Part 1 of Day 35 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!
8:08 AM, 50ºF – Traveling ENE up the Chatanika River valley, the Steese Highway was beautiful, all paved and striped. The river was seldom in sight, both sides of the valley flanked by heavily-forested, rounded hills.
Leaves were just beginning to turn yellow, quite a switch after coming from the Brooks Range where fall was already well advanced. Although patches of blue existed, the sky was 95% overcast.
Sure don’t make sunny days like they used to, SPHP!
Yeah, I don’t know what’s up with this, Loop. The forecast was for full sun in Fairbanks today. Maybe it will clear off at some point?
Scarcely any traffic, and less and less as the road wound along the base of the hills. After passing MP 81, everything changed. The pavement ended, as the Steese Highway turned to hard-packed dirt and gravel. A steady climb out of the valley was underway. Dark clouds, fog, mist, and mud greeted Lupe at Twelvemile Summit.
We’re not in Fairbanks anymore, SPHP.
Evidently not, Looper. Starting to shake my faith in this entire endeavor. We’ve come so far already, though, that we might as well keep going. See what develops.
Beyond Twelvemile Summit, the Steese Highway dropped below the clouds again and dried out quite a bit. Another valley was in sight, along with some of the hills around it. The American Dingo started catching glimpses of higher hills whose summits were above treeline, and the highway began to climb again.
9:21 AM, 41ºF, Steese Highway MP 107, Eagle Summit – A chilly breeze swept over a barren landscape. No trees at all, and scarcely any bushes worth mentioning. The summit of the big hill beyond Lupe was partially obscured by fog. Moments later, the entire hill vanished.
A short access road led to a huge, completely empty, wet parking lot. An outhouse stood along one edge, and a nice sign for the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail along another.
You might as well snooze, Loop. I’m just going to work on the trip journal for a while. We aren’t going anywhere if conditions don’t improve.
Dark, dreary, breezy, damp, and cold! Amid thick fog and mist, it was impossible to see from one end of the parking lot to the other.
10:20 AM, 41ºF, MP107, Eagle Summit Wayside – Suddenly brighter again.
Blue sky to the NE, SPHP! The clouds are breaking up!
Now or never then, Looper! Pinnell Mountain (4,934 ft.) is 9 miles one way, and we’re getting a late start. Need to get there today, too, if we want to have a shot at seeing anything from there. Weather is supposed to be lousy tomorrow. This is the good day!
Onward, SPHP! Let’s go!
The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail began with a nature trail loop with a few displays along it. Leaving the parking lot, Lupe took the path angling to the R, which was the long way, but not much of a detour. SPHP paused to read each display, which didn’t take long at all.
Lupe soon reached the spot where the main trail began switchbacking W up HP3900, the first big hill.
275 feet of elevation gain would get Lupe to the top, but the trail divided shortly before getting there. The main trail went R, beginning a gradual descent. Naturally, the peakbagging Dingo took the spur trail going L to the summit. She was there in no time.
11:30 AM – The top of HP3900 was a roomy, almost flat region of small rocks and scant vegetation. A survey benchmark fastened to a pipe stood 6″ above the rest of the plain.
Happily, conditions were continuing to improve. Not much of a breeze at all now, and while most of the sky remained very cloudy, all the mist and fog were gone, revealing a vast landscape of enormous, barren hills and ridges.
Hey, Loop! See that hill to the SE? Bet that’s Mastodon Dome (4,418 ft.)!
Mastodon Dome? We ought to go there, SPHP! Seeing a mastodon would be even better than the musk oxen along the Dalton Highway!
It’s on you list of possibilities, Looper. Looks easy to get there, too. We’ll visit Mastodon Dome in a couple of days, if the weather’s decent after we get back from Pinnell Mountain.
Oh, I hope so, SPHP! Ought to be a cinch spotting a mastodon up here! How awesome would that be?
Literally unbelievably awesome, Loop! In fact, look around. I’m thinking this entire Pinnell Mountain trail is going to be awesome, too. Started out in the tundra above tree line, and it looks like it’s going to be that way along the whole route. Amazing Alaskan views every step of the way!
Reminds me a little of a cross between the N side of the Brooks Range, and the North Slope, SPHP. We’ll have a blast up here!
Yes, we will! I suppose we better keep going, but let me have a look at the map first, Loop. OK. I get it. See that distant big hill off to NW?
You mean the one that’s still in the clouds, SPHP?
