Overview:  Located in central Washington the Enchantments are known by many as the showpiece of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.  To get a permit to camp here is difficult as it has one of the strictest reservation systems in the Cascades.  To traverse the Enchantments requires a shuttle between the Snow Lakes trailhead and 8 miles up the road to Mountaineers Creek. This would allow us to start start the trail at a higher elevation, head up to Colchuck lake, then up Asgard Pass to the Enchantment basin.  From the upper enchantments we climbed to the top of Little Annapurna on day 2 and then begin over a 6000 ft decent through to the Snow Lakes trailhead. Wondering how the Enchantments got its name?  A.H. Sylvester who explored the area for the forest service in the early part of the 20th century wrote the following after one of his explorations "I found 5 or 6 most beautiful small lakes grouped in a wonderful glacial valley all ringed with alpine larch. From the highest lake over an entrancing fall tumbled the water it received from a small glacier. It was an entrancing scene. I named the group 'Enchantment Lakes'."

 Day 1

Mountaineers Creek to Upper Enchantments

 We got Lucky- Finding a ride was no problem. As soon as Andy and I got out of the car and were getting our gear together a large pick-up truck pulls up.  A group of 3 others jump in the back. "Are you heading up the road by chance." Yip, the group was on the same itinerary as us but would do it as one of the most challenging day hikes in the country.

As we began the hike it was easy going up to Colchuck lake. 

Some of the best views from the shore of Colchuck Lake

We got our 1st good look at Asgard Pass and the trail less scramble we would need to make up it.  It did seem easier than some of the guide books made it out to be. The lake is at about 5570 ft and the top of the pass 7800 ft.  It was hard to believe it was over a 2000 ft gain from the lake to the top. We had a snack and  picked our line.

As we made our way up Asgard we passed a group of people doing the traverse as a day hike, not going well for them at this point. Andy and I pass them up with full packs. "They better have their headlamps." - I could guarantee that this would be their longest day of their lives.

 Andy entering the Enchantments

Up top we began to explore the upper Enchantment basin, surrounded by the stark white granite landscape.  We took our time on the trail from Isolation lake taking many pictures along the way. 

 Camp was made at the bottom of ramp of granite that leads up to the top of the peak Little Annapurna.  It is a bit nip to say the least- the slight breeze is not helping - Hands numb up without being covered instantly.  Dinner was served up in the tent, as soon as the sun went down it got unbelievably cold and we now are starting to mentally prepare for a cold night out.  When inserting my UV light filter in the water from the lake it would not work. The water was so cold it needed to stand out for awhile before the water filter would turn on. That was a first.

 Day 2

Upper Enchantments to Nada Lake

The next morning we were greeted by a dusting of light snowflakes (Is there ever a summer up here?) and 5 mountain goats approaching our camp.  They continued their march towards us - quite fearless.  What they were after is the salt in our pee.  There were warnings not to pee on the grass because the goats will rip it up to get the salt.  After taking many pictures it was time to get the legs moving and take a side trip before packing up camp.

 It was time to bag the summit of Little Annapurna. From camp, we headed up the granite ramps until hitting a large patch of snow that pushed us left.  We made it to the top in only about 45 minutes.  From the peak the east facing wall of the mountain dropped off 1000's of feet of stomach turning sheerness.

 Looking north towards Stuart Mountain

Looking south down the valley

 After packing up camp we began the hike through the Enchantments, passing lake leprechaun, lake perfection, and lake vivian - all very fine indeed.  We dropped out packs for another side trip up to Prussik Pass.

Prussik peak - a pick of granite towers over the lower Enchantments

 This is from Prussik Pass looking back at were we were camped in the upper valley. We were on top of Little Annapurna- the sloped mountain to the left- an hour or two earlier.

 We continued down the path towards Nada Lake.  The trail so steep in places there was no trail down the granite slabs. We made camp for the night along Nada Lake.  It was nice to have a fire and be able to enjoy the evening outside.  After spending the whole day hiking down the steep path, it's hard to believe that we have another 3000 ft to go tomorrow to the trail head, but it is only about 5 miles.

Day 3

Nada to Snow Lakes Trailhead

THe highlight of the hike out from Nada Lake was an explosion of water out of the mountainside. It was some type of human made water tunnel. Sounded like a 747 - we had to take a closer look. From the lot we hit up Leavenworth for breakfast and hit the road.

We saw lots of people hiking in the Enchantment Valley, especially compared to the handful we saw on the icicle divide traverse. This small area seems to be the spot for Seattle backpackers. Starting at the Mountaineers Creek trailhead was definitely the way to go - saving us about 2000 ft gain to the upper valley.  The area reminded me much of the glaciated high sierra, lots of granite  -  A rare jewel of lakes in the Cascade range

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