This is a Basic Alpine Climbing Course SIG outing to practice snow travel skills on the Enchantment Lakes USGS quad with 4,000 ft elevation gain and 7 miles round trip. The North Fork Teanaway River road (NFD-9737) is now snow free to the Bean Creek turn-off and by the weekend of our trip it should be open to the Bean Creek TH. From there we'll cross the footbridge and then we'll follow the Bean Creek trail north into the basin. We'll camp in Bean Creek basin and will practice safe snow... More

This is a Basic Alpine Climbing Course SIG outing to practice snow travel skills on the Enchantment Lakes USGS quad with 4,000 ft elevation gain and 7 miles round trip. The North Fork Teanaway River road (NFD-9737) is now snow free to the Bean Creek turn-off and by the weekend of our trip it should be open to the Bean Creek TH. From there we'll cross the footbridge and then we'll follow the Bean Creek trail north into the basin. We'll camp in Bean Creek basin and will practice safe snow skills on Saturday afternoon. Very early on Sunday morning we'll gear up as though we're on a glacier climb, and we'll continue north into the basin, then at 4,800 ft we'll ascend west to the saddle south of Earl Peak, and then we'll follow the ridge north to the summit. Google maps indicates about 111 miles and 2 hrs 15 min drive time from the Green Lake 65th P&R so those interested in carpooling should plan on meeting at 5:15AM. Also, if there are other carpool meeting places that make more sense than the 65th P&R please email this group with suggestions on carpool meeting place alternatives. For those unfamiliar with the TH, take exit 85 off of I-90 for WA-970 North, and in about 7 miles turn left on Teanaway River Road. Continue on, taking the North Fork. In about 16 miles from WA-970 you'll come to the turn-off to bean creek basin on the right, just before the Beverly Creek Campground on the left. Given the winter conditions, please bring: • overnight camping gear • all gear for a glacier climb • snow shoes • one shovel per four people • 10 essentials for winter travel (plenty of layers) • We will definitely be walking in darkness on Sunday morning, so make certain you have a functioning headlamp with fresh batteries and spares. I'll send a separate pre-planning email. Please call or email with questions.

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