Camp Essentials for the Wild Beauty of Nada Lake

Tucked deep in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Nada Lake is a high-mountain gem just outside Leavenworth.
It’s part of the famed Enchantments region—a rugged, granite-strewn stretch of the Cascades known for its glacier-carved basins, icy blue lakes, and challenging trails. Reaching Nada Lake takes effort: a 5.5-mile hike from the Snow Lakes Trailhead, climbing over 3,000 vertical feet through forest, switchbacks, and scree.

For many, Nada Lake is the first overnight stop en route to the Core Enchantments Zone. But even on its own, this alpine lake offers one of the most rewarding backcountry camping experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Campsites are primitive, the scenery is dramatic, and solitude is easy to find—especially if you make camp on a shoulder season weekend or midweek.

When you’re this far off the beaten path, your gear can’t afford to come up short.

At Seattle Sports Co, we’ve spent decades refining camp essentials that can handle the real backcountry—the kind where convenience is a distant memory and smart preparation makes all the difference.

Here’s what we always bring to camps like Nada Lake:

Camp Buckets and Camp Sinks

When water access isn’t right at your tent—and you’re trying to tread lightly on fragile alpine ecosystems—a collapsible camp bucket is worth its weight. Haul lake water for dishes, washing up, or dousing campfires quickly and efficiently. Our camp sinks and buckets are lightweight, durable, and easy to stash when space is tight in your pack.
🔗 Explore Camp Buckets & Sinks →

Dry Bags and Waterproof Storage

Between sudden alpine storms and inevitable creek crossings, keeping your essentials dry is a survival skill. Reliable dry bags protect your sleeping bag, clothes, and food stash so you’re not facing a cold, soggy night at 5,000 feet.
🔗 Shop Dry Bags & Storage →

Pocket Bottle: Packable Hydration that Goes the Distance

Space is limited in your pack, but hydration is non-negotiable. The Seattle Sports Pocket Bottle rolls up when empty, expands when needed, and clips easily to your belt or pack strap. It’s perfect for summit pushes, short walks from camp, or sipping on the descent. Durable, reusable, and surprisingly tough for something that fits in your back pocket.
🔗 Check Out the Pocket Bottle →

Nothing beats the feeling of waking up at Nada Lake: morning mist rising off the water, the trail stretching onward into the heart of the Enchantments.
With the right camp gear, you're free to focus on what matters most—moving through wild spaces with confidence, comfort, and respect.

Ready to gear up for your own alpine adventure?
Explore our Camping Essentials here →