The Enchantments Plateau

As on most peaks in the Enchantments, the view down from Boxtop is almost as good as the climb up. Steve Hayes belays a Skagit Alpine Club mountaineering class student from the comfy ledge one pitch below the summit. In the middle distance are Prussik Peak, Flake Tower, and The Monument. Left of Prussik is Little Annapurna, a fine walk-up. If your browser supports enlarging photos, zoom in left of Little Annapurna to see how aptly-named The Flagpole is. There are lakes in the picture, but they're all snow-covered. This is Memorial Day weekend, two weeks before the party reservation/permit system starts. There's plenty of warm rock to enjoy, if you can handle some snow on the approaches and returns.