Enjoy an epic 5-day backpacking journey from Stuart Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead as we share our experiences, challenges, and breathtaking encounters with nature.
Our adventure begins with preparations, such as packing a backpack for this extended journey and training for our first backpacking adventure as complete beginners. Find out how we geared up for this unique experience.
We were fortunate to secure a Core permit for 4 nights/5 days for six people in August 2023, thanks to a relative’s effort. You can find the application process on the official website, although the odds are quite low at around 2%.
Next came the training phase. I live in the LA Area near the beach, which is at sea level. However, the top of Aasgard stands at 2390m/7841ft. So, I needed to prepare for the altitude difference. I hiked the Temescal Canyon Loop trail several times a week, with and without a backpack, to build up resistance. The top of Temescal is only around 335m/1100ft, so it’s incomparable to Aasgard 2390m/7841ft.
Then, it was time to prepare and pack the backpack. As a beginner, I aimed to go as lightweight as possible. Here’s a list of what I brought, including what I was wearing:
- Backpack
- 2-person tent (weight split between two persons)
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Stove
- Pot
- Fork
- 3 meals per day (almond butter with tortilla and pre-made meals)
- One Snack per day (protein bars, cereal bars, trail mix)
- Lighter
- Headlamp
- Walking poles
- Garmin mini GPS
- Phone
- External battery
- Bear canister
- Water filtration system
- First aid kit (bandages, tape, wrap, Arnica, pain medications, cortisone, compress, alcohol swabs, tweezers)
- Poop shovel
- Toilet paper
- Garbage bag
- 10 Wet Wipes
- Sunscreen
- Lens case and liquid
- Eye Glasses
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Warm sweater
- Long sleeve shirt
- Rain jacket
- 2 T-shirts
- 2 pants
- 2 pairs of underwear
- 2 pairs of socks
- 2 bras
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Pajamas
What I should have brought:
- Lip balm
- Pee cloth
- Less water to start
My backpack ended up weighing 30lb/13.6kg, including food and 2 liters of water. I used every item except the long-sleeved shirt and first aid stuff. I don’t mind stinky clothes while hiking, so I only “washed” one underwear, a pair of socks, and a T-shirt once. I would start with less water next time since water is readily available on the trail.
Day 1: Overnight at the charming LOGE cabin in Leavenworth, an early rise for the Shuttle Ride to Snow Lake Trailhead and conquering Aasgard.
On day 1, we woke up at 4:00 a.m. at the LOGE cabin for a 5:00 a.m. shuttle pickup. The cabin is conveniently located just outside Leavenworth, and the easy drive to Snow Lake trailhead took about 10 minutes. When we arrived at the trailhead, parking was chaotic, and we parked on the side of the road using the provided overnight parking permit. Make sure to arrive early to find parking, especially on a busy Saturday.
The shuttle was a standard 15-seater van filled with day hikers and a few backpackers. The ride to Colchuck trailhead was quite bumpy and served as an invigorating wake-up call.
We reached Colchuck trailhead and the number of people was unexpected, but it was a Saturday morning. We’re not sure how busy it gets during the week.
Before starting our backpacking journey, we wanted to use the restroom. With only one toilet available, it took almost an hour, but we didn’t mind since we preferred to hike during daylight to enjoy the surroundings at our own pace.
Off to Colchuck Lake! We were undecided about whether to camp at Colchuck or tackle Aasgard on Day 1. As the trail led us into a forested area, we savored the sights of trees, flowing rivers, and friendly chipmunks. There were more people than we expected, with hikers continually passing us.
Finally, we reached Colchuck Lake, which was a sight to behold with its turquoise waters and reflected mountains. We had lunch at the “beach” area and relaxed by the lake, enjoying the cool water on our feet. We decided to attempt Aasgard based on how we felt and the number of people at Colchuck.
Aasgard lived up to its reputation as a challenging ascent, with boulders to conquer. Carrying a 30lb backpack made it even tougher. At one point, I had to pass my backpack to someone ahead and receive a helping hand to climb. It felt like pushing through exhaustion in a marathon, but reaching the top of Aasgard was a triumph.
