I found this very cool map on nwhikers, showing the names of all the lakes, as named by the Starks. This is where we went, starting from the right side of the map at Snow Lakes, and hiked over to Aasgard pass.
Scott and Doc at the start of the trail with big packs. It is about 7:30 or so, and cool out, but we still have some sun.
The trail starts in a the burn forest.
Doc making his way up the trail, fresh snow on the hills in the distance.
There is fresh snow on the mountains near the trailhead. Is this Cashmere Mountain?
At about 4500 feet, it starts coming down...as snow!
Snowstorm!
Doc isn't too happy about this.
It's really coming down.
This little guy is wondering what this is all about.
Nada Lake.
It's only noon, and we have permits for the lakes, but we set up camp at Snow Lakes. Doc is COLD, and his shoes are wet. We're all wet.
Doc in the tent.
This is a nice campsite though, with a good rock to sheild us, and a little overhanging rock to cover our stuff.
I carried up these big ones, each can more than a pint. Doc carried one up, Scott carried up a couple more regular sized ones. We've got 10 beers!
Setting up camp.
I'm doing okay in all the snow because I brought my super new La Sportiva boots that I picked up used at REI. They WORK! My feet are warm and dry. I can't help but rave about them all weekend much to the chagrin of Scott and Doc.
It's only about 1pm by the time camp is set up, so Scott and I decide to take a dayhike up to the lakes. I like the section from Snow Lakes up to Lake Vivianne. There are some slabby rock sections to climb up.
The route finding is harder in the snow.
Dark skies! We're hoping it will light up. Lots of snow.
The larch trees are just starting.
Slabby section on the way to Lake Vivianne.
Snow!
It's getting gorgeous!!
First views of Lake Vivianne.
It's so pretty.
Scott and the lake.
Me and the lake.
The weather is actually improving!!!
It's a winter wonderland.
Prussik Peak is in the clouds.
That's where we came from ~ Snow Lakes. Doc is down there!
Pretty Lake Vivianne.
Scott and I head over towards Lake Leprechaun.
McClellan.
I think this is Little Annapurna way in the distance.
Look at that huge Tamarac tree on the right!
Lake Leprechaun is so pretty. I don't want to leave!
Scott and Lake Leprechaun.
Leprechaun Lake.
BIG larch tree and Prussik.
I just love this lake.
Weather is reaaally improving.
Temple with fresh snow.
Temple and larch trees.
View looking down to Snow Lakes.
GORGEOUS!
Bob and Diane are two backpackers from Ellensburg that we ran into. They had gotten stuck in the snowstorm and Bob had hurt his arm. Scott spent about 45 minutes helping them get around the tricky parts of Lake Vivianne. It's about 5:30 when we get them to camp. Then we still have to hike down to our camp at Snow!
