Idaho Exposure

Hiking, Climbing, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing. Photos by Thomas Oetzell; idahoexposure.com

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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.Sep 11, 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 CreekSep 11, 2023
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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.Sep 11, 2023
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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.Sep 11, 2023
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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.Sep 11, 2023
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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.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0759.JPG6 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.Sep 11, 2023
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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").Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0757.JPG4 viewsThe ridge leads up a stream drainage on intermittent grass and rock buttresses just behind the right skyline.Sep 11, 2023
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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.Sep 11, 2023
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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.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0754.JPG6 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.Sep 11, 2023
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