DESTINATION Long Mountain - Selkirk Mtns IPNF 1 Photoset
2024-07-09 | |
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| Hiking | 8.03 Miles |
2,418 AEG |
| | Hiking | 8.03 Miles | 4 Hrs 46 Mns | | 1.82 mph |
| 2,418 ft AEG | 21 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | I've been wanting to hike this one for a couple of years now, but had to wait until the area reopened after a fire. I'd been to Pyramid Pass before (pre-fire), but the kids weren't up for going all the way to Long Mountain.
All of Trout Creek Road has been graded, and is in great shape. Most of the burnt trees along the road have been removed and piled up on the shoulder. The fire did burn both sides of the road, but mostly in a mosaic pattern. I saw a few heavily charred spots, but I think the worst of the fire was the next drainage to the south, Ball Creek. No evidence of fire around the trailhead or along the trail today.
Got started around 0815, temps around 68 degrees. Felt warm with no clouds and no breeze. Nice hike uphill. Looked around Pyramid Pass for a moment, last time I was there, I had seen a use trail leading towards the peak, but no sign of the path this year. It would be a ridiculously steep attempt to summit Pyramid Peak, but I imagine it can be somehow approached from the south. Not today though.
Once over the pass, there was a section of intermittent snow. Once at the end of Pyramid Pass trail and onto Parker Ridge Trail, it was all new territory for me. Steep climb, some loose rocks and dirt, more noticeable when I descended it later. Great views. Once I was at the south end of the ridge up to Long Mountain, there were even better views in all directions. Less steep through here, and the ridge was my favorite part of the day. More snow, mostly in big patches, up to 18" deep in a few places. I wore my Sauconys, which have zero traction on any wet surface, so I veered around a few snow spots.
I knew the trail wouldn't go straight over the actual summit, and as expected it skirted to the west side of the ridge. The approach from the south looked nice, but I stayed on the trail to see if a use trail would pop up. Once I was exactly west of the summit, I decided this spot looked as good as any, turned right and went up the summit. Nothing difficult, maybe 40' uphill. Lots of big boulders all over the place, and any trees were stunted, so lots of places to sit without obscured views. I sat on the boulder at the highest point and ate some steak.
When done with lunch, I descended off the south end of the ridge, which is super easy and clear of obstacles. Once back at the trail, at the first snow patch, I tried to rinse more of the steak scent off my hands. Debated taking the short side trail down to Long Mountain Lake, but the slope looked like it still had a decent amount of snow. Might have done it in different shoes, but I decided it was getting warm anyway. Easy hike back down to the trailhead. Two other vehicles there when I finished, but they must have hiked to one of the nearby lakes because I didn't see anybody today. 85 degrees at the finish.
Will definitely be back here in the fall to check out Trout Lake and Big Fisher Lake. Plus Pyramid Lake and Ball Lakes at some point. Lots to explore in this area. |
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| Stop crying and just go do the hike. |
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