"Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
|
|
|
DSCF0696.JPG3 viewsTo the north, WCP-5 rises above the pass leading into Iron Basin where I descended from just over three hours ago. Tom Lopez, in "Idaho, a Climbing Guide", describes this peak as, "the most interesting of the White Cloud Peaks. Its split summit and rotten vertical slopes are challenging for scramblers."
|
|
DSCF0697.JPG4 viewsThe climb to the WCP-9 / D. O. Lee Peak saddle begins; no threat of a thunderstorm. The grassy turf between the solid rocks makes it easy, but this won't last.
|
|
DSCF0698.JPG4 viewsLooking southwest into upper Bighorn Basin. Over that ridge, almost three miles distant, is Strawberry Basin, where I was mid-day yesterday.
|
|
DSCF0699.JPG4 viewsI plan to reach that outcrop, crossing below it on the left (north) side. The wider lens makes this look less steep than it is. The previous shot gives a better idea if how steep the route is.
|
|
DSCF0700.JPG3 viewsArriving at the base of the outcrop, and welcome solid rock. Three years ago at this same point in the climb, a thunderstorm rolled in from the west. Lightening was flashing all about, accompanied by crashes of thunder. I was pelted with hail. I did not dare stop to put on my mountain parka. One of the most frightening experiences I can recall in the mountains!
|
|
DSCF0701.JPG5 viewsFrom the top of the outcrop, a game trail leads up an across to a point above the saddle, making it much easier to get across the upper section of loose scree. D. O. Lee Peak rises from the south side of the saddle.
|
|
DSCF0702c.JPG4 viewsBeyond the outcrop in the foreground; upper Bighorn Basin. Just out of view to the right (west) along the first ridge in the foreground is WCP-8 (10557'). Beyond the first ridge is Strawberry Basin. Sawtooth Valley lies beyond the next ridge. The Sawtooth crest is on the western horizon.
|
|
DSCF0703.JPG3 viewsLooking back toward Iron Basin; WCP-5 on the right with its split summit and WCP-7 (10777'), due east of Ocalkens Lake. WCP-7 is on the same ridge as WCP-8, about 1.25 miles further as the ridge curves to the north, forming the western boundary of Bighorn Basin.
|
|
DSCF0704.JPG3 viewsThe view west south west from the rock outcrop just below the WCP-9 / D. O. Lee Peak saddle. WCP-8 (10557') is on the right (north) of the foreground ridge which forms the southwest wall above the upper reaches of Bighorn Basin. The Sawtooth crest is on the western horizon. That might be Redfish Lake below the crest in the center of frame.
|
|
DSCF0706.JPG3 viewsThe game trail leading from the outcrop to the upper saddle is clearly evident on the left side (north) of the frame, intersecting the saddle at a point under the cloud.
|
|
DSCF0707.JPG3 viewsLooking northwest from the WCP-9 / D. O. Lee Peak saddle. The entrance to the upper end of Iron Basin is seen just right of the center of the frame.
|
|
DSCF0709.JPG4 viewsCirque, Sapphire, and Cove Lakes in the Big Boulder Lakes Basin just below. The climb out of Bighorn Basin to the saddle took an hour and a half.
|
|
| 126 files on 11 page(s) |
 |
|
|
5 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Login
Back to Main Gallery
Album list
Last uploads
Last comments
Most viewed
Top rated
My Favorites
Search
