Lake Stuart, Colchuck Lake, Snow Lake, Enchantment Lakes

  This hike was a 4 day and 3 night which requires a pass from the Leavenworth Ranger Station. The Enchantments area is one of the most spectacular hikes in Washington and fills up quickly. I applied for my permit in February by mailing in my request. They only allow 60 people overnight on the trail in a given day. I had to request these dates because my brother was flying out from Ohio to do the hike with me. Once I was approved, my brother made his reservations.
  The greatest wife in the world, who happens to be mine dropped my brother and I off 4 1/2 miles up the fire road at Stuart Lake Trail Head. Weather was cool so I used layered clothing to start off. Trail starts off relatively easy and follows a strong running creek so there is no problem getting water. Actually there is no problem getting water anywhere on this 19 to 20 mile trail. The first 2.5 miles was in the trees with a gradual climb from 3400' to 4500' at which time we saw the Colchuck Lake Trail heading off to the left.
  Going straight leads to Lake Stuart which is a magnificant lake that I hiked several years ago. This part of the trail climbs from 4500' to 5600' in a short 1.6 mile. Fantastic views along the way. We encounterd our first Ptarmigian (which is a bird) on the trail so we snap a few pictures before it disappeared. On several occasions we stopped for pictures and when I dropped my pack the Chipmunks were all over it. They were amusing so we took pictures of them.
   We finally crested the top of this portion of the trail at Colchuck Lake with a magnificant view of a very blue and prestine lake. We stopped to take lots of pictures which is always the case nowadays with digital cameras. We quickly found new friends with several new Chipmunks. We also got our first glimpse of the monsterous hill called "Aasgard Pass" that we would have to climb tomorrow morning. We decided to move all the way around the lake to the other side next to the bottom of the hill to get an early morning start up this section which is a 2300' climb in .7 of a mile.
   Weather was magnificant the first day. Only reached about 70 degrees at the hottest part of the day. We set up camp for the night and watched the sunset from atop of a gigantic boulder. I would suggest that you always have something to entertain yourself with because when your not in a rush you have a lot of time on your hands. I took hundreds of pictures.
   We woke up the next morning at 5:00 am and packed our bags to leave by 5:30 am. We planned this because we wanted to reach the top before the sun came over and started beating down on us. But there is a lesson to be learned from our experience at least my own experience and that is to take time to eat breakfast so as to get some energy in your body because the 2300' ascend will test you.
   The trail from here on is makered by tairns or what is referred to as stacks of rocks showing you the way. They become very helpful as the granite rocks on top do not leave much trace of a trail. This hill tried my patience and my brother was the motivator to get me to the top. I do not consider this climb to be that dangerous just steep. There were plenty of big boulders to rest on but be sure to drink lots of water. Easy access to water and snacks on the way up for energy is important especially if you skip breakfast.
   There were times when I wondered if this hill would ever end but it did and the feeling of relief was fantastic. This is where I have to admit I became sick from lack of food and water. A stupid mistake for someone who hikes a lot but a lesson for me and others. Always take the time to eat in the morning before a strenous hike. As for the view, it was magnificant. We could see the Colchuck Glacier and several others. There were numerous lakes on the top and one of the reasons I picked this trail. There would be a lot more lakes to see over the next 13.5 miles that we descended down hill.
    It took me about 3 hours to climb Aasgard Pass and 3 more hours to recover from dehydration and lack of fuel but it was important to keep walking around to prevent cramps from setting in. I took off my pack and walked back and forth snacking and drinking water with electrolytes. So as to not ruin this trip for my brother, I told him to go ahead and hike up to some of the high points with minimal equipment as I rested from my climb. He got some spectacular pictures from Little Annapurna and the mountain above Tranquil Lake.
    I relaxed and took pictures of the Mountain Goats and the lakes that were strung across the top of this alpine area. When my brother returned I felt good enough to head on down the trail. As I wrote earlier, the trail is not well defined because you are walking across a lot of granite rock so follow the stacked rocks, they will show you the way. You will not get lost if you follow the rocks!! so don't let this stop you from going.
 We crossed several small snow fields. No need for any special equipment. We decended 800 feet to Inspiration and Perfection Lake.
    These lakes were magnificant and I recommend spending the night at Perfection Lake. The views are great and the fishing is fantastic. Oh yes bring a small fishing pole with flys and marshmallows. We forgot ours so we could only watch. Most people caught 15 or more trout within a half hour. I am a catch and release person but I still enjoy fishing and won't forget mine nest time. I will be trying to get a permit to come up here next year again.
    We spent the night at Perfection Lake and it had the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. The colors were different then any I had seen before. We ate dinner and were entertained by four mountain goats that came into our campgrounds. I guess you could say we were in their grazing area. They watched us closely but we were pretty much ignored as long as we didn't make any sudden movements. We had an interesting night as the winds picked up to about 20 to 30 mph. I believe it was from the warm air coming up from the valley below because there was no significat clouds in the sky.
    We headed out early the next morning for a 2000' descent over the next 4.5 miles past Sprite, Leprechaun, Viviane, Upper and Lower Snow Lakes finally ending at Nada Lake where we camped out our last night. This portion of the trail had spectacular picture taking along each lake as well as the surrounding mountains. There were some tricky switch backs, climbing over boulders, walking down steep flat granite surfaces but once again follow the stacked rocks.
    All the lakes had a different look so you were always amazed each time you saw a new one. Lots of moutains goats along the way but no bears in sight. A important part of the hike for me was the lack of any significant mosquito's. We finally got to Nada Lake around 2:00 pm which was early. We did this because we were told that the weekend warriors coming up the other direction fill up the camping spots on Friday nights. There were thoughts of walking out that day but it was not our original plan. The 5.5 miles to the bottom with a 3000' descend was the clinching factor for us to wait until tomorrow so this gave us a lot of time to explore. It was interesting to find out that they try to control the level of Lake Nada. Not sure all the details though.
    We woke up the next morning early again and headed down the trail. We were informed that about half way down we would loose the trees because of a forest fire some years ago. This ensures lots of sun if you wait later to head down. They were right but it wasn't that bad as most of the trees along the creek were spared. Lots of places for water and berries to pick. A lot of switch backs and a beautiful sunrise but we made it down this portion of the trail in about 3.5 hours.
    Your cell phones will work about the time you see the parking lots which is still about 45 minutes out. I called my wife to come pick us up as she was down in Leavenworth in a condo relaxing and sewing which is her passion. She was there before us with several of our kids who showed up to visit while we were on our vacation. Not particular the welcome wagon I was looking for at the end as my brother and I were irritated and sore but that was expected. They just don't understand whats it's like to do this long of a hike.
    All and all this was the most spectacular hike for taking pictures and recommend it to anyone who hasn't done it. It is about 20 miles so its not for the faint of heart but I still recommend climbing up Aasgard Pass instead of coming up Snow Lakes Trail 1553. You get to the top quicker and the rest is down hill. Do the trail in September to minimize bugs, snow and hot weather.