I was exhausted but still needed to find a campsite. We walked to Tranquil Lake for some foot baths and pitched our tent by Isolation Lake. We had dinner, watched the sunset, and cleaned up before resting for the night.
Day 2: Sunrise at Isolation Lake and Sunset at Perfection Lake. Witness a breathtaking sunrise at Isolation Lake, a moment of wonder after the challenges of the previous day.
We woke up early to witness a stunning sunrise. The crisp air and unbelievable views made it feel like we were on a different planet. It was worth the hardships from the previous day, and I realized I had been too tired to appreciate the beauty the night before.
After breakfast and packing, we set out for Perfection Lake, with the possibility of tackling Little Annapurna since the terrain appeared relatively flat. However, this was a mistake, as we soon encountered rocky terrain. Our hike took us through various landscapes, from moon-like surfaces to snowy areas, lush meadows, lakes, and larches. We took breaks by a creek overlooking Crystal Lake and enjoyed Inspiration Lake, nestled between granite and larches. Perfection Lake truly lived up to its name, with a waterfall and a picturesque small island. We decided not to attempt Little Annapurna and camped by Sprite Lake, where we encountered friendly goats. We enjoyed the evening with yet another breathtaking sunset.
Day 3: An Enchanting Day at Crystal Lake with Sunrise, Scenic Hikes, and Sunset Delights
We woke up to a perfect sunrise and took numerous photos to capture the beauty. The resident goats joined the morning gathering. After breakfast and a quick wash, we embarked on a day hike to Prusik Pass, offering a stunning view of Shield Lakes and Prusik Peak. On our way back, we made a new friend, a marmot. Back at camp, we had lunch and prepared to head to Crystal Lake for the night.
Though Crystal Lake was only about 0.5 miles from our camp, the landscape transitioned from lush trees to meadows and rocky terrain. We settled at our camp, went for a refreshing swim in Crystal Lake, and explored the area, enjoying different views of the valley and bog-like terrain. Another captivating sunset capped off the day.
Day 4: Challenging Descent to Nada Lake. Our Journey’s Last Leg
After a restless night marked by rain, thunder and lightning, we missed the sunrise due to the cloudy weather. Our goat friends visited to check on us. We packed up and prepared for the descent to Nada Lake for our last night. The landscape shifted from rocky terrain to lush forests and rivers. The descent was challenging, with cliff-edge walking and steep, root-infested trails. We eventually arrived at Upper Snow Lake, which was less pristine than the previous lakes, possibly due to low water levels. Lower Snow Lake looked better, but we continued to Nada for our final camp. The river was gushing as we descended, but the weather prevented us from witnessing a sunset at Nada Lake.
Day 5: The Scenic Descent and a Hearty Meal. Wrapping Up Our Adventure
The night was quite windy, and we awoke to a clear sky, although it was a bit late, causing us to miss the sunrise. At this point, the altitude was 1493 m/4898 ft, and I believe that’s why we had a much better night’s sleep compared to the previous one.
The final day was uneventful but still offered stunning views as we descended. Along the way, we came across park rangers riding mule horses, heading up to assist trail workers. The downhill hike was challenging on our leg muscles, but we found enjoyment in observing berries and mushrooms. Upon reaching the car, we cleaned up and treated ourselves to schnitzel in Leavenworth before driving back to Seattle.
Wrap Up
Our backpacking journey from Stuart Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead was a challenging yet awe-inspiring adventure, filled with moments of wonder and the beauty of nature.
I can’t fathom doing this hike as a day trip for several reasons. Firstly, you’d miss out on the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. Secondly, there wouldn’t be sufficient time to truly appreciate the beauty of the place and explore your surroundings at your own pace. Lastly, it would be physically demanding. I would gladly embark on another backpacking trip in this area. The photos and descriptions fall short of capturing the peacefulness, beauty, and relaxation this place provides. As a novice backpacker, I found it manageable and fear that nothing else will compare to this experience. Only time will tell!