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The spires and granitic crags of Prusik Peak and The Temple reflected in the crystalline waters of gem-like Gnome Tarn are one of the premier sights in the Enchantment Lakes, part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in central Washington state. The lakes occupy a multitude of rock-bound basins between 7000 and 7500 ft. (2100-2300 m) elevation. The recently deglaciated, stark granite (tonalite, to be exact) terrain has an otherworldly appearance that inspired fanciful names taken from Norse mythology and Arthurian legend for the lakes and landscape. The Enchantment Lakes are considered by many to be one of the most scenic areas in the Cascade Range. Despite the difficulty of access on the long, steep trails, the region is so popular that the U.S. Forest Service strictly limits access with a permit system to reduce damage by overuse. Early October, when I took this panorama, is locally known as "golden week" because of the rich golden hues of the alpine larches, a uniquely deciduous conifer whose needles turn yellow before they are shed for the winter. I was extremely fortunate in capturing this panorama because this was the only time during my entire backpacking trip when the weather was cooperative enough for such fine reflections. Additional panoramas from the Enchantment Lakes are on my website here.
http://panojoe.urmos.net/ 
Shortcut to this page: http://worldwidepanorama.org/wwp_rss/go/n5830
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