Nada Lake and Snow Lakes via Snow Creek Trailhead

The first time I hiked Snow Creek, I thought, How hard can a lake hike be? Then the trail pitched straight up through the forest like it had somewhere urgent to be. This route wastes no time, and that is exactly why it is such a good choice when you want a big mountain day that still ends with a swim, a snack on warm granite, and the kind of quiet you only get above the road noise of Icicle Creek.

This is the Snow Creek Trailhead route to Nada Lake and the longer push into the Snow Lakes basin in Washington’s Enchantments area near Leavenworth. Some hikers casually refer to it as an “Icicle Canyon Enchantments” hike, but the main identifiers you will see are Snow Creek Trail, Nada Lake, and Snow Lakes. Important note before we go any further: this Snow Lakes is not Snow Lake near Alpental off I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass. Same lake name, totally different trail, terrain, and vibe.

Trail stats

Numbers vary a bit by device, GPS smoothing, and your exact turnaround point. These ranges assume you start from Snow Creek Trailhead and hike out and back. Where you stop along the shoreline at Lower or Upper Snow Lake can nudge totals either way.

• Trailhead: Snow Creek Trailhead (Icicle Creek area near Leavenworth)
• Route type: Out and back (most hikers turn around at Nada Lake, Lower Snow Lake, or Upper Snow Lake)
• Nada Lake: about 11 miles round trip, about 2,700 feet of elevation gain
• Lower Snow Lake: about 13 to 14.5 miles round trip, about 4,000 to 4,500 feet of elevation gain
• Upper Snow Lake (deeper basin feel): about 15 to 16+ miles round trip, about 4,500 to 5,000+ feet of elevation gain

If you only remember one thing: this trail climbs early and it climbs hard. Start earlier than you think you need.

Getting to the trailhead

The Snow Creek Trailhead sits along Icicle Road outside Leavenworth. From town, it is an easy drive up the canyon and a popular starting point on summer weekends.

• Parking: Limited and can fill early. Have a backup plan for timing, especially on Saturdays.
• Passes and fees: This trailhead may require a Northwest Forest Pass or an accepted federal recreation pass. Check the current trailhead sign to confirm what is required that day.
• Road conditions: Icicle Road conditions and any washout impacts change season to season. Check official forest alerts and current local updates before you drive up the canyon.

What it’s like

Trailhead to the climb

You start in the trees, and within minutes the trail makes it clear what kind of day you signed up for. Expect a steady, leg-burning ascent on a well-established path. The forest shade helps early and the footing is typically straightforward, but it is not a gentle warm-up.

Maya tip: I pace this climb like a stair workout, not a hike. Short steps, consistent breathing, and frequent micro-pauses beat one long suffer-fest break.

Switchbacks and views

As you gain elevation, you will catch occasional peeks back toward Icicle Creek Canyon. If you are hiking in shoulder season, traction can be necessary depending on snow and ice, but in typical summer conditions the biggest challenge is just the relentless grade.

Junctions to Nada Lake

Near the top of the main climb, the trail feels a little less enclosed, with more breaks in the trees. You will pass signed junctions as you move toward the lakes zone. From there, the grade finally eases off for a bit as you drop into the trees around Nada Lake, where the shoreline opens up for breaks and water views.

Option 1: Nada Lake

If you want a true Enchantments taste without committing to an all-day suffer march, the Nada Lake turnaround is my favorite compromise. It is steep enough to feel like you did something, scenic enough to feel rewarded, and reasonable enough that you can still end the day with a shower and a good meal in town.

What you will see

• Forest-to-granite transition as you gain elevation
• Clear water and rocky shoreline at Nada Lake
• A quieter feel than the core basin, especially early or late in the day

Break spots

Walk a bit past the first obvious access points if you want more space. The best sitting rocks are usually not the first ones you see.

Turnaround timing

A good rule for most hikers is: turn around at Nada Lake if you are not feeling strong when you arrive. Continuing to Snow Lakes adds meaningful mileage and a lot more elevation, and the descent back down Snow Creek is not where you want to realize you overreached.

Time budgeting for real people: many groups land in the 5 to 7 hour range for Nada Lake round trip, depending on breaks and heat. If you are still climbing at a snail pace on the way up, take that as data, not a dare.

Option 2: Snow Lakes

From Nada Lake, the route continues deeper into the Snow Lakes corridor. The hiking is still demanding, but the experience shifts from steep forest grind to high lake country, and that is the magic most people are chasing when they say they want to see the Enchantments.

Lower Snow Lake

Lower Snow Lake is the first major lake you will hit as you keep climbing. Depending on snowmelt timing, you might see lingering snowfields above the lake early season. Take your time here. This is often where people realize the day is longer than it looked on the map.

