The Enchantments: Difference between revisions
Updated the lede with new version from my sandbox User:Tmaraki/The Enchantments |
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[[File:Enchantment Basin.jpg|thumb|left|Enchantment Basin from Prusik Pass]] |
[[File:Enchantment Basin.jpg|thumb|left|Enchantment Basin from Prusik Pass]] |
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[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] tribes, [[Yakama|Yakima]], [[Chinookan peoples|Chinook]] and [[Wenatchi tribe|Wenatchi]], traveled and thrived in and around The Enchantments region before it was ever discovered by western civilization.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Leavenworth History {{!}} City of Leavenworth, WA|url=https://cityofleavenworth.com/about-leavenworth/leavenworth-history/|access-date=2020-11-06|language=en}}</ref> In the early 1900s, logging and mining had consumed much of the region.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Alpine Lakes Wilderness|url=https://www.historylink.org/File/20940|access-date=2020-11-06|website=www.historylink.org}}</ref> It was during this time that The Enchantments was named by [[European Americans|European American]], [[Albert Hale Sylvester|A.H. Sylvester]], a topographer for the [[United States Geological Survey|US Geological Survey]] in the [[Snoqualmie Ranger District]] from 1897 to 1907.<ref name=":0" /> During his time as [[Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest|Wenatchee Forest]] district supervisor from 1908 to 1931, Sylvester had come across the unmapped alpine lakes. While exploring much of the middle basin, the upper basin was likely covered thoroughly with snow from the [[Snow Creek Glacier]].<ref name="marler" /> In a letter, he had described the area writing, "It was an enchanting scene. I named the group Enchantment Lakes."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Enchantments : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost|url=https://www.summitpost.org/enchantments/170944|access-date=2020-11-06|website=www.summitpost.org}}</ref> |
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The first [[European American]] to reach the area and name it was [[A.H. Sylvester]], topographer for the [[US Geological Survey]] and first supervisor of the [[Wenatchee National Forest]].<ref name="SpringManningAlpineLakes"/> Sylvester visited the middle Enchantment basin and probably did not venture into the upper basin. [[Snow Creek Glacier]] covered more of the upper basin at the time than it does today, which may have discouraged him from exploring the higher areas.<ref name="marler"/> He is credited with naming some of the features in the region. |
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By the 1940s climbers reached the area and began naming the crags. Bill and Peg Stark, of Leavenworth, became frequent visitors who drew upon various mythologies to name features of the landscape. When they made their first visit in the [[autumn|fall]] of 1959, they were captivated by the golden splendor of the [[Larix lyallii|larch]] trees in the fall, the numerous lakes and [[tarn (lake)|tarn]]s, and jagged peaks towering above. They used fairy names such as Gnome Tarn, Troll Sink, Naiad Lake (officially Temple Lake), Sprite and [[King Arthur]] legends in the Lower Enchantment Basin because "the lower basin was not as austere as the upper basin," according to Peg. They used [[Norsemen|Norse]] names and mythology for features of the upper basin, for example Lake Brynhild (officially Isolation Lake), Lake Freya (officially Tranquil Lake), and Valhalla Cirque because, Peg said, it felt "as if the Ice Age had just gone off."<ref name="Starks"/> |
By the 1940s climbers reached the area and began naming the crags. Bill and Peg Stark, of Leavenworth, became frequent visitors who drew upon various mythologies to name features of the landscape. When they made their first visit in the [[autumn|fall]] of 1959, they were captivated by the golden splendor of the [[Larix lyallii|larch]] trees in the fall, the numerous lakes and [[tarn (lake)|tarn]]s, and jagged peaks towering above. They used fairy names such as Gnome Tarn, Troll Sink, Naiad Lake (officially Temple Lake), Sprite and [[King Arthur]] legends in the Lower Enchantment Basin because "the lower basin was not as austere as the upper basin," according to Peg. They used [[Norsemen|Norse]] names and mythology for features of the upper basin, for example Lake Brynhild (officially Isolation Lake), Lake Freya (officially Tranquil Lake), and Valhalla Cirque because, Peg said, it felt "as if the Ice Age had just gone off."<ref name="Starks"/> |
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The official naming rulings of the US Board on Geographic Names in the 1960s resulted in a mixture of two name sets being adopted as official, particularly for the lakes, but also exemplified by the feature popularly known as [[Aasgard Pass]] being officially designated Colchuck Pass. Different sources still use the unofficial names in some contexts. The current policy of not adopting new names for geographic features in wilderness areas probably precludes the rest of the names identified by the Starks from achieving official status. |
