Enchanatments, page 4

Enchantment Basin landscape

The next day we took a day-hike up to the upper basin and climbed Little Annapurna. I probably wouldn’t have done this without MMR’s prodding, so he gets a big ‘atta, Boy!’ credit here. He’d done the climb before, so he knew the route and happily served as our private guide service.

We left our camp and followed the stream up to the Upper Enchantment Basin. Compared to the grind up Trauma Rim the day before, this was an easy stroll. Teasing views of Little Annapurna framed by golden Lyall’s Larch gave us a hint of the glories that lay ahead.

Little Annapurna

In case you think that name 'Annapurna' sounds familiar, there's a very famous peak not too far away from Mt. Everest by that name. Regarding our version, notable local climber/historian Fred Becky writes in his iconic 1973 climbers guide to this area, "The origin of the name is obscure, but obviously is taken from the shape of its Himalayan namesake." If Fred said it, it's gospel to me. (You can find more info about The Enchantments and notes from Becky's book here.)

We paused for photos at large Rune Lake, then followed its east shore over to a gentle climb up to lovely Crystal Lake. I'm thinking that if you want a little more privacy in the busy tourist season, this is probably the place to head. But don't think I'm belittling its beauty, because that most assuredly is not my intention.

Just past Crystal Lake, we look back at Nightmare Needles.

An outrageous grouping of rock spires known as ‘Nightmare Needles’ borders this small jewel of a lake to the east. If you were to descend the dizzingly steep climber's route over cliffs to the south, you would wind up down at Ingalls Creek … several thousand feet below. Fortunately, this was not our route! Instead, we headed west to the snow-carpeted slopes of 8400’ Little Annapurna.

– Continue reading.