[HermitThrush]

Would it be feasible to attempt Spectacle Lake and/or Spade Lake in mid-May? I really want to try to do overnights at both spots at some point. This may be the year. Also, as best as I can tell, the permit lottery system is only required for the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, am I correct? How does that work? Yes, I have some backcountry experience.

[Backpacker Joe]

You MIGHT make it to Pete lake with little to no snow in May, but there is no chance for Specticle or for sure Spade. As for the enchantments, in February the permit lottery opens up. Find the Levenworth ranger station website and you can find the permit section and what is required.

[Conrad]

In mid-May I'd expect Spectacle and Spade to be surrounded by miles of steep hard snow, and the creeks will be high. Feasible for some people, but it's not what I call "backpacking".

[HermitThrush]

When do you think would be the earliest I could get in to either of those spots?

[fourteen410]

4th of July weekend, give or take.

[Kim Brown]

Sometime in July, most likely - later than earlier some years; but who knows - the snow may melt faster, earlier. Or it could hang in quite late. The water crossings could be high early season. Re: Permits. You do not need a paid permit for Spectacle or Jade. All you need is a self registered permit - free at the trail head. You are correct that The Enchantments do require a paid permit obtained through the Forest Service via the on-line lottery system in (January? February?) or walk-up, in person. Think about the high country above Lake Chelan as an alternative if the snowpack is hanging on. Well, unless the snowpack is hanging on there as well....

[Randito]

I hiked to Pete Lake Memorial day weekend a decade ago. Snow covered trail most of the way. Fortunately there were a couple of melted out and dry camp sites at the lake. The last mile of trail to Spectacle Lake is steep and cliffs and the waterfall / Creek crossing would be sporty with the creek running full tilt and the bridge still covered with 5 feet of snow. The lake itself will still be frozen. Mid to late August the huckleberry's will be ready for picking and eating. That's a great time to go.

[elton]

there are loads of hiking opportunities at Spectacle lake, also they rent cabins and have a really good Sunday Brunch There are many places to pull the car off to the side of the highway and explore untouched nature, you probably will encounter a Moose and some

[Conrad]

[Sculpin]

We have good hiking options in mid-May, but not the high Cascades. The lowest tides of the year often fall in there, so the coast is awesome. As for me, I will be hiking, and maybe backpacking, below lower timberline on the eastern slopes of the Cascades. It will be awash in wildflowers at that time of year with a decent chance of perfect weather.

[Schroder]

[solohiker]

[Just_Some_Hiker]

[Tom]

[Conrad]