The official naming rulings of the US Board on Geographic Names in the 1960s resulted in a mixture of two name sets being adopted as official, particularly for the lakes, but also exemplified by the feature popularly known as [[Aasgard Pass]] being officially designated Colchuck Pass. Different sources still use the unofficial names in some contexts. The current policy of not adopting new names for geographic features in wilderness areas probably precludes the rest of the names identified by the Starks from achieving official status. |
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The number of visitors |
The number of visitors exponentially increased largely due to the fast growing population in the western region of Washington state. By the late 1970s, up to 300 people would be found camping in the basin on summer weekends. The consequences of increased foot traffic compelled the Forest Service to install toilets in 1966, restrict horses in 1972, and ban dogs in 1982. By 2019, 100,000 people would visit The Enchantments annually.<ref name=":4" /> In the same year, a permit system was implemented to prevent further destruction of the region, restricting access to only 60 visitors into the region at any given time.<ref name="Foster89"/><ref name=":4" /> |
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== Hiking == |
== Hiking == |
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Revision as of 01:19, 7 November 2020
| The Enchantments | |
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 View of Prusik Peak from Gnome Tarn | |
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| Floor elevation | 7,428 ft (2,264 m)[1] |
| Length | 5 mi (8.0 km) |
| Depth | 1,400 ft (430 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| District | Alpine Lakes Wilderness |
| Coordinates | 47°28′52″N 120°48′14″W / 47.48111°N 120.80389°W [1] |
| Topo map | USGS Enchantment Lakes |
The Enchantments is a region within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area of Washington state’s Cascade Mountain Range.[2] At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), it is home to over 700 alpine lakes and ponds surrounded by the vast peaks of Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States.[3] The highest peak, Dragontail Peak, stretches 8,840 feet (2,694 m) high. The Enchantments is located 15 miles southwest of the popular Bavarian-themed town Leavenworth, Washington in the United States and is regarded as one of the most spectacular regions in the Cascade Range.[4]
The population increase in western Washington, specifically in the city of Seattle, marked the region a prime outdoor destination for wilderness lovers. By 2019, 100,000 visitors made their way to The Enchantments annually.[5] The influx in foot traffic and lack of maintenance from forest services and visitors had caused permanent damage to the delicate ecosystems in the region.[6] As a result, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Society (ALPS) proposed a permit system restricting access to a maximum of 60 people at any given time.[6] In 2019, the system was approved and implemented by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (OWNF).[6] Since the implementation of the permit system, the area has been less disturbed by human activity and is expected to see significant positive impact in the near future.
History
Native American tribes, Yakima, Chinook and Wenatchi, traveled and thrived in and around The Enchantments region before it was ever discovered by western civilization.[7] In the early 1900s, logging and mining had consumed much of the region.[5] It was during this time that The Enchantments was named by European American, A.H. Sylvester, a topographer for the US Geological Survey in the Snoqualmie Ranger District from 1897 to 1907.[8] During his time as Wenatchee Forest district supervisor from 1908 to 1931, Sylvester had come across the unmapped alpine lakes. While exploring much of the middle basin, the upper basin was likely covered thoroughly with snow from the Snow Creek Glacier.[4] In a letter, he had described the area writing, "It was an enchanting scene. I named the group Enchantment Lakes."[3]
By the 1940s climbers reached the area and began naming the crags. Bill and Peg Stark, of Leavenworth, became frequent visitors who drew upon various mythologies to name features of the landscape. When they made their first visit in the fall of 1959, they were captivated by the golden splendor of the larch trees in the fall, the numerous lakes and tarns, and jagged peaks towering above. They used fairy names such as Gnome Tarn, Troll Sink, Naiad Lake (officially Temple Lake), Sprite and King Arthur legends in the Lower Enchantment Basin because "the lower basin was not as austere as the upper basin," according to Peg. They used Norse names and mythology for features of the upper basin, for example Lake Brynhild (officially Isolation Lake), Lake Freya (officially Tranquil Lake), and Valhalla Cirque because, Peg said, it felt "as if the Ice Age had just gone off."[9]
The official naming rulings of the US Board on Geographic Names in the 1960s resulted in a mixture of two name sets being adopted as official, particularly for the lakes, but also exemplified by the feature popularly known as Aasgard Pass being officially designated Colchuck Pass. Different sources still use the unofficial names in some contexts. The current policy of not adopting new names for geographic features in wilderness areas probably precludes the rest of the names identified by the Starks from achieving official status.