Yes. That must be our first objective, Porcupine Dome (4,915 ft.).
Porcupine Dome! Sounds dangerous, SPHP.
Yeah, we’d be better off running into mastodons than porcupines, Looper. This doesn’t really look much like porcupine territory, if you ask me, but if you do happen to see any, stay far away from them.
Looking down on the enormous region leading NW to Peak 4350, a dark track scarred the tundra. The Pinnell Mountain trail was down there, too, but harder to pick out. Leaving HP3900, Lupe returned to the main trail. Following it down the NW slope, she soon came to a double plank boardwalk.
Bottoming out, the trail began a slow climb, crossing the dark track Lupe had seen from HP3900, which turned out to be a muddy ATV route. In addition to the two plank boardwalk, the Pinnell Mountain trail featured sections of plastic grid. At first they were filled with gravel, but later on the grid spaces were empty, forcing Lupe to stay on the tundra instead.
Both the boardwalks and grids appeared to be relatively new. Stacks of lumber and other supplies for trail improvement sat wrapped in plastic strung out along the tundra.
There seemed to be an awful lot of other human made distractions along this part of the trail, too. Wooden stakes and strings roped off vegetation restoration areas. Frequent brown “No Motor Vehicle” wands were right along the trail, and bright yellow wands stood in parallel lines 40 feet from each side. Orange plastic webbed fencing served as barriers.
In addition to all this new stuff, there were older, less offensive trail markers, too. Every so often Lupe passed cairns featuring either a tall narrow stone standing on end, or a wooden pole with peeling paint.
The Pinnell Mountain trail headed NW toward Peak 4350 along what amounted to a very broad ridge. Halfway there, it passed near a minor rocky high point. Lupe ventured over to it. Another gradual descent lay beyond this point.
The entire trek to Peak 4350 was easy. Near it, the trail began climbing again. However, Lupe wasn’t destined to get anywhere close to the top. Instead, the trail swept along the E side around to the N slope, topping out at a NE corner still hundreds of feet below the summit.
The trail was level or descended gradually during most of the traverse of Peak 4350’s N slope. New territory came into view as it began curving N toward the huge saddle leading to HP4351 along Porcupine Dome’s long E ridge. Looking WNW across the upper Ptarmigan Creek valley, Pinnell Mountain (4,934 ft.) and a couple of other high points were in sight.
Crossing the saddle leading to HP4351, SPHP became confused as more high points continued to appear.
Huh. Wow! Do we really have to go all that way, Loop? Thought I knew which peak was Pinnell Mountain, but now I’m not so sure. That peak to the W looks even higher than the dome I’ve been thinking was it.
It’s a long way off, SPHP. Is Pinnell Mountain that far from Porcupine Dome?
According to the map, Pinnell is just 2.5+ miles WSW of Porcupine Dome as the crow flies, Loopster.
That peak to the W seems farther than that, SPHP.
Yeah, I know, but doesn’t it look like the highest one around to you, Loop? Pinnell Mountain is the highest point along the entire Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail.
Could be an optical illusion, SPHP. Happens in the mountains. Anyway, let’s keep going. We’ll figure it out.
No matter which peak was actually Pinnell Mountain, the scenery was fantastic! Tremendous open vistas greeted Lupe in all directions as she trotted along the low tundra, now enhanced by the lack of most signs of human activity. On the way to HP4351, all the wands, fenced off areas, and stacks of supplies had been left behind SE of Peak 4350.
There were still cairns with their tall stones or wooden posts, a short two plank boardwalk, and a few more plastic grids, but these were much less intrusive. The world looked unspoiled here, always a good look!
Beyond the last boardwalks and plastic grids, the trail dipped before starting up to HP4351. Loopster came to a grassy wet region where boardwalks would have been helpful, but they didn’t extend this far. No big deal, though. Although the trail went right through the soggiest area, the worst of it was easily avoided by staying a bit farther E. Meanwhile, Lupe enjoyed helping herself to drinks from various pools of water.
From the low point of the dip, the Carolina Dog had to gain more than 650 feet of elevation to get up to HP4351. The trail was in great shape, though, and much firmer here. Two sets of switchbacks separated by a fairly level stretch made the climb even easier than it looked.
The top of HP4351 was a big flat region of sparse tundra strewn with rocks. The actual high point was over by the NW end where 3 distinct rock outcroppings 10 or 20 feet higher than the rest of the plateau stood lined up along the NE edge.
