"Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited (again!), August 19, 2024
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DSCF0935.JPG1 viewsJust ahead is the steep drop to Ocalkens Lake, and the entrance to Bighorn Basin further S. The saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9 is now in view on the right skyline marked by a pine in the foreground. From that same pine, one can see the start of the route up which lines up with the ridge in the foreground and the left edge of the foreground pine. The route digonals up 45 degrees to the left, ascending to a rock outcrop almost to the skyline. This is difficult to see clearly because WCP-9 is still backlit. It becomes much clearer the closer one gets.
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DSCF0937.JPG1 viewsThe route is more obvious in this shot from the pass which leads to Ocalkens Lake, and the entrance to Bighorn Basin.
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DSCF0938.JPG1 viewsI still need water for the ascent to the saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9. Last year I was able to get water out of the stream flowing into Ocalkens Lake by crossing the meadow on the right, intersecting the stream well above the lake. This year I had to descend all the way to the lake. The climb from the lake is east of Bighorn Basin, and although steeper, the trees provide welcome shade most of the way up.
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DSCF0939.JPG1 viewsCalkens Peak on the skyline right (S) of the cumulous cloud just behind the skyline. The western-most is the higher summit according to the Lopez book. This peak is the next peak N of WCP-9. It is usually ascended from the E.
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DSCF0940.JPG1 viewsThe view N past Ocalkens Lake (hidden). Interestingly, a trail leads S from state highway 75 (W of Clayton), following Slate Creek, passing by Slate Creek Hot Spring, climbing all the way to Ocalkens Lake. I like to do a loop, so I continue to repeat this hike from Fourth of July trail head.
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DSCF0942.JPG1 viewsThe route to saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9 is seen clearly above.
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DSCF0944.JPG1 viewsI was told last year by a biologist I met above Sapphire Lake that this is a Mormon Cricket. This one is not nearly as big as those I saw last year. I only saw a few this year, but last year there were two to three per square foot. They were concentrated immediately below the start of the ascent to saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9.
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DSCF0945.JPG1 viewsThe saddle between D. O. Lee Peak and WCP-9 from the somewhat protected rock outcrop, before traversing the goat path to the ridge. The winds I encountered during the ascent were the strongest I have ever experienced; 40 to 50 mph! It was a great relief to get to solid rock at this outcrop and out of the worst wind.
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DSCF0946.JPG1 viewsThis may be the western-most is the higher summit of Calkens Peak, just N of WCP-9.
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DSCF0947.JPG1 viewsThe view N past Ocalkens Lake. The entrance to Iron Basin is high above the lake on the left (W). The drainage below the lake, extending all the way to frame right, follows a trail down Slate Creek. Smoke from the Wapiti fire is drifting E from Stanley. Fortunately, it has stayed well to the N.
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DSCF0948.JPG1 viewsFrom just below the saddle, Cirque, Sapphire, and Cove Lakes of the Big Boulder Lakes Basin. I plan to camp at the inlet to Cove Lake, the lower of the three lakes. There is noticeably less water flowing into Cirque Lake from the S. Green algae has been left behind by the receding water level.
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DSCF0950.JPG1 viewsThe outlet of this tarn marks my descent route. Nice to be out of the worst of the wind!
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