Above is a video that Mark and Sarah Shaffer made on the West Ridge route of Prusik Peak, which is located in the Enchantments right outside of Leavenworth. Videos are good to watch for descriptions and tips on route finding for alpine climbs.
This classic route is in the heart of the Enchantments, with typically good weather in the immediate vicinity, and a straightforward, moderate climb to the top of this famous peak.
The West Ridge route follows along the left skyline ridge of the peak as seen here. Photo by Sarah Shaffer.
Driving Access:
From US 2, on the west outskirts of Leavenworth, turn south on Icicle Creek Road. After a few miles the road heads west toward the mountains and alongside Icicle Creek. In another mile of two look for the large Snow Creek/ Snow Lakes Trail parking lot on your left if you’re using the Snow Lakes approach. This approach takes up to Snow Lakes, around the far end of the lakes and then up a rougher trail into the Lower Enchantments via Vivian Lake.
The second option is to hike up to Colchuck Lake, over Aasgard Pass, and half way down the Enchantment Lakes Basin before heading up toward Prusik Pass where the climb starts. For this approach, drive about eight miles from Leavenworth up Icicle Creek Road. In the area of the Bridge Creek Campground, turn left onto Road 7601 (the Eightmile Road) and drive this dirt road for four miles to the trailhead for Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake (aka the Mountaineer Creek Trailhead).
A Northwest Forest Pass is needed to park at both of these trailheads.
Accessing the climb. From whichever lake you camp at in the Enchantments, head for the saddle at the western edge of Prusik Peak. There are some faint climbers paths heading up from the more popular lakes, but it’s open country so it’s easy. Once at the saddle, head for a big balancing rock.
Nearest Town: Leavenworth/Plain
Uses: Mountaineering/Rock Climbing
Skill: 3 (crux is 5.7)
Fitness: 2 (intermediate) for route itself which is a half-day endeavor. 3 (advanced) or the whole endeavor of getting there.
Equipment: Small rack to 3 inches, ice axe in early season. One 165′ rope is needed; 150′ rope will be too short.
Leave It Better than You Found It. This should be every user’s goal. Pick up trash left by others, pull noxious weeds along your route, throw branches over unwanted spur trails, etc.
Disclaimer. Treat this information as recommendations, not gospel. Conditions change and those contributing these reports are volunteers–they may make mistakes or not know all the issues affecting a route. You are responsible for yourself, your actions, and your safety. If you won’t accept that responsibility, you are prohibited from using our information.
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