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| Hiking | 14.51 Miles |
3,506 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.51 Miles | 7 Hrs 23 Mns | | 2.05 mph |
| 3,506 ft AEG | 19 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | I had pulled a obviously garbage track for these two peaks from an inferior hiking site. Despite cleaning it up a bit, I knew it was still garbage, but it at least had the basic info I needed to hopefully survive this hike. Nearly two hour drive from my place, but the forest road was very nice, so I didn't mind. One other vehicle at the trailhead, an ancient looking Land Cruiser, which was definitely being used as a camper van type vehicle. Better than the old hearse I saw in Montana last week that had been converted to a camper style situation.
63 degrees to start, plus some shade. Uphill immediately. I took my time. Turned onto the spur for Clifty Mtn, and I was immediately happy to see the trees getting smaller. Being above timberline is my favorite. Saw the hiker from the Land Cruiser, some sort of hippie, carrying his keys and phone in hand, but nothing else. Great views from the summit, if a little smoky. Neat summit, lots of rocks to sit on, could see for miles in every direction.
Once back down to the main trail, I continued east. Clearly most hiker traffic only goes to Clifty and doesn't venture further. Lots and lots of spiderwebs. So many. Ate some berries along the way. Some were past ripe, but others were good. The sections of trail that traversed below the summits were my favorite spots. The roller coaster in between got tedious after a while.
Once past Katka Pass, I started to wonder where the trail would go up to the summit. I knew the track I had found online was wrong, but the forest service map didn't seem to be correct either. None of their signs had accurate mileage either. Finally, at what was supposed to by 5 miles (closer to 6), I reached the turn. Uphill again. At the old fire tower, the trail suddenly disappeared. I had not gone the supposed half mile, and was still 200' below the summit. I walked back a short distance to see if I missed a turn. Nope. Went back to the end. Nothing. Turned west and left the trail. I don't love offtrail in Idaho since most of the time the vegetation is crazy dense, but this wasn't too bad. Passed an obscure campsite, then could see a hint of an old trail. I tried to follow it the best I could, but it faded in an out. Fire damage had caused erosion, and downed trees probably blocked most of what used to be the path. Saw a fresh and very massive pile of bear scat. Clearly well fed. I just kept heading west and up, reaching the ashy summit after about half a mile. I dropped my pack and made a short loop around the perimeter of the summit to see if I could spot any other use trails. None.
Ate lunch, steak, which luckily the local bear didn't come investigate. Then headed back down to the east. Once back on the trail, began the rollercoaster of a return. Not terrible, but I was glad when I finished the final ascent. More miles and aeg than anticipated, but a good day. 73 degrees at the finish, but felt warmer. |
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| Stop crying and just go do the hike. |
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