Idaho Exposure

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

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DSCF0913.JPG
DSCF0913.JPG2 viewsThere was an intermittent stream in the drainage.
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DSCF0914.JPG2 viewsWCP-8 (10557') on the right. The pyramid shaped peak below the higher large cumulus is WCP-6 (10777').
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DSCF0915.JPG2 viewsThe pyramid shaped WCP-6 (10777') on the horizon (center). The terrain gets steep in places before leveling out just before Warm Springs Creek.
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DSCF0916.JPG2 viewsI crossed Warm Springs Creek at a place where it had divided into two channels, making it easier.
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DSCF0918.JPG2 viewsWCP-8 (10557') on the right. The pyramid shaped peak below the higher large cumulus is WCP-6 (10777').
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DSCF0921.JPG2 viewsI was glad I had taken enough water with me to spend the night as I failed to find the stream around the 8700' for the second year in a row. I'm not carrying a GPS or altimeter, which would make navigation easier, and my pack heavier. There is a lake at about 8900' E of Iron Basin. I have yet to climb up to it.
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DSCF0928.JPG2 viewsAlpenglow; Watson Peak to the E.
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DSCF0929.JPG2 viewsNorth wall of Iron Basin E of Watson Peak. I've seen numerous Bighorn Sheep on this slope, but not this year or last. There were two mountain goats on this slope further E last year. The arch formation is cool.
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DSCF0934.JPG2 viewsLooking back W to Watson Peak. The slope on the right (N) is where I've seen Bighorn Sheep as well as mountain goats on previous trips.
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DSCF0937.JPG2 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.JPG2 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.JPG2 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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