iBlog: Enchantments - there and back again!

One of the most sought after and beautiful destination in Pacific Northwest needs no introduction, at least among backpackers. This was my third time to the region, but first time in Spring and with core permit (yes!).

We started from Snow Lakes trailhead as it is still early in the season to cross Asgard pass without ice axe. We carried micro-spikes (no snow shoes) and didn't even take them out during entire trip. After 21 switchbacks (we counted, lol) you hear snow creek flowing down. After a brief exposed stretch of trail, you come under shaded patch. From there, it's 2+ mile to first rest stop at Nada lake. Overall it makes 5 miles to here with elevation gain of 2000+ feet.

From here, you go past Nada lake looking over and back on boulders. Here on, we encountered first patches of snow. Hiking poles came in handy as the snow is fast melting and postholing is common right now. Once you get to the bridge crossing at lower snow lake, it takes about 45 minutes to go to snow creek bridge and end of upper snow lake. Snow patches are lot more and be careful while crossing creeks and bridges. Till this point it is 4500+ feet elevation gain and 8+ miles from Snow lakes trailhead. If you are backpacking (or otherwise), this is a good lunch spot. Enjoy the serene lake.

After snow creek bridge crossing, is the final stretch to get to lower enchantments. Map shows around 1.5 miles with 1500 ft; but route finding, weariness, postholing and creek crossing makes it longer. Going up, keep an eye on cairns. We found it harder to find route going up.

When we reached lake Viviane, it was partially frozen, windy, but magnificent. We decided to camp here as we had no energy left after 10 hour hiking with backpacks (including breaks). It was quite windy at night, but wasn't below freezing. When the wind died for a brief period, we enjoyed mountain-top dinner with chipmunks, under bright moon lit sky. Toilets are hard to find up there this time of the year (something to be aware of).

We woke up to a beautiful reflection Prusik pass over lake Viviane. A mountain goat was following us around the campsite and around in the morning. We thought this was common until we decided to do a leisurely day hike and bumped into fellow backpackers who didn't see a single goat during their entire trip. We hiked till inspiration lake on a clear day. Almost all the lakes are partially to mostly frozen. Follow the cairns and footsteps. Poles, gators, and insulated boots are recommended. Microspikes and snowshoes are not required unless you wish to go off-trail. There is a toilet in decent shape here next to Leprechaun lake. Along the way, you will see iconic view of the Prusik pass.

After having lunch at the campsite, we headed down and reached a desired campsite (it could be tricky as more people stay at Snow Lakes) within couple hours. It is astounding to see the difference between the two places (Enchantments and Snow Lakes), both beautiful in their own way.

After admiring the sunrise, we packed up and headed back to Snow lakes trailhead. Hike back can be tiring especially after Nada lake, as there are bunch of exposed patches and boulder crossings. It always feels longer than it is. You will start seeing parking lot 45 minutes to hour before reaching there. It is best to start this day sooner, as it took us 5+ hours to reach the trailhead from upper snow lake. It was hot when we reached the trailhead. After this, a break in Leavenworth for beer and sausages was well worth it afterwards.