enchanted wanderings
A glimpse of the enchanted views; Aasgard Pass looms over Colchuck Lake.
Trail running the quintessential Cascades experience—The Enchantments in the Cascade range of Washington state—as performed by Sprite and good ole Bennie early in September of 2014, includes eight hours of meandering around gorgeous lakes and enjoying breathtaking views. According to the picture album Sprite created at the time anyway.
Recently, Wolverine Whisperer asked me about the Enchantments in the North Cascades. My response was, well you know, very Sprite-esque, an indignant “The North Cascades?! Oh wait, yeah. flips hand The Cascades. I guess I could see how people confuse that but I don’t consider it the North Cascades because it’s on the east side.” She looked at me expectantly. “Right. Yes, it’s stunning and worth the trek but you can do it in a day so you don’t have to get a permit and it’s so overcrowded now but it’s something to do once so yeah.” A terrible response. I know. #badfriend
So here’s your trail report, Claire. I can hear her chuckle at that statement and you need not worry about her response. She’s pretty adept at putting up with me. Alright, on to the planning phase then. Oh wait, about that. It’s been 11 years so I don’t think I even recall planning such a trek. Back then I was the tagalong for the ride friend and not the planner. According to Claire, I still am [sweat emoji].
Anyway, I didn’t turn down a single adventure desire Bennie threw my way. Not even running a 50k. This obviously occurred before the time of the term boundaries. Ok, buuuut nothing has changed so don’t think I didn’t love every bit of each challenge. I mean adventure.
Well, back to how I don’t recall the details thoroughly. I do know the decision to trail run in a day seemed feasible alongside our group of friends hiking it within daylight hours. They mentioned having done it before, which made our decision an easy one. We had to have driven the two hour drive over Snoqualmie Pass from Seattle to Leavenworth the evening before although, who recalls where we stayed. Or how we prepared. Alright, well, that’s not helpful. Moving on.
20 miles - Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lakes Trailhead
Map credit: Luke J.’s trail report on the Washington Trails Association site
Most who attempt this route in a day decide to drop a car at the Snow Lakes trailhead off Icicle Road then drive to the start at Stuart Lake Trailhead. I don’t know of anyone attempting the trek in the opposite direction. I’m sure people do, just not people I know. Beginning at Stuart Lake determines an upward climb for Aasgard Pass to the core Enchantments then, a gentle downhill the entire rest of the mileage (approximately 10-12). That is precisely the direction we opted to run.
An early start and a foggy day really didn’t crush our spirits. The views would be otherworldly with or without the sunshine and the time we spent out in nature valuable to us. An easy forest trail leads to Colchuck Lake in 4.5 miles. We ran into a guy who wanted to join our running party and let him keep us company. Then, we wound around the lake and began the climb up Aasgard Pass.
Bennie admires the mountain goats, Colchuck Lake, and Aasgard Pass flanked by Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks
You want me to delve into how difficult the scree was to navigate for the 2,000 feet of gain in one mile upwards. Yet, the truth is I don’t remember any difficulties. I was young. And had a light day pack. And I ran on trails quite a bit back then. It is considered a tough climb by adventure standards regardless. Follow the extra large cairns up and take breaks when you need.
The top sits at a cool 7,800 feet of elevation. Sprite and Bennie take a moment for sustenance.
Once on top, you are rewarded with spectacular lake views. And snacks. Don’t forget your faves because this is a good spot to bring those out as bounty for lugging yourself up Aasgard. Our friends were already at this spot playing around and we joined them for pictures and laughs.
Shenanigans ensued
Prusik Peak apparently mattered more to me than Inspiration Lake. Note: The cloud cover beginning to burn off.
Then we took off concerned about a record or something about remaining under a certain amount of hours to complete our run. From here it’s all about the lakes. The serpentine trail maximizes exposure to each of the lakes, or so called Enchantments. I don’t recall any of them. I guess it’s time to go back for a repeat?
Have I mentioned before how often Sprite falls down mountains? As I type this there are matching scabs to the right knee in this photo.
We finally settle into a comfortable pace and a great conversation with our newfound friend. Naturally, it’s time Sprite trip and travel downhill where one does not wish to go face first. I kept my teeth though and that’s all that matters! Bennie cleaned my scrapes and made us walk for a bit before we began descending down the final switchbacks. When this little mishap occurred we had very little mileage to the finish line.
Still smiling for the sunny finish of a 20 mile, eight hour excursion.
We rolled into the trailhead at exactly the eight hour mark. Taking our time to enjoy our accomplishment, we pealed off our shoes and socks to soak our feet in the creek before contemplating our next move. Chatting with the new friend, we laughed about me tripping and falling. That’s it. All that I remember of that glorious day running through The Enchantments. Also, there are lots better pics on the interwebs. I don’t remember dinner that night. Or where we stayed or the ride back to Seattle. Absolutely nada.
In a way, that’s significant for me. Two years later, I would discover that Bennie began dating my very recent ex. The one I moved out west with and dated for seven years. I decided not to continue our friendship. For many years, I wished for a hiking/trail running/adventure buddy that matched pace and wits with me. I didn’t realize the gravity of my sense of loss until after grad school. When I no longer had Holly or someone to hike with while TAJ was at work.
Why am I sharing this twisty tale that brings the mood slightly down? The significance of Wolverine Whisperer sealing the Bennie-sized wound, of course. Life runs a circuitous route. Didn’t you know that? So what if I propose a bday trek thru-hike of The Enchantments to round out my memory of the lakes and peaks and a happy adventure with a friend? Odd, how healing works. You know?
P.S.: If you think I gave a secret away, Claire and I are hiking Mount Rearguard while this l’il ditty releases into your email feed.
Cascades
I don’t recall where this extreme waterfall could be found along the trail. Snow melt off at the top of Aasgard? Further along and towards the end? My memory deceives me.
I promised you mountain goats
Not only was technology less advanced for picture quality, I was a bad photographer back in the day. My apologies for all the blurry photos.