Snow Lakes Trail #1553

The Snow Lakes Trail begins at the Snow Lakes Trailhead (~1,400') on Icicle Creek Road, 4 miles east of Leavenworth. From the trailhead, follow the Snow Creek Trail (#1553) north along Snow Creek as the canyon narrows and the Snow Creek Wall rises on the right. The trail climbs steadily through forest with the creek audible throughout the lower canyon. At approximately 5 miles, reach Nada Lake (~4,800'), a natural lake in the lower drainage with views of the rocky slopes above. Continue north and northeast, climbing more steeply as the drainage opens. Lower Snow Lake (~5,400') is reached at approximately 6.5 miles. Continue north along the shoreline to Upper Snow Lake. Beyond the upper lake, the trail enters the Enchantments Permit Area's Core Zone as the terrain opens onto granite slabs at approximately 10 miles. The route traverses by cairn through the lower lake chain — Lake Viviane and Leprechaun Lake — before reaching Perfection Lake at approximately 10.5 miles. Return on the same trail. The descent back through the lower canyon is long and consistent; begin the return no later than early afternoon to reach the trailhead before dark.