Colchuck Lake, Snow Lakes & The Enchantments — Saturday, Sep. 26, 2015

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area

Short version: 1 day traverse, Golden larches, great weather, no snow, goats, lakes are a little low--get it while the getting is good! Long Version: As I snuggled into my truck bed bivvy at the Snow Lakes trailhead (#1553) on Friday night, I waited to fall asleep while I watched stars begin to appear above. 8:00 pm is pretty early for me and the moon was extra bright, so I had plenty of time to mull over my plan for the next day before I fell asleep. Wake up at 3:45, fix a quick breakfast, and then try to catch a ride up to the Stuart Lake trailhead 8 miles down the road. I began to rethink my plan… maybe I should drive up to the Stuart Lake trailhead now, and catch a ride back up to my truck at the end of the day? 4:50 am. Tires crunching gravel... Slept through my alarm—Dang it! So much for the plan. Oh well. Now it’s a real adventure, right? I stuffed my sleeping paraphernalia into the back of my truck and got my pack ready. No time for breakfast, I’d have to eat on the go. The parking lot was already busy and had filled up quite a bit through the night. I introduced myself to a friendly looking couple waiting for friends to show up—they were also headed up to Colchuck. Success! They very kindly welcomed me to ride along with them. Double Success! I was really worried about this part of the trip—thank you so much, friendly couple from Cashmere. I hit the trail at about 5:20 and quickly navigated the easy grade before the Colchuck Lake turnoff on the left, about 2.5 miles in. After crossing the boulder field, the grind really begins on the last 1.5 miles to the lake. There were already quite a few parties out on the trail, including some climbers on their way to The Valkyrie on Aasgard Pass. I made it to the lake at about 7:00 am. It was noticeably lower than normal. So low, in fact, that you could easily walk across part of it to the other side, which I did. I contemplated traversing across the east side of the lake to Aasgard Pass, but thought better of it. I began climbing the pass at about 7:45 am… The sun was really starting to make the colors of the lake and hills come alive, and I was glad that I did not begin my adventure as early as I had planned. About halfway up the pass, I began to deviate from the route and headed left to the stand of larches that separate the route from the creek and waterfall nearer to Dragontail. I enjoyed this side of the pass, but it did involve more scrambling and rout finding. As I approached 7500’ or so, I began to encounter ice near the creek—it was definitely getting chilly and I was glad I had brought gloves. I made it to the top at about 9:30. It was windy and cold, but I was finally standing in the sunshine, and that felt great! I passed through the Upper Enchantments pretty quickly and spent the rest of the day wandering through the Lower Enchantments. Golden larches, sparking pools, warm rocks… and the peaceful sounds of birds, chipmunks, and nothing in particular. An overwhelming feast for the senses—it will definitely stir something inside of you. I wished I could stay all day and watch the sun set (and the moon rise), but in hindsight I am glad I didn’t—there was still quite a way to go. The side trip up to Prusik Pass was definitely worth it! Great views of Little Annapurna and Perfection Lake behind you on the way up and expansive views of the basin from the top. Prusik Peak divides the horizon, with Shield Lake and Edward Mesa on one side, Lake Vivian and the lower enchantments on the other, and Perfection Lake and Little Annapurna behind. I made my way down to Lake Vivian around 2:30 pm, and continued towards the Snow Lakes trailhead. 4000’ of elevation loss and 6 miles later I was back in the parking lot, celebrating the day with chocolate and cold water. I stopped at the Squirrel Tree in Coles Corner for a bite to eat… a good way to wind down from the day’s adventure. A special thanks to Hamilton from Yakima, I really enjoyed your company and conversation on this trip. I wish you the best with your move, and I really think you’ll enjoy BI. It’s close (but not too close) to everything and there are lots of outdoor opportunities nearby!