For a lot of hikers, Lower Snow Lake is an 8 to 11 hour day once you include breaks, photos, and a slower descent.

Upper Snow Lake

Continuing to Upper Snow Lake adds more of that dramatic granite-and-water feeling. If your legs are still springy, this is where the basin vibe really starts to deliver. If you are watching the clock, it is also the point where a conservative turnaround can save your knees on the descent.

Upper Snow Lake often lands in the 10 to 13+ hour range for typical day hikers. If you do not start early, you will feel that math late.

Permits and rules

For day hiking from Snow Creek to Nada Lake or into Snow Lakes, you will typically find a free self-issued wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk. Names and requirements can be updated by the land manager, so treat the kiosk sign as the final word for what is required that day and fill out whatever form is posted.

For overnight trips in the Enchantments permit zones, permit requirements apply and are tightly controlled.

Even if you are day hiking, treat this like a high-use alpine area:

• Pack out everything, including food scraps
• Stay on durable surfaces near the lakes to protect fragile vegetation
• Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments permit area and Snow Lakes corridor that most people are hiking toward from Snow Creek. Practically speaking, if your plan is Nada Lake and beyond, do not bring a dog. Rules can be enforced at the trailhead or on-trail, and nobody wants to turn around after that climb.
• Give space at narrow lakeshore access points

What to pack

Snow Creek is not technical, but it is punishing if you under-pack water or over-pack nonsense. My happy middle looks like this:

• Water: at least 2 liters per person in hot weather, more if you run warm
• Electrolytes: especially if you are hiking in heat, the descent can feel like an oven
• Filtration: a lightweight filter if you plan to top off at Nada or Snow Lakes
• Water reality check: do not count on frequent, reliable water sources during the main climb. Streams can be seasonal. I assume my next easy fill is the lake.
• Food: salty snacks plus a real lunch, not just bars
• Layers: a light insulating layer and a shell even on bluebird days
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Navigation: downloaded offline map, plus a battery pack
• Poles: optional on the way up, a lifesaver on the way down

Season and surprises

Best time

Late summer into early fall is the sweet spot for most hikers: clearer trail, warmer water, and fewer lingering snow issues. Weekdays are noticeably calmer.

Common surprises

• The first climb is the day. Do not burn all your matches in the first hour.
• Descent fatigue and heat. The way down can feel longer than the way up, and late-day sun can hit hard. Save something for your knees and keep sipping water.
• Bugs. Early season can bring aggressive mosquitoes near water and in shady sections. Bring repellent if you are sensitive.
• Lingering snow and ice. In heavier snow years, upper sections can hold snow well into early summer. Conditions change fast with aspect and shade.
• Smoke season. Late summer can bring wildfire smoke. If the air quality is poor, choose a lower elevation hike or pivot to town exploring.

Safety notes

• Start early: Heat and crowds build fast, and mountain weather can change quickly. Wind and lightning are not theoretical on exposed granite.
• Watch your turnaround time: It is easy to push just a little farther past Nada Lake and then pay for it late.
• Granite is slick: Slabs near the shoreline can be slick, especially near inlets and shaded edges.
• Know your group: This trail is not the best choice for a first hike of the season unless everyone is ready for sustained elevation gain and a long descent.

FAQ

Is this the same Snow Lake as the one near Snoqualmie Pass?

No. This is the Snow Lakes basin in the Enchantments accessed from the Snow Creek area near Leavenworth. Snow Lake near Alpental is a different trailhead and a different hike off I-90.

Is Nada Lake worth it if I cannot make it to Snow Lakes?

Yes. Nada Lake is a rewarding destination on its own, with classic granite shoreline lounging and a real sense of arrival after the climb.

How hard is Snow Creek to Nada Lake?

Harder than the mileage suggests because the elevation comes fast and keeps coming. If you are comfortable with steep, sustained uphill and a long, knee-heavy descent, you will do fine. Budget extra time for the way down.

Do I need a permit for a day hike?

Expect a free self-issued wilderness permit at the trailhead kiosk and fill out whatever is posted. The exact wording can vary, and closures can change what is required, so the trailhead sign is the source of truth.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments permit area and Snow Lakes corridor that this route leads into. If your plan is Nada Lake and beyond, leave your dog at home.

My plan for this day

If you want a single plan that works for most hikers: aim for an early trailhead start, hike to Nada Lake with a long break, then decide in the moment whether you have the legs and daylight to push toward Lower Snow Lake. Treat Nada Lake as a victory, not a consolation prize.

And if you end back in Leavenworth with dusty calves and a coffee in hand, you are doing my kind of trip: rugged miles first, urban comforts after.