Snow Lakes
Central CascadesBest Jun–Oct
The long way into the Enchantments, and for backpackers, the smartest way out.
About This Trail
Snow Lakes is the southern corridor into the Enchantments, climbing 4,300 feet over 7 miles from the trailhead on Icicle Creek Road to a pair of lakes set beneath the granite walls of McClellan Peak. Most hikers know this trail as the exit route for the Enchantments through-hike, descending from the Core Zone through Snow Lakes and out to the road. Fewer people hike it as a destination on its own, and that is a shame.
The trail earns its elevation honestly. Switchbacks climb through fire-scarred slopes popular with rock climbers accessing Snow Creek Wall, then level off through forest before climbing again through boulder fields to reach Nada Lake. Past Nada, the trail crosses a masonry spillway and continues to the lower and upper Snow Lakes. A narrow isthmus between the two lakes offers one of the best views in the area, with McClellan Peak rising directly above smooth granite slabs that curve into the water.
Plan for a long day. The descent is notoriously rough on the body, with 3,600 feet of drop over rocky, uneven terrain and 24 switchbacks in the final stretch. Experienced hikers compare the exit to running a gauntlet. Trekking poles earn their weight. Overnight permits for the Enchantments zone are required May through October and allocated by lottery through Recreation.gov. July mosquitoes at the lakes are legendary.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“DAY 1 - 6/3: HIKE-IN Snow Lakes lottery permit in hand, 4 of us hit the Snow Lakes trailhead @ 8:00 A.”
Last report: Jun 3, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended; water reflection adds glare near the lake
Persistent Hazards
- brutal descent with 3,600 feet of rocky downhill
- mosquitoes at the lakes in July
- exposed switchbacks on fire-scarred slopes
Getting There
Snow Lakes trailhead on Icicle Creek Road, 4.2 miles south of US 2. Outhouse at the lot. Fills early on summer weekends, especially when Enchantments permit holders arrive.
From the trailhead, steep switchbacks climb through fire-scarred terrain before leveling through forest. More switchbacks lead through boulder-strewn areas to Nada Lake at roughly mile 5. The trail continues past a masonry spillway to the lower Snow Lake and then the upper lake. The isthmus between the lakes is the scenic highlight.
Start early for a day hike. If hiking as an Enchantments through-hike exit, expect to reach Snow Lakes trailhead in the afternoon or evening depending on your pace from the Core Zone. The final 24 switchbacks feel endless on tired legs.
Recent Reports
DAY 1 - 6/3: HIKE-IN Snow Lakes lottery permit in hand, 4 of us hit the Snow Lakes trailhead @ 8:00 A. M.
3-day/2-night backpack from Snow Lakes TH up to Nada Lake with a day-hike into the Core. Bottom-line up-front: We counted 108 tree blow-downs obstructing the trail between the Snow Lake trailhead and Nada Lake.
Beautiful hike. There are some downed trees this early in the season; we counted 97 blowdowns that required some degree of navigating.
Similar Hikes
