Snow Lakes Trailhead — Attraction in Leavenworth

Washington Trails Association gives a really nice description of the trail. This review by: two non-avid hikers that enjoy the outdoors. Distance: 5.6 miles to Lake Nada, but we did not make it that far. Other hikers told us at one point there is snow on the trail (may 1) that makes it difficult to pass without proper gear (we did not get to that point) There are no trail markers, so we aren't really sure how far we went, but it could have been 3-4. The trail did not seem terribly steep most of the time, but it is pretty much going up ALL of the time, and we walked very slowly. We didn't get started till 2pm, and turned around by 4:30 so we could get back down in good order. Probably for the best for two people that hadn't hiked substantial elevation for quite some time. It seemed like there were a lot of vehicles in the parking lot, but we did not see very many people on the trail, despite it being a Sunday afternoon with beautiful weather. It was difficult to gauge how prepared one should be for this hike, besides the normal water and snacks. I'd say for those who are conditioned, it is probably not a big deal to do the whole thing round trip, but if you are not, don't feel bad if you don't finish going up the switchbacks, because there is a seemingly uncountable amount of them, and the view is beautiful the entire way. If, however you desperately want to see a lake at the end of your hike, I believe that will be dependent on time of year, endurance level, and what time...

There is no better place on earth in my opinion. Icicle Ridge road and the surrounding valley is jaw-droppingly beautiful and the Enchantments through-hike is a trek that ceases to amaze me every time I get to do it.

Snow lake trailhead is a great step off spot if you want to camp at upper snow lake, but I will say, if you plan to through-hike the Enchantments, start from Stuart Lake TH and come down snow lake side. That way, you get all your elevation gain in the first 6 miles rather than stretched out over ~13 miles from snowlake side.

Back to the trail; it is hands down one of the most pristine, other-worldy places I have ever seen. Fields of wildflowers, munching mountain goats, alpine meadows, larches, snow covered peaks, and azure blue lakes. The Enchantments always leaves me with a sense of wonder and inspiration.

I have had some of the most beautiful memories of my life there, and I'm always looking for the next opportunity to go back.

If you have a chance to camp there, do it. If you have an opportunity to through-hike, do it. If you need a reason to fall in love with the world around you, be kind and respectful to nature while you're...

Gorgeous weekend at Snow Lakes! We camped here for 3 nights as we explored The Enchantments and surrounding area. The lake has a bunch of awesome campsites in the forest or on the beach. The toilets are some of the worse I’ve seen but we make do. Recommend hiking up to the upper lake to get the nicest camp spots. There’s a lot of granite rock ledges that make the lakes so enjoyable and pretty to swim in. Honestly this is my favorite beach in Washington State.

The lakes are beautiful! I highly encourage anyone visiting to spend time exploring the lake. First time I went I stayed in the same spot the whole time but this time, I kept finding better and better spots to hang out! Too bad the hike here is so long or else I’d come more often!

8 miles round trip from parking. Hike is HARD. Lots of uneven terrain and you have to climb boulders at times but totally...