible adventurer. The mountains will always be there. So we went to Plan B.
And Plan B came to play. We hiked up to Colchuck Lake, and the view at the top was worth every single step: impossibly turquoise water surrounded by jagged peaks. The hike was still plenty strenuous, and the reward was absolutely earned. We refueled with sandwiches that tasted like five-star cuisine at that altitude, then took a very brave (very cold) swim in the glacier-fed water. Once we’d thawed out, we scrambled around on the boulders like the mountain goats we are.
After the hike down, we treated ourselves to dinner at Gustav’s. Never has a meal been more deserved.
Day 4: Sore Legs and a Soft Landing
We woke up on day four sore in every way imaginable, so we pivoted yet again. Flexibility is basically our love language at this point.
Instead of anything strenuous, we hiked the Icicle Gorge Loop, an easy, peaceful trail that was exactly what our legs needed. It felt good to stretch out, slow down, and soak in some quiet forest scenery together.
After lunch, we explored the town of Leavenworth before heading back to the cabin for our Closing Ceremony. If you know, you know. 🐐
Why This Trip Mattered
We didn’t complete the traverse we set out to do, and we wouldn’t change a thing. This trip was a reminder that adventure isn’t about checking a box. It’s about showing up, making smart calls, and finding joy in whatever the day brings. It was also a beautiful mix of repeat GOAT adventurers and new faces, and by the end, it was impossible to tell the difference.
Enchantments traverse, we’ll see you next time.
Find your people, find your peak.
[BUTTON: See Upcoming Trips] → [LINK: events page]
[BUTTON: Watch the Trip on TikTok] → [LINK: TikTok series]
