Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:36 am Ecstasy of the Larches – Enchantments Traverse (10/13/07)
“Mmm, I like that… Ahh, that’s good, that’s so good… Oh, wow, even better… Yes. Oh, yes, yes! Oh My God! WOW!”
That’s what my breathless exclamations sounded like for hours, as I paused only long enough for a few more photos, and then pushed on to one climax after another, more than I would have imagined possible.
That would be photos of larches, and scenic climaxes, of course. But I’m not exaggerating about how it was an ecstatic experience, thrilling for both my senses and my spirit.
Honestly, the hours we spent high in the Enchantments today were the single most beautiful time I’ve ever spent in the mountains.
I’ve always wanted to see the high larch country in its full imperial regalia of white, gold, and blue. But the October weather rarely cooperates to give me colors, snow, and sunshine all at the same time.
And even better to have it in the Enchantments, with the soaring granite etching the sky and the sculpted lakes reflecting it all. But usually it’s difficult to get in there at the right time.
Today it all came together like a fantasy in real life – clear skies, warm sun, crisp air, fresh snow, high peaks, deep lakes, and all of it accented by rows and rows of glowing gold larches.
When I went to bed at night, I could still see afterimages of the larches shining in my mind, their bright colors marching up the hillsides, stretching along the trails, reflecting in the lakes.
Together with Dayhike Mike & Tom, we did the trip as a through trip from the Colchuck trailhead to the Snow Lakes trailhead. The 18-mile, 15-hour trip made for a steep dark beginning and a long dark ending, but the middle was well worth it.
So let the pictures tell the rest of the story:
Beginning in starry darkness at 5:20am, we hiked to Colchuck Lake, then up to the top of frosty, shadowed Aasgard Pass.
The Upper Enchantments Basin was brimming with snow and sunlight.
Overlooking Crystal Lake:
The Lower Enchantments Basin:
Inspiration Lake:
Perfection Inlet:
Perfection Lake:
Perfection Outlet:
Sprite Lake:
Between Sprite & Leprechaun:
Leprechaun Lake:
Lake Viviane:
Descending into Snow Creek Valley:
The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery had drained Snow Lake to an astonishing extent. Note the hiker in the first picture – the lake is down something like 50 feet!
Beyond Snow Lake, it was another long 6.5 miles out to reach the trailhead at 8:20pm. We could see four headlamps of climbers still high on the Snow Creek wall after dark. Walking through the burned out forest at the end, the stars again spangled brilliant patterns across a pitch-black sky.
Along the way, I also was invigorated by swimming in three of the lakes. My thanks to Mike & Tom for their patience.
Matt, great meeting you guys on the trail, and I certainly agree with your assessment of the conditions (wow!). We are impressed by your swimming exploits.
Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Posts: 5828 | TRs | Pics Location: Conspiring in the Man Cave.
Wed Oct 17, 2007 8:32 am
Awesome pics ! last year we were up there in the waning days of October, there was no snow cover at all, the next day the area got hammered with snow. Looks like the snow is here to stay and going to add up this week.
Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Posts: 1486 | TRs | Pics Location: Great Mystery
Wed Oct 17, 2007 11:17 am
Location, location, location, timing is everything, and a good eye for detail, along with beautiful weather makes for an incredible experience for all. Thanks for sharing Matt.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You cannot attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
