Last additions - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
|
DSCF0661.JPG5 viewsCloser view of the natural arch on the steep north side of Iron Basin proper.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0659.JPG5 viewsI took this photo of the ridge on the south side of Iron Basin as a reference to help locate that stream next trip. It descends west northwest from WCP-7 (10777'), which is not visible and further left (east southeast). I believe there is a small lake behind it to the south. The lake is perched well above the east side of the lower north/south section leading to Iron Basin proper. I have not yet seen it, but it is a possible water source.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0658.JPG7 viewsThis burned tree marks the entrance to Iron Basin proper-- the west-east section at 9200'.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0657.JPG7 viewsThis natural arch is high on the steep north side of Iron Basin proper. This is the section I've saw fourteen bighorn sheep in August 2020. None to be seen this trip!Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0655.JPG5 viewsCouldn't resist a photo of this Indian Paintbrush in backlight, standing out against the compliment of green leaves, high in Iron Basin.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0654.JPG6 viewsThe view up Iron Basin, to the east of where I camped. I recall seeing water last year in the narrow section below, just before the trail turns east into Iron Basin. I didn't see any this year. The small meadow I camped in was very damp. Everything out in the open got wet, despite it being clear. Fortunately, the sun arrived fairly early, and I was able to get everything dried out in short order. Didn't even set up the tent.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0653.JPG6 viewsI finally camp at 9200' after failing to find the stream I was looking for. I should have crossed that stream at about 8700'. I flows east southeast, in line with the top of Watson Peak and a small lake above Iron Basin to the east southeast, roughly half way through the north/south climb into the basin proper. I dropped my pack and checked for water at the high tarn below the east face of Watson, but it was dry.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0652.JPG4 viewsI find what I recall from the first time I did this loop; water. It is located in a fairly flat section immediately above the initial steep-walled gorge. I stop and pump enough water to mix a hydration drink. It's worth getting enough water here for the night, in the event you fail to find the creek near the 8700' level in the basin above.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0651.JPG6 viewsThe trail stays on the east side of the drainage, and reaches a plateau.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0649.JPG4 viewsThirty minutes into the climb, I find what appears to be a pretty decent trail!Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0647.JPG6 viewsHalf an hour later, I'm nearing the entrance to Iron Basin. I'm watching very carefully, as last year, I went too far downstream to the west, missing the entrance entirely. In late August, this is the only place water can be seen coming from the east entering Warm Springs Creek.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
DSCF0648.JPG5 viewsI start my ascent into Iron Basin, staying well east of the gorge. A map indicates a trail, but it is not evident. Game trails start, then vanish. If one keeps climbing, one eventually stumbles onto a trail.Sep 11, 2023
|
|
| 126 files on 11 page(s) |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9 | |
|
Home
Login
Back to Main Gallery
Album list
Last uploads
Last comments
Most viewed
Top rated
My Favorites
Search
