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seabadge Member
Joined: 19 Sep 2012 Posts: 43 | TRs | Pics Location: Kenmore, WA |
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seabadge
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Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:21 am
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I'll make this short, since a TR has already been posted on this area recently.
Adam (Gimpilator) and I had climbing plans for labor day weekend, but after he sustained a shoulder injury we knew that was not in the cards. He suggested Trico and Granite in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, in an area affectionately known as "the little enchantments."
The road to the trailhead is a potholed nightmare. The trail to the Robin/Tuck lake turnoff is flat and well shaded. The trail to the pass is dusty, a bit rough and steep in spots. Tuck Lake is nice, but Robin Lake is much more spectacular.
After setting up camp, we headed straight for Granite. There's a steep scramble down a notch from the high point of the first ridge, then a fun hogback to cross.
The views from Granite were great, and the summit block is interesting. There were quite a few ladybugs, and swarms of small gnats. No mosquitos or flies.
From there, Adam suggested we try for South Granite. We followed the ridge south towards the summit, following game trails here and there and crossing numerous large talus/boulder fields.
The summit of South Granite ended up being the best of all three.
On our return, we had a spectacular view of the south face of Granite.
We dropped down on the way back, and encountered some sweeping granite slabs, which provided an opportunity for me to practice more friction walking.
After Granite and S Granite (plus the hike into Robin Lake), we were tired. We retired that evening in possibly the best camp spot above Robin lake, enjoying Chipotle burritos and watching the numerous parties slave over their stoves. The next morning, we rose early and followed the trail and alternative boot paths to Trico. This was much more scenic than we expected, and we both agreed the journey to Trico may have surpassed the summit itself.
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Gimpilator infinity/21M
Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 1684 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, WA |
Thanks Natasha for driving that rotten road twice. I wonder if we will be the only folks to sign the register on South Granite this year.
Cathedral Rock 2 labels Above Tuck Lake With Daniel and Lynch Behind Lower Robin Lake Upper Robin Lake pumping water Daniel Above Lower Robin Lake 8 labels Trico, Mac, Sloan, Thunder, Nimbus, Thor, Glacier nervous people scrambling at the notch (view full size for funny faces) 2 labels Granite summit with South Granite behind 10 labels Klonaqua Lakes (right) and Chiwaukum Ridge nameless lakes north of the summit bashful on the summit South Granite and another nameless lake Granite SE face South Granite summit Stuart register placed in 2012 we were first to sign this year cool moss Natasha feet bouldering burrito alpenglow Trico Granite Mountain Potholes Lynch above Hyas Lake
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Randy Cube Rat
Joined: 18 Dec 2001 Posts: 2910 | TRs | Pics Location: Near the Siamangs |
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Randy
Cube Rat
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Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:35 am
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Nice trip. I saw you guys at Tuck as I tried to follow the maze of trails up to Robin. saw you again in the afternoon as I fished some of the tarns under South Granite. I ended up traversing to Paddy Go Easy Pass and then out.
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Gimpilator infinity/21M
Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 1684 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, WA |
Were you the fly-fisherman? We thought it was awesome to see someone testing those remote tarns. I fly-fish as well, but not very often.
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iron Member
Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 6392 | TRs | Pics Location: southeast kootenays |
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iron
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Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:45 am
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lots of injuries for you two this year. hope they all heal!
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Randy Cube Rat
Joined: 18 Dec 2001 Posts: 2910 | TRs | Pics Location: Near the Siamangs |
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Randy
Cube Rat
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Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:49 am
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That was me!
Watched you guys ascend South Granite. I agree, that's the better of the three summits in that area. Did it years ago on this trip.
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Fletcher Member
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 1870 | TRs | Pics Location: kirkland |
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Fletcher
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Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:50 am
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Thats a fun trip. I do not remember signing a register on either of the Granites. Glad to see that Adams shoulder isnt keeping him from getting out!
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olderthanIusedtobe Member
Joined: 05 Sep 2011 Posts: 7709 | TRs | Pics Location: Shoreline |
Lots of beautiful lakes up there, I think Granite Mountain Potholes are my favorite. Great pics, thanks for sharing.
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Magellan Brutally Handsome
Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 13116 | TRs | Pics Location: Inexorable descent |
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Magellan
Brutally Handsome
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Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:58 pm
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Great trip. Nice labeling Gimpy. I get nervous watching nervous people, especially if it's me.
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puzzlr Mid Fork Rocks
Joined: 13 Feb 2007 Posts: 7220 | TRs | Pics Location: Stuck in the middle |
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puzzlr
Mid Fork Rocks
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Wed Sep 04, 2013 11:38 pm
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Such beautiful shots. I really need to get in that area sometime.
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