"Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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DSCF0752.JPG6 viewsIt is already 11 am as I reach the northeast side of Cove Lake; not an early start. The dry air made it much easier to pack up the tent and sleeping bag. I could have gotten and earlier start. I figure I will take my time since there is no thundershower threat, and it is much cooler. D. O. Lee Peak on frame right.
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DSCF0753.JPG7 viewsI can see trout swimming in this small lake-let just below and east of Cove Lake.
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DSCF0754.JPG5 viewsLooking south southeast; the pass is just left (east) of the lowest part of the saddle. A direct route diagonals up and left through all that unstable talus to the rock ridge coming down from the right skyline. I would much rather descend and climb the much more aesthetic route which starts just above Island Lake.
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DSCF0755.JPG6 viewsMaking my way down to Island Lake, just around that lowest ridge to the left. Despite what it looks like, there is no boulder-hopping or loose talus to navigate on this descent. There is even a trail for the most part.
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DSCF0756.JPG6 viewsI am now ascending to the ridge which leads up and right (south) to the small tarns before the final push to the pass. I should have descended a bit closer to Island Lake to avoid some brief boulder-hopping to gain the grassy ridge just ahead.
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DSCF0757.JPG4 viewsThe ridge leads up a stream drainage on intermittent grass and rock buttresses just behind the right skyline.
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DSCF0758.JPG6 viewsIsland Lake just north of my route ascending toward the pass between Big Boulder Lakes Basin and the Boulder Chain Lakes Basin (the "Cheese Grater").
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DSCF0759.JPG5 viewsThis route may not be as fast as "sidehilling" through the unstable talus directly from the southeast side of Cove Lake, but it far more enjoyable. Upon reaching the first of three tarns, I climb out of the drainage onto the ridge on the north side of the drainage to avoid the talus at the tarn inlet.
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DSCF0760.JPG5 viewsThe two highest tarns come into view from the ridge just to the north. I'm headed for that low gap on the skyline.
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DSCF0761.JPG5 viewsCareful routefinding here saves time and effort. I find it best to climb just under the vertical rock on the right side of frame, then move left (south) crossing the friction slab as high as practical. Ascend the most solid terrain as close as possible to that solid outcrop just below the skyline mid-frame.
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DSCF0762.JPG5 viewsI gained the saddle right (west) of the low point, above the right edge if the perennial snowfield. The rock is most unstable just before reaching the saddle. I look for the most solid rock traversing up to the saddle.
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DSCF0763.JPG6 viewsAfter reaching the lower saddle, I took this shot (north) to document the route I took from the ridge below. As one can see, it is best to traverse up and around, utilizing the most stable rocks.
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