[TR] Enchantment and Cannon Peaks Fall finale - Standard 10/7/2012

[Le Piston]

Trip: Enchantment and Cannon Peaks Fall finale - Standard

 

Date: 10/7/2012

 

Trip Report:

I was fortunate enough to score a "Core" Enchantments permit for 4 days and decided to combine checking a couple more peaks off the wish list with my friend Rod and some leisurely picture taking. I was wondering if we'd be cancelling the trip as I coughed my way over Blewett Pass to meet Rod at the ranger station in Leavenworth...lots of smoke from fires. Even at the trailhead, it was pretty smokey. The original plan had been to approach via Aasgard Pass, but the road was closed due to fires. By the time we were at Nada Lake, the smoke was gone and my lungs were happier. I was happy to set up camp at Lake Vivian, with nice views of Prusik Peak and not too far to our chosen peaks. We went cross country to Prusik Pass, remembering previous climbs and wishing we were climbing it again. We headed west from the pass and soon were at the blocky 4th class summit of Enchantment Peak. We again enjoyed our traditional summit treat.The views were still pretty nice...even with the surrounding smoke. We went back to the pass and dropped down and headed northwest to Cannon. The summit is a small exposed slab of 3-4th class climbing. There was only room for one at a time at the summit. He enjoyed a well earned summit treat! We considered throwing McClellan into the day, but were content (and tired), so decided to leave it for another trip. Rod left early Monday morning and I stayed another day to roam the Enchantments and relax. It was just the sort of trip I wanted...great weather, great views, and a great climbing partner.

 

Gear Notes:

Just a helmet...these are scramble peaks.

 

Approach Notes:

As of last weekend, the Enchantments could only be accessed via Snow Creek trail. The smoke was a lot less when I hiked out on Tuesday.

[stevetimetravlr]

Nice photos!

[mountainsloth]

fall is certainly the time to take more relaxing trips and spend time wandering. Such a wonderful time of year, especially in the Enchantments!

[matt_warfield]

Many approach via Snow Creek for aesthetics anyway. Ass guard, while less mileage and vertical, is the opposite of aesthetic.

 

I bet the larches were beautiful and congrats on catching the trail end of the alpine season in a superb environment.

Edited October 24, 2012 by matt_warfield

[Le Piston]

I like both approaches...the Colchuck Lake route has some cool views of Stuart, a nice waterfall, and of course Colchuck Lake. I really lucked out on the last perfect weather weekend of October. The larches were just a bit past prime, but still beautiful. Thanks for the comments guys.