Hiked into The Enchantments from the Snow Lake TH. We spent Monday, June 17th at Lower Snow Lake, Tuesday at Lake Vivian, and back to Lower Snow Lake for Wednesday night.
Trail from Snow Lake to Vivian Lake is snow free and only encumbered by its natural obstacles. The granite rock with rebar from Vivian to Leprechaun had snow covering some of the rebar so we decided to take the boot path around the rock to Leprechaun. Some hikers turned back but many went up and down the main route.
Once at Leprechaun we made our way back to the main trail and continued to Perfection Lake. We carried but didn’t use either our gators or micro spikes. Trail is snow covered but easy to follow. There were at least two spots with water flowing under the snow so listen for running water and probe with your trekking poles.
Hikers coming down Tuesday reported heavy snow on Monday. We got some rain and hail in Core on Tuesday. Wind had a bite to it Tuesday night. Hiking out on Thursday was hot. I think that and Friday’s warm weather may clear the granite patch from snow but soften up conditions in Upper Core. Still recommend carrying micro spikes. Through hikers we talked to had ice axes.
No bugs at Snow but this warm weather and the standing water around the Snow Lake campsites will incubate them. Snow Lake dam dry as Upper Snow Lake is down 20 feet or so. Saw one group camping on the beach.
Would love to have gone further as this was my first time with an overnight permit in The Enchantments.
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