"Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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DSCF0764.JPG6 viewsSouth southeast from the 'lower saddle' (just left of center of frame) to the pass leading to Boulder Chain Lakes Basin, on the skyline mid-frame. If one climbs due south from the 'lower saddle', there is a pass (lower than the correct pass) on frame right that drops into a drainage east of Warm Springs Creek
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DSCF0765.JPG7 viewsLooking down at Hummock Lake from the top of the "Cheese Grater". There are several chutes that can be downclimbed from this ridge. The route I chose started was easy, but became rather steep class three for a short section below. A large pine provided some welcome holds. The solid rock is preferable to the steep, sandy goat paths.
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DSCF0766.JPG6 viewsArriving in the basin, I stop to photograph what I just down climbed. Can't say exactly where I crossed-- probably on the skyline just right (east) of the center of frame. This is not something one should be doing without some climbing experience. The ability to recognize what 'goes' safely is crucial.
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DSCF0767.JPG6 viewsRather than camp on the southeast side of Hummock Lake at what has been dubbed the 'primo' spot, I've decided to head across that isthmus, and climb to Scoop Lake. I'd prefer to forego the big packer campground for something more protected; a bit more intimate. I never seem to catch fish in Hummock.
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DSCF0768.JPG6 viewsBy the time I get to Scoop Lake, get the tent up, set the food hand, and pump water, the sun has dropped below the headwall that forms the west side of the basin. I spent too much time talking with a group camped at the other end of the lake, and won't get to fish this evening. That isthmus that reaches almost across the lake is a nice spot to fish.
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DSCF0769.JPG7 viewsMorning sunlight hits the headwall that forms the west side of the basin. It's another cool, clear morning, a few degrees warmer than yesterday. Inside of the tent stayed dry again! I plan to fish Scoop Lake, and walk out today.
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DSCF0770.JPG6 viewsI fished a bit longer than planned, trying unsuccessfully to hook into that elusive 14" trout. It should take less time to pack up. It's almost 3 pm. I camped in those dead trees, left of the closer edge of the lake. Left my hydration reservoir tucked in by a log last night; some animal bit a hole in it. Fortunately, my extra 2 liter Platypus bottle will work.
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DSCF0771.JPG7 viewsI hiked up to Headwall Lake, and fished the deep water below the steep rocks half way around the far side of the lake. No luck. The top of the "Cheese Grater" is on the skyline about one third the distance from the pinnacle (directly above Headwall Lake) to the peak on the right of frame. This shot gives you an idea of how steep that route is.
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DSCF0772.JPG6 viewsThe pinnacle towering immediately south of the "Devil's Staircase", the steep pass leading to Born Lakes on the west, as photographed from just west of Windy Devil. Looking closely reveals the useful switchbacks leading to the top. A small pine sits in the low notch that is the pass
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DSCF0773.JPG5 viewsThe tarn, just below Windy Devil, the pass that leads to Boulder Chain Lakes Basin on the east. Straight ahead, the cross-country route leading to the "Devil's Staircase". Must the Devil have all the good passes?
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DSCF0775.JPG8 viewsA sage brush, half way across the plateau below the "Devil's Staircase". He is well camouflaged.
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DSCF0776.JPG6 viewsAs I move right to head him off, another female grouse appears from behind the boulder that is in front of the tree, heading in the opposite direction. They run off-- too fast to get them both in another shot.
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