Idaho Exposure

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

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DSCF0697.JPG5 viewsThe climb to the WCP-9 / D. O. Lee Peak saddle begins; no threat of a thunderstorm. The grassy turf between the solid rocks makes it easy, but this won't last.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0696.JPG3 viewsTo the north, WCP-5 rises above the pass leading into Iron Basin where I descended from just over three hours ago. Tom Lopez, in "Idaho, a Climbing Guide", describes this peak as, "the most interesting of the White Cloud Peaks. Its split summit and rotten vertical slopes are challenging for scramblers."Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0694.JPG6 viewsThe meadows in Bighorn Basin are full of wildflowers. There are no mormon crickets, as there were last year when I passed this same spot. D. O. Lee Peak looms above.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0693.JPG5 viewsThe route follows a slight ridge further north, which is quite a bit more stable than the talus directly below the saddle. The outcrop I'm headed for is the darker rock, three quarters of the way to the top.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0692.JPG4 viewsThe path opens up into Bighorn Basin at about 9600', nearing the beginning of the steep climb to the saddle. The weather is looking good.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0691.JPG3 viewsI can see the route I will be taking rising directly ahead. I'm aiming for that large outcrop visible on the slope high in the middle of the frame.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0690.JPG4 viewsThis route will lead directly to the base of the climb to the saddle between WCP-9 and D. O. Lee Peak. It is a warm day, so any shade is welcome.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0689.JPG4 viewsFollowing the drainage just east of Bighorn Basin. This is not the route I usually take, but it is has welcome intermittent shade, and is not much longer. I'm happy to have water!Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0688.JPG3 viewsThe stream that eventually flows into Ocalkins Lake is visible not far below. I will get 2 liters here for the climb out of Bighorn Basin.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0687.JPG5 viewsCrossing the meadow due south and well above Ocalkins Lake. It appears that the stream is flowing beyond those trees ahead. I should be able to find water without going out of my way.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0686.JPG4 viewsThe view from the pass between Iron Basin and Bighorn Basin, looking down at Ocalkins Lake. I am almost out of water, having missed the stream at the 8700' elevation in Iron Basin. I don't want to descend to the lake. I appears I can find water in the drainage well above the lake, northeast of Bighorn Basin.Sep 11, 2023
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DSCF0685.JPG3 viewsFurther southeast into the upper reaches of Bighorn Basin east of D. O. Lee Peak. The high pass I will cross is still visible in the upper left frame.Sep 11, 2023
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