So-called "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop", August 24, 2020
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DSCF0336.JPG5 viewsArriving at Hidden Lake, it is already 5:15 pm. It is a relief to be down to the lakes.
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DSCF0337.JPG5 viewsThe weather looks threatening once more, but providing some dramatic lighting!
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DSCF0338.JPG5 viewsLogs at inlet, northeast end of Hummock Lake.
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DSCF0340.JPG11 viewsOnce again, I have the “primo” camp at the southeast end of Hummock Lake (and the entire lake) to myself. By 8:00 pm, the tent is up, food hang set, water pumped, and I am ready to make dinner. The weather threat has diminished. Despite being tempted by some large fish rings on the glassy surface of the lake, I decide to fish early in the morning. Wilderness police have been destroying the established fire rings, making it an effort to cook any fish I might catch over the coals. Firewood is provided!
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DSCF0342.JPG12 viewsI awake to a clear morning, make coffee and oat bran, and set out to try my luck fly-fishing.
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DSCF0345.JPG12 viewsThe saddle between the two Boulder Lake basins from the southeast end of Hummock Lake. It is not readily apparent where the exact route I took crosses. I believe it is the notch just under the cloud. Hidden Lake is doing as its name implies.
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DSCF0350.JPG12 viewsI walk completely around the Hummock Lake, catching only smaller rainbow trout that are all released. A bit disappointing, but I have never had much success fishing this lake twice before. The trail climbs above the steep inlet at the south end of the lake, to Windy Devil, beyond the trees in the low point in the saddle left (east) of the peak. I break camp, and head up to Scoop Lake, fly rod in hand.
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DSCF0352.JPG13 viewsScoop Lake looks promising, but once again, I catch only smaller rainbow trout that are all released. I plan to walk to the car today, deciding fish no later than 4 pm. I have viewed the Devil’s Staircase from the tarn west of Windy Devil, and am under the impression it does not involve much climbing, if any. Therefore, the late start seems perfectly reasonable. I am carrying extra batteries for my headlamp, and the trail beyond Born Lakes is well established.
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DSCF0353.JPG13 viewsHeadwall, Scoop, and Hummock Lakes; Boulder Chain Lakes basin from the south.
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DSCF0354.JPG17 viewsCastle Peak, and the Serrate Ridge rise in the distance, south from Windy Devil.
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DSCF0355.JPG14 viewsThe “keyhole” revealed. This marks the entrance to the Devil’s Staircase, the steep descent to Born Lakes on the west side. This turned out to be considerably further than I remember from my first trip into the Boulder Chain Lakes basin five years ago. I am very good at remembering the positive, and underestimating difficulty. Nonetheless, the climbing went fast utilizing an excellent trail that avoided the scree.
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DSCF0357.JPG14 viewsI reach the top of the Devil’s Staircase and learn why it is referred to as the “keyhole”.
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