Although no difference in elevation compared to Peak 4350 should have been discernable, looking back, SPHP had the impression that HP4351 was definitely somewhat higher. No doubt, this was mere illusion, too.
1:56 PM, HP4351 – The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation trail went right past the 3 rocky high points. Naturally, the Carolina Dog scrambled up onto the middle one, which was clearly highest, for a look around.
It had turned into a really nice day. Still lots of clouds around, but plenty of blue sky, too. All the mountains were beneath the clouds now. Lupe could see many miles in all directions. To the W, both Pinnell Mountain candidates were visible well past Porcupine Dome. SPHP still wasn’t sure which was the real Pinnell Mountain.
The view to the NE was interesting, too. A line of dark blue mountains was in sight well beyond red and green hills. Those distant peaks were the Crazy Mountains. They looked to be similar in elevation, but were actually lower than the domes and ridges around here.
Although getting to HP4351 hadn’t been hard at all, Lupe was miles from the start now, and there had been a fair amount of up and down along the way, even if net elevation gain thus far was still less than 750 feet. SPHP proposed a short rest break, which seemed like a great idea to the American Dingo, too.
This is really a terrific trail, SPHP! Love how we got to start out way up on the open tundra.
Yeah! Would be fun to do the entire trail sometime, Loop. Bet it’s like this the whole way. It stays up on these big ridges hitting quite a few peaks.
The trail doesn’t end at Pinnell Mountain, SPHP?
Oh, no! That’s just how far I’m hoping we can get on our one day of decent weather. The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation trail is 27 miles long, the W end being clear over at Twelvemile Summit, which we passed on the Steese Highway on the way here. We’re only going to be doing about a third of the entire trail, Looper.
Too bad it’s supposed to rain, SPHP. We could do the whole thing now!
That would be awesome, Loopster, but we aren’t prepared for that. Had no idea ahead of time that this would be so cool! I was actually expecting an endless traipse through a forest, hoping we might eventually catch some views from the summits.
Well, this is pretty unique, SPHP. We could roam these big ridges and domes forever!
Makes one want to do that, doesn’t it? Well, we’re here now, and have all day! C’mon! Onward! Puppy, ho!
From HP4351, the Pinnell Mountain trail continued NW, starting another gradual descent. Following a broad ridge, it curved W directly toward Porcupine Dome (4,915 ft.). The trail bottomed at a big grassy region. After crossing it, Lupe began regaining elevation again.
An easy romp up to 4,400 feet got Lupe nearly to the base of Porcupine Dome, but instead of continuing up it, the trail veered SW.
The Pinnell Mountain trail doesn’t go to the top, SPHP?
No, not of Porcupine Dome, Loop. It swings around the S side over to the W end, then just keeps going.
Well, we’re going to climb Porcupine Dome, aren’t we? Doesn’t look that hard. How much higher is it, SPHP?
Only another 500+ feet. Of course, we’re going to climb Porcupine, Looper, but this is the steepest side. According to the topo map, looks like we’d be better off going up from the SW or W. Shouldn’t be quite as steep there. I’m sure we could tackle it from here, but I’m carrying a fairly heavy pack. Mind if we just stick with the trail a little farther?
That’s fine, SPHP, as long as we get to the summit!
The Pinnell Mountain trail dipped a bit as Lupe started around the S side of Porcupine Dome. She soon reached a rocky region where large, flat stones had been arranged to make the route easier. Many of these rocks hadn’t been braced at all, and were a bit tippy. Nothing to worry about, as long as one was prepared for it.
After an initial descent, the trail began regaining elevation. By the time Lupe made it to the SW side of the mountain, she was already at 4,500 feet. Porcupine Dome was grassier here, and the view to the W finally dispelled any doubt as to which peak was actually Pinnell Mountain.
That more distant peak is HP4721 out along Pinnell Mountain’s W ridge, Loop. Actually more than 200 feet lower! Amazing how one’s perspective can create such illusions. Cleary looked higher earlier on.
So Pinnell Mountain is the next summit, or the middle one, SPHP?
The middle one. The closest one is HP4740. We’ll be visiting both, but first it’s time for Porcupine Dome!
From what appeared to be about the high point of the trail on the WSW side of the mountain, Lupe started up Porcupine Dome. Even over here, the slope was rather steep. Nothing too difficult, though! Most of the way, the Carolina Dog was able to climb on tundra, although higher up she eventually had to scramble on moderate-sized rocks covered with black lichens.
