[Newt]

Seeing all those photos of the Enchantments this year has got me to wondering: Is there/are there similar places to trek to? I know all places are unique but there must be some other place. Someplace that doesn't require the good luck to get 'The' permits? Even if there was some drive time involved that would be ok. I wanna start planning. The place has burnt an image in my mind that won't leave. Any help? TIA NN

[Karen]

Tuck and Robin Lakes but don't stop at the first lake. It's crowded and noisy and too close to the trailhead. Go all the way to the higher lakes and you'll be in Enchantment-like territory (but on a smaller scale). It's in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and it's written up in the mainstream hiking guides. Karen

[polarbear]

While not like the Enchantments in character, the loop through the Ladies Lakes is really nice. They are also off the Icicle Creek Road. I've never done the whole loop but have hiked to Lake Mary from the one side and up Chatter Creek from the other. It would be nice to do a 3-4 day trip and spend some time at all the lakes.

[Backpacker Joe]

P-bear, the Wind River Range in Wyoming is the way to go. TURBO Entchantments! Ask Mr. Curtis, he'll tell you. Let's make a trip plan there. PS, does that mean that you have NEVER been in there P? OH MY GOD, LET'S GO THIS YEAR! TB

[IBEX]

I always thought that Ice Lakes was kinda enchancy. And then there is Snowy Lakes. That's nice too. I also like the feel of Wing Lake. You can also find polished rock and Larch trees in Stilletto Basin.

[Malachai Constant]

I do not want to be a spoil sport but there are literally hundreds of high lake basins in the Eastern Sierra that are nearly identical to the Enchantmentsi.e. 60 Lakes Basin, Evolution Basin, and Ansel Adams Wilderness etc. They are much less crowded and have similar climbng opertunities. Check out the recentlyreprinted High Sierra Traverse guide published by the Mounties. In fact, any high granite area will be similar.

[Newt]

Thanks for the ideas. Now I can spend some time searching and planning. I like the idea of the less traveled way. A little less impact. I would never have thought the places like Wyoming and the Sierras would even be remotely similar. Guess I don't know much. Thanks, NN

[polarbear]

BPJ, I've been to the Enchantments but not the Wind River Range. I ve always been a bit nervous about grizzlies, although polar bears don t scare me. What little I've seen of the Sierras makes me want to return.

sierra

[Backpacker Joe]

Heck P-bear, Ill go with ya, and I'll carry a REALLY big gun! Seriously though, we'll arm ourselves with TURBO pepper spray and we'll be OHTAY! Mr. Curtis has some great tales about the Winds. TB

[Dean]

As you all may or may not know, I'm a hopeless Enchantment addict. Are there other places? Of course. I whet my backpacking appetite in the Sierra's and as MalCon so aptly pointed out the Sierra's, particularly the areas he mentioned are super. However, closer to home, I'd have to mentiion Entiat Meadows/Ice Lakes as a great area. Rambling throughout all of the Foss Lakes area, with Big Heart, Angeline, Otter, etc can make a good way to go. Also don't forget the Eagle Cap Wilderness area in Northeastern Oregon, spectacular country with often better weather. There are plenty of good choices for multi day rambles. I just happen to love the Enchantments as they are so Sierra like and fairly close to home. As far as permits go, if everyone here would put in for a permit, for sometime in Sept/Oct, you'd have a better chance of getting in. Remember that putting in for the middle of the week works best and Leavenworth Ranger station for permits by March 1st. If several end up getting permits, and you have a space available, be sure to let me know, I'm always up for an Enchantment trip.

[Slide Alder Slayer]

I also love the Enchantments! However, The Golden Lakes Loop in the Okanogan can offer far more solitude, much more wildlife, and just as much adventure as the Enchantments over a much larger area. There are five lake basins, over 23 miles in recognized trails, multiple high altitude passes, and endless opportunities to scramble to peaks above 8,000 feet or between basins. There are bears, moose, deer, great fishing opportunities, and when the weather turns, it gets nasty! Depending on the snowfall, The Golden Lakes Loop opens up in late June early July. The snow cover on Horsehead Pass at 7,600 feet, Deadman’s Pass at 7,400 feet, and the Pass above Lake Cooney at 8,000 feet keeps the horse packers and motorcycles out. During our last trip from 6/30/02 – 7/4/02, we encountered one other couple for a total of 10 minutes. The best time to ensure solitude is to visit early in the season while snow blocks the passes, or anytime mid week, especially later in the season. I have enclosed a link to my last trail report to the Golden Lakes Loop. www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=707

[Dslayer]

Beartooth Range in MT, WY--vast amount of country to get lost in plus excellent fishing.

[Newt]

That Snowy Lakes and Golden Lakes Loop look pretty good even tho I'm not keen on running into bikes. I've always feared a conflict at a corner where I was the looser. Thanks for all the ideas. Far more than I expected. NN