shut up: The Enchantments

Photos from a fall trip into the Enchantment Peaks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington

An annoying, but necessary permit process is required to camp in the Enchantments backcountry, but by mid October the permit season was over so my buddy Toby and I headed north on a much needed break from work. Our plan was to complete an 18 mile one-way thru-hike beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and ending at the Snow Lake trailhead. Upon our arrival we camped along Icicle Creek Road and after successfully hitching a ride in the back of a pickup truck up to the Stuart Lake trailhead, we were on our way. The days were crisp, the nights were cold, and we were in heaven.

Near our first camp, Dragontail Peak reflecting in Colchuck Lake.

A brilliant blue Colchuck Lake and the last of the fall colors climbing up the banks.

Dwindling glaciers after an unusually hot and dry year.

The blue broke through the grey for a brief moment in the afternoon and we were pleased.

The Alpine Larch, a deciduous conifer is abundant in the Enchantments and having the chance to see them turning yellow and losing their needles was a beautiful sight. The fallen needles covered the ground, the edges of the creeks, and lakes creating bright yellow bands that added to the already immense beauty of this spectacular area.

A small tarn reflecting the mountains and larches near Colchuck lake.

The moon rising up over Aasgard Pass which we would climb in the morning to get into the Upper Enchantments basin.

Obligatory mountain goat photo from the top of Aasgard Pass. These guys are the R. Kelly of the alpine wilderness. They love the pee. Mostly licking it though, not peeing on other goats. (just for clarification)

After setting up our camp, we headed up to the top of Little Annapurna. The views were endless and rugged. Looking west.

Looking north, back towards Aasgard Pass

Fillin' up, soul recharge.

Mt. Rainer, countless ranges, and a meadow of larches popping off in the valley below.

The next morning we woke up and set out to climb to the top of Dragontail Peak. We reached a summit, thinking it was Dragontail, but found out later we had unfortunately stopped short of our goal. Regardless, it was still a fun climb and the views were insane.

Looking west on our way up.

False summit, real Morakniv, real salami.

Looking back towards Aasgard Pass and Colchuck lake down below. The actual summit of Dragontail Peak is the high point in the left of the photo. Save it for next time I suppose, although the conditions were ideal this trip for a snow free ascent.

Looking down into the Upper Enchantments

Mt. Stuart

The head of the glacier flowing down into Isolation Lake. You could hear the water rushing underneath.

McClellan Peak

Prusik Peak from the upper lakes basin

Dragontail Peak in the center, and the peak we climbed instead on the far left. Frozen run-off in between.

Prusik Peak and the larches as we dropped down to Perfection Lake

Larches, granite, and magic larch dust

Near our campsite at Leprechaun Lake. Didn't see any leprechauns.

Little Annapurna and a creek running down between the lakes.

Little Annapurna and the biggest Larch tree we were able to find. You can't tell from this photo, but a light snow storm had rolled in and was beginning to cover the ground.