After gaining 250 feet of elevation, a dark ridge appeared ahead.
Upon reaching it, Lupe discovered that this ridge was a false summit. Beyond a short flat area and a tiny dip, the true summit region, which was a lot bigger, was another 100 feet higher up a slope that wasn’t as steep. A red and white tower, and a solar panel were in sight up there.
4:05 PM, 44ºF – The top of Porcupine Dome (4,915 ft.) was another big flat region. Several hundred feet long, it sloped slightly up toward the W. A 5-10 mph E breeze felt surprisingly chilly, as SPHP dumped the pack by what appeared to be the highest collection of rocks near the W end. Sitting down, SPHP faced W, away from the breeze.
Beef jerky, Loop?
Yes, please! I’m famished, SPHP!
The beef jerky vanished in nothing flat. Lupe found a bit of tundra to curl up on.
How far are we from Eagle Summit, SPHP?
The way the trail winds around, think we’ve gone about 6 miles, Looper. The Peakbagger app on the iPhone says 7.1 miles, but I don’t think it’s right. Seems to overestimate distances.
And Pinnell Mountain is another 2.5+ miles?
That’s as the crow flies, Loopster. The trail will be more like 3 miles.
There was more human stuff up here than just the tower and the shed with the solar panel. Several white tanks, a green thing-a-ma-jig, and a couple of big metal boxes were farther E.
None of that stuff was of any real interest to Lupe or SPHP, but there was one thing that SPHP would be interested in seeing.
Supposed to be a “Porky” survey benchmark up here, Loop. Want to help me find it?
Sure, SPHP! Where’s it supposed to be?
Map shows it about in the middle along the N edge.
Thinking it might be attached to a rock, SPHP wandered E along the N side of the summit region, while Lupe sniffed about. There were many rocks, though, and SPHP had no luck despite going nearly all the way to the E end.
Another pass heading back W wasn’t any more successful. No cairn, no registry, no “Porky” survey benchmark, and nothing to be done about it.
I don’t know, Loop. Maybe it’s gone? Maybe it’s up here, but I’m just not seeing it? Doesn’t really matter, anyway. Let’s just relax for a while.
Aren’t you forgetting something, SPHP?
Like what, Loop?
You did bring a chocolate coconut bar, didn’t you?
Oh, of course! Sorry, Loopster! Congratulations on reaching Porcupine Dome! May I shake your paw?
That’s more like it, SPHP!
Might I add that you’ve done a magnificent job of avoiding any marauding porcupines along the way?
You may, but I’d be happier if you’d add that chocolate coconut bar, SPHP.
Ah, yes! Then without further ado, Looper, let’s split one, in accordance with long established tradition.
The chocolate coconut bar came and went. The American Dingo insisted on another round of beef jerky, as well, before curling up again. SPHP then took to munching on honey roasted peanuts, and enjoyed a vanilla pudding cup, while taking in the tremendous views.
Pinnell Mountain was the only higher peak anywhere nearby. It was only marginally higher than Porcupine Dome, but there were distant mountains in nearly every direction. The exceptions were to the N and E, where large regions of lowlands were in sight. The Yukon River was supposed to be out there somewhere, but SPHP couldn’t see it.
Although there were a few notably higher peaks in the distance, they were all far away, and no real giants stuck out. Still, a huge expanse of unspoiled Alaska was in view, a stirring sight in itself.
4:50 PM, Porcupine Dome –
Hate to say it, but it’s about time to mosey on, Looper. You ready?
What? Is summit hour over already, SPHP? Seems like we just got here!
Well, we’re cutting it a bit short, Loop. Only been up here 45 minutes, but I think we better make sure we get to Pinnell Mountain this evening. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? The forecast wasn’t good.
Maybe we can hit Porcupine Dome again on the way back, SPHP?
Exactly what I was thinking, too, Loopster. Weather permitting, of course.
Somewhat reluctantly, SPHP hoisted the pack, and Lupe was on her way again, setting off back down the slope leading to the false summit.
Upon reaching the dip just before the false summit, Lupe peered down Porcupine Dome’s W slope.
We can skip all the rocks if we go this way, SPHP! A nice long descent on tundra all the way.
A better route and more direct, too! Go for it Loop!
Optimistic about her chances of getting to Pinnell Mountain despite how cloudy it had become again on what was supposed to have been a sunny day, the intrepid American Dingo led the way.
Links:
Next Adventure Prior Adventure
Lupe’s Porcupine Dome GPS Track
Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail
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