Most viewed - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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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.
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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.
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DSCF0661.JPG5 viewsCloser view of the natural arch on the steep north side of Iron Basin proper.
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DSCF0674.JPG5 viewsTwenty minutes further up Iron Basin, I spot two mountain goats grazing on the sparse grass on the steep talus slope that is the north wall of the canyon. They are aware of my presence, but apparently feel no threat at this distance.
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DSCF0678.JPG5 viewsGetting near the pass high in Iron Basin which descends to the entrance of Bighorn Basin. I wondered momentarily if this was smoke from a forest fire--fortunately, just the first clouds I have seen today.
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DSCF0685.JPG5 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.
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DSCF0686.JPG5 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.
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DSCF0690.JPG5 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.
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DSCF0696.JPG5 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."
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DSCF0699.JPG5 viewsI plan to reach that outcrop, crossing below it on the left (north) side. The wider lens makes this look less steep than it is. The previous shot gives a better idea if how steep the route is.
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DSCF0706.JPG5 viewsThe game trail leading from the outcrop to the upper saddle is clearly evident on the left side (north) of the frame, intersecting the saddle at a point under the cloud.
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DSCF0712.JPG5 viewsThe inlet is very deep, especially below the sunlit boulders on the right. I saw several large trout just off that rock on the inlet side. I noted the time, hoping to return the next day. Afternoon thundershowers put an end to those hopes.
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