So-called "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop", August 24, 2020
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DSCF0246.JPG27 viewsThe trail is sketchy at best.
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DSCF0247.JPG24 viewsIt has taken almost two hours since crossing Warm Springs Creek to reach the climb at the mouth of Iron Basin. Watson Peak rises due north. The route becomes steep, with a trail appearing when most needed. It is nice to see water flowing out of Iron Basin, at least for now.
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DSCF0248.JPG23 viewsMost of the smoke and haze has cleared out by morning in Iron Basin. I crossed a small stream with running water about 7:30 last night at around 8700’ and decided to camp, uncertain about availability of water ahead. I had entertained thoughts of pushing on to Ocalkens Lake, but that was just not going to happen. I made the right decision. I’ve found it makes more sense to stop a bit earlier, and get started earlier in the morning.
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DSCF0249.JPG24 viewsWatson Peak above Iron Basin to the NE. I ended up having to lose some elevation after heading E too soon. I figured I could always stay on the ridge and continue N without losing elevation if I was in error. I quickly realized I was heading toward an unnamed lake at 8900’, and headed back to the NW. It was steep, and there was no advantage in staying on the ridge. I paid a heavy price for this unnecessary diversion later in the day crossing the saddle between WCP9 and D. O. Lee Peak.
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DSCF0252.JPG24 viewsAt 9100’, Iron Basin opens up to the E. While still in the narrower canyon just below, I could see these bighorn sheep on the steep slope to directly ahead to the north. I quickly changed lenses behind a fallen tree. They were already aware of my presence, and started moving west on the steep slope. I counted 14.
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DSCF0263.JPG25 viewsDead tree; Iron Basin, 9200’.
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DSCF0265.JPG23 viewsWatson Peak above Iron Basin. The bighorn sheep were on the scree slope about one third from the right edge of the frame, and one third down from the top of the frame.
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DSCF0269.JPG25 viewsThis summit, viewed from the eastern end of Iron Basin, is simply labeled “Calkens 11477” on the topo map. From here, the descent to Ocalkens Lake starts gradually…
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DSCF0270.JPG24 viewsLooking west; Watson Peak on the left above Iron Basin. I have not crossed any water since leaving camp.
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DSCF0274.JPG30 viewsMy goal for today is to cross the saddle between WCP9 and D. O. Lee Peak, the second saddle to the right in the frame, due east of Bighorn Basin. Ocalkens Lake is in the lower left. In the interest of saving some time, I decide not to descend to the lake, contouring south at an elevation of 9300’ directly into Bighorn Basin. I still am carrying enough water to get over the saddle.
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DSCF0275.JPG26 viewsThe plan is to ascend the ridge in the foreground to where it meets the rock (left of frame horizontally, middle of frame vertically), then climb up and right to the black rock outcrop (at the edge of the shadow. There is supposed to be a sheep trail that leads up to the saddle from the top of the outcrop (trail follows the line of the shadow to a point left of and higher than the low point of the saddle). The weather still looks good!
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DSCF0278.JPG19 viewsThe thunderstorm moves east after unleashing thunder, lightning, and hail at the worst possible point of the crossing; the tedious traverse in loose scree leading to the exposed ridge. Though carrying raingear, I did not dare stop for a moment. Reaching the saddle, I knew the fastest descent route, having climbed here two years ago from the east side. Nestled into the rocks, below the saddle, I put on dry clothes and warmed up. This was one of the more frightening experiences I have had with lightning!
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