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Clyde Lake. A nice
view of Rockbound Valley and Clyde Lake is had from
the top of the granite dome above Mosquito Pass. |
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Aloha. Turning 180 degrees, you get a
stunning view of Lake Aloha spread out beneath you.
Tomorrow's ultimate goal -- Ralston Peak -- rises
above the far side of the lake. |
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Mt. Agassiz.
Another perspective on Mt. Agassiz. There are no
easy routes up this peak from the east. The most
practical routes would seem to be either: (i) up to
the Overhanging Couloir between Agassiz and Price,
then left up the ridge to the summit; or (ii) up to
the saddle east of the peak (left of summit in this
photo), and then around the more gentle backside of
the peak. Gaining this saddle requires a crampon
climb up a steep snowfield, and a difficult class 3-4
climb up to the ridge. |
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Camp at last.
After descending the Slabs of Insanity, I arrived
at Mosquito Pass where I actually found a trail. Several miles of arduous cross-country
travel were now behind me.
Exhausted, I stumbled down to Lake
Aloha and found a flat spot to throw down my
sleeping bag. The sunset hues on the lake's
surface were stunning; a fitting end to a lovely day.
Day 1 stats:
7.1 miles, +5,500'/-3,150' (with full pack) |
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Heather Lake & Cracked Crag.
The next morning I woke at 6:30, ate a quick breakfast
and packed up my gear. I hiked about a mile
along the north shore of Aloha to the junction of the
PCT. Because I was making a big loop from this
spot, I stashed my sleeping bag, pad, stove and extra
food behind a tree and dropped down towards Heather
Lake. After a few switchbacks, I set off
cross-country up the SE slopes of Jacks Peak. As
I climbed, I had this view down to Heather Lake and
Cracked Crag. |
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Wildflowers.
Although not prevalent the day before on the Crystal
Range, the wildflowers were out in force in the main
part of Desolation. Here, a field of lupines and
other colorful flowers made for a pleasant climb up
the SE slopes of Jacks Peak. |
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High on Jacks Peak. The
summit of Jacks Peak can be somewhat confusing to
reach from the Lake Aloha area since the summit is not
readily visible from below. The route, however,
is straightforward. Simply climb up the rockfall
on the SE face of the peak above Heather Lake, angling
upwards to the right and aiming for an obvious
V-shaped cleft
where the creek feeding Heather Lake spills onto the
SE face. This is the view back over Lake Aloha
and Cracked Crag through the "V". |
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