The number of visitors exponentially increased largely due to the fast growing population in the western region of Washington state. By the late 1970s, up to 300 people would be found camping in the basin on summer weekends. The consequences of increased foot traffic compelled the Forest Service to install toilets in 1966, restrict horses in 1972, and ban dogs in 1982. By 2019, 100,000 people would visit The Enchantments annually.[6] In the same year, a permit system was implemented to prevent further destruction of the region, restricting access to only 60 visitors into the region at any given time.[10][6]
Hiking
There are two primary approaches to the Enchantments Basin. Both trail heads are accessed via Icicle Creek Road. The Snow Lakes trailhead is off Icicle Creek Road at a large parking lot next to the creek. The trail climbs 6.5 miles (10.5 km) to Snow Lakes gaining 4,100 feet (1,200 m). From Snow Lakes the trail ascends over sloping granite rock to the Lower Enchantments. The entire hike is 9 miles (14 km) one-way, with 6,000 feet (1,800 m) of elevation gain to an end elevation of 7,800 feet (2,400 m).[11] This hike usually takes two days each way and is described as "long, steep, and grueling."[12] The alternate route is from the Stuart Lake trail head a couple of miles up Eightmile road off Icicle Creek Road. The trail up to Colchuck Lake is 4.75 miles (7.64 km) long and gains 2,100 feet (640 m); another 1.75 miles (2.82 km) bring hikers to the south end of the lake and Aasgard Pass, which climbs 2,200 feet (670 m) in 0.8 miles (1.3 km).[13] Aasgard Pass is a steep scramble which is dangerous to descend in snow.[14] The Aasgard Pass route has also been described as "in very bad taste" because it bypasses the beauty of the lower basin to get to the upper basin first.[13] The two routes can be combined to form a loop if the hiking party has two cars, a bicycle, or otherwise arranges transportation between the trail heads.
The United States Forest Service restricts access to the Enchantments permit area, which includes five zones. The three most popular zones are the Snow Zone (from Icicle Creek up to Snow Lakes), the Colchuck Zone (the area surrounding Colchuck Lake) and the Core Enchantment Zone (the Upper and Lower Enchantment Basins and surrounding peaks). The other zones are the Stuart Zone (the area around Stuart Lake and the northern approaches to Mount Stuart) and the Eightmile/Caroline Zone (Eightmile Lake, Eightmile Mountain, Cashmere Mountain, and vicinity). In addition, the Forest Service has proposed adding the Ingalls Lake, Headlight Basin, and Mount Stuart areas to the permit area in accordance with a 1993 NEPA decision. The earliest the change could be implemented is 2010.[2]
The 1981 Alpine Lakes Wilderness Plan established a quota of 60 people at one time as the carrying capacity of the Core Enchantment Zone. For overnight camping between May 15 and October 31 hikers in any of the five currently established zones must have permits. 75 percent of the permits for each hiking season are awarded in advance by lottery. The first round of the (very competitive) lottery includes all applications received between February 15, 2016 (12:01 a.m. PT) and March 2, 2016 (11:59 p.m. PT) for the 2016 season. All applications received during this period will be randomly drawn on or around March 6th.[15] The other 25 percent of permits are issued each morning (except Sunday) at 7:45 a.m. at the Leavenworth ranger station for trips beginning the same day. If not enough permits are available for the day's applicants, the permits are awarded by lottery.[2]
The Forest Service has banned dogs in the area, which has allowed the population of mountain goats and ptarmigan to recover.[16][12]
References
- ^ a b "Enchantment Basin". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ a b c "Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits". US Forest Service. 2009. Archived from the original on 2007-03-29. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
- ^ a b "Enchantments : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost". www.summitpost.org. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ a b Marler, Chester (2004). East of the Divide: Travels through the Eastern Slope of the North Cascades 1870-1999. North Fork Books. p. 50. ISBN 0975460501.
- ^ a b "Alpine Lakes Wilderness". www.historylink.org. Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference
:4was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Leavenworth History | City of Leavenworth, WA". Retrieved 2020-11-06.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:0was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Sykes, Karen (October 8, 1998). "World-renowned basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has a magical allure". Special to the Post-Intelligencer. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2007-08-09.[dead link] Alt URL
- ^ Foster, David (September 7, 1989). "Rangers help control overcrowding as hikers try loving forests to death". The Bulletin (Bend). Retrieved 2014-09-19.
- ^ "Enchantment Lakes". Washington Trails Association.
- ^ a b Spring, Ira; Manning, Harvey (1998). 100 Classic Hikes in Washington's Alpine Lakes (1st ed.). The Mountaineers. ISBN 0-89886-707-X.
- ^ a b Spring, Ira; Spring, Vicky; Manning, Harvey (2002). 100 Classic Hikes in Washington (3rd ed.). The Mountaineers. ISBN 0-89886-586-7.
- ^ Nelson, Jim; Potterfield, Peter (2003). Selected Climbs in the Cascades. Vol. 1 (2nd ed.). Mountaineers Books. p. 114.
- ^ "Enchantment Permit Area, WA". Recreation.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-25.
- ^ Johnston, Greg (October 21, 2004). "A heavenly reward awaits in the Enchantment Lakes Basin". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 2007-08-09.
- Enchantment Lakes - Washington (Map). 1 : 24,000. 7,5 Minute Series (Topographic). United States Geological Survey. 1998. ISBN 0-607-58160-3.
- The Enchantments, WA – No 209S (Map). 1 : 44,500. Special Series. Green Trails, Inc. 2016.
External links
- Alpine Lakes Wilderness Permits for Enchantment Lakes from the US Forest Service, Wenatchee River Ranger District.
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Enchantment Basin
- Enchantment Lakes from the Washington Trails Association.
