Todays destination, Colchuck Peak in the Enchantment Wilderness. Meeting in Monroe at 6am, even the McDonalds was not open yet. We had to wait until Sultan before we had breakfast. We arrived at the trailhead at 8am, and counted about 25 cars in the lot. Our hike up to Colchuck Lake was uneventful, but very beautiful. With the forecast for Leavenworth at 90 degrees, it was nice to be up in the mountains.
3 miles in, we crossed the stream flowing down from Colchuck Lake
The first view of our objective (8705') showing our route up the glacier to the col in the upper left of the photo
Colchuck Lake with Dragontail Peak straight ahead, Colchuck Peak on the right. Asgaard Pass is just to the left of Dragontail.
Jacob has learned to slather up well on days like this.
From the far end of the lake, we started to ascend scree until reaching the snow bowl near the top of the moraine.
At the top of the moraine before reaching the steep snow slopes
The party ahead of us was kind enough to leave their tracks to step in. The snow was soft enough to not need crampons, especially this late in the morning.
Finally reaching the col, only 655' to go.
From the col, we're back on mostly rock up to the summit.
At the summit we had great views of neighboring Mt. Stuart and all the peaks near and far.
Looking east to the summit of Dragontail and into the upper Enchantment basin.
Panorama from Mt. Stuart on the left over to Mt. Cashmere to the north
Stats: 13 mile round trip
5100' elevation gain
Left trailhead at 8:30am, back to trailhead at 5:30pm
At Gustav's for burger and IPA at 6:30pm
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