Idaho Exposure

Hiking, Climbing, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing. Photos by Thomas Oetzell; idahoexposure.com

Home > White Clouds; Castle Peak Loop revisited, August 29, 2014

White Clouds; Castle Peak Loop revisited, August 29, 2014
IMG_6712.JPG
 IMG_6712.JPG10 viewsThe plan was to camp at Castle Lake, but we arrived here at 6:37 pm. We wanted to cook trout caught at Noisy Lake earlier in the day, and the plentiful supply of firewood, convenient benches and fire ring made this site very attractive that late in the day. Fires are not allowed at Castle Lake. Water was a short distance down the trail. It had been a cold, clear night, and the sun hit the cabin very early, making it a great place to get up early and enjoy the view.
IMG_6714.JPG
 IMG_6714.JPG10 viewsThe exposed path to Castle Lake crosses a talus field above a cliff dropping off sharply into a canyon. We day hiked here, since we had stayed below at the cabin, which made the climb to the lake much more enjoyable.
IMG_6719.JPG
 IMG_6719.JPG8 viewsThe view northeast beyond Baker Lake from the footpath to Castle Lake.
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 IMG_6721.JPG9 viewsThe jeep trail climbing the ridge past the cabin (upper one third of frame, one third from left edge of frame) viewed from the footpath to Castle Lake. A mine shaft is located past the cabin after road narrows to a trail (about one quarter from right edge of frame).
IMG_6724.JPG
 IMG_6724.JPG9 viewsCastle Peak can be climbed from the west side of Castle Lake. After reading Lopez's description in his "Idaho, a Climbing Guide," I opted to fish instead. Maybe when I have the whole day...
IMG_6725.JPG
 IMG_6725.JPG7 viewsThe best fishing on the trip was off the small rock peninsula just left of center in the photo!
IMG_6728.JPG
 IMG_6728.JPG7 viewsCastle Peak was visible throughout this trip. The vistas climbing to the 10,000' pass that leads to Chamberlain Basin are superb.
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IMG_6732.JPG
 IMG_6732.JPG7 viewsFortunately, it was pleasantly cool. The ascent to the pass went quickly.
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IMG_6738.JPG
 IMG_6738.JPG7 viewsWe expected to see elk here, but did not expect to see bluebirds. The Mountain Bluebird is Idaho's state bird, found in higher elevations in open meadows in coniferous forests. We saw the birds hover in mid-air, hawking for insects. Grasshoppers, a dietary favorite, were present.
IMG_6740.JPG
 IMG_6740.JPG7 viewsCastle Peak above a stand of conifers.
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