Day 20 of Lupe’s 2012 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast.
After leaving the Oregon coast the previous afternoon; Lupe, Lanis and SPHP had driven out of the rain, and made it as far as a motel on the E side of Portland near I-84 and some busy train tracks. Trains rumbled by in the night, but the cheap motel was a real treat after many nights spent in Lupe’s tiny house or car camping in Lanis’ Honda Element.
In the morning; Lupe, Lanis and SPHP relaxed in the motel room in no real hurry to hit the road. Lupe’s time on the West Coast was over, and she was headed home. Lanis needed to get back to Indiana by September 1st, so Lupe was destined to spend much of the rest of her 2012 Dingo Vacation on the road. Even so, there would still be time for at least a couple of adventures on the way.
It was still a cool morning, with blue sky and puffy white clouds, when Lupe, Lanis and SPHP finally got started heading E on I-84. Lupe didn’t get very far before reaching Multnomah Falls, a beautiful, tall, thin waterfall spilling over the bluffs on the S side of the lush, green Columbia River Gorge.
The walkway to Multnomah Falls, Oregon from the parking lot along I-84.Lupe and Lanis on their way to check out Multnomah Falls.
Located right along I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is very accessible and a popular tourist stop. The Multnomah Falls Lodge near the base of the falls offers lodging, a restaurant, and gift shop. There were lots of people and a few other dogs around, when Lupe arrived to see the falls.
Multnomah Falls is actually two waterfalls. The lower one is about 70 feet tall, but the upper falls, which is the main attraction, drops 540 feet. A short paved trail goes up to several viewpoints, including Benson bridge, near the base of the upper falls.
The lower falls is beautiful as it drops into a large pool, but just doesn’t get any respect compared to the much higher and more dramatic upper falls.The Benson bridge over Multnomah creek is one of several excellent viewpoints for seeing the upper falls.From Benson bridge, Multnomah Falls was so high, SPHP couldn’t even get the entire falls in the photo.Base of upper Multnomah Falls.
After crossing Benson bridge, visitors may stop at another viewpoint very close to the base of the falls, or continue on a 1.1 mile paved trail all the way up to the top of Multnomah Falls. Naturally, Lupe, Lanis and SPHP took the trail. There were plenty of people on the trail, but it wasn’t nearly so crowded as down below.
The trail went up a series of long switchbacks on a steep, densely forested slope. Now and then there were glimpses of the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge between the trees. The trail climbed almost all the way. It eventually went over a little ridge before dropping down to follow Multnomah Creek to the brink of the falls.
Looking N across the Columbia River from the trail to the top of Multnomah Falls.Looking NE.Multnomah Creek a short distance above upper Multnomah Falls.Multnomah Creek as it reaches the brink of the upper falls.
There was a nice viewing platform along Multnomah Creek next to the brink of upper Multnomah Falls. The view down the Columbia River Gorge to the W was fantastic. Looking over the edge, Lupe could see Multnomah Falls plummet over 500 feet down to the pool at the base of the falls.
Lupe looking pretty happy at having made it up to this viewing platform at the top of Multnomah Falls.Looking W down the Columbia River Gorge from the viewing platform at the top of Multnomah Falls.The view from the brink of upper Multnomah Falls.
Multnomah Falls was certainly worth seeing, but it was time for Lupe to start making tracks. It was a long way home. Lupe, Lanis and SPHP enjoyed the easy stroll back down to the base of Multnomah Falls, and then headed for the Element. Soon Lupe was traveling E on I-84 again.
By the time Lupe reached The Dalles, the lush, green Columbia River gorge was behind her. The huge, blue Columbia River was still near I-84, but the surrounding green forests had given way to much drier looking country. The clouds and pleasant cool weather were gone, too. Temperatures soared beneath a cloudless sky.
It was already lunch time. E of The Dalles, Lanis pulled off I-84 to stop by at a McDonald’s. An old man was sheltering a little brown dog at the busy off ramp. He held up a sign saying “Just Hungry”. There was too much traffic to stop, but at the McDonald’s, Lanis and SPHP bought a couple of extra cheeseburgers and a chocolate sundae. While Lanis was getting the burgers, SPHP searched around the Element to see what else could be scrounged up for the old man and his little doggie.
There really wasn’t too much to scrounge. This late in Lupe’s 2012 Dingo Vacation, most of the supplies were already used up. For the old man, there was just some trail mix, an orange, almonds, and $9.00 in cash. For his little brown doggie, SPHP found some Gravy Train, Canine Carry-Outs, a few other dog treats and a big rawhide stick.
On the way back to I-84, Lanis pulled the Element over at the side of the on ramp. SPHP jumped out and ran across the busy intersection to the off ramp to deliver the cheeseburgers, chocolate sundae, and other meager assistance to the old man. He was quite grateful. He said he shared the same birthday with his little brown doggie, named Otis. Otis was three years old. The old man thanked SPHP, and said he and Otis would be OK. That was about all SPHP learned about their situation, before running back to Lupe and Lanis waiting in the Element.
The farther E Lupe went, the hotter and drier it got. I-84 eventually left the Columbia River and very gradually curved SE. Lupe went over the Blue Mountains. Looking at the maps late in the afternoon, SPHP thought it might be fun for Lupe to stay at the Farewell Bend State Recreation Area on the Snake River right across from Idaho. Lanis turned off I-84 to drive through the campground.
The surrounding area looked like desert, but the campground featured lots of trees and reasonably green grass. There were 90 RV sites, and about 30 tent sites. All of the tent sites were far from the Snake River. However, one of the RV loops sat on a small ridge a little distance away from the Snake. These sites had the best views in the entire campground. Every single one of them was vacant, except for a park ranger site.
In fact, almost all of the 120 total sites in the campground were vacant. There were 5 sites occupied by park personnel, who currently outnumbered paying customers. SPHP asked the ranger at the empty RV loop with the pleasant view of the Snake River, if it would be possible to rent one of the RV sites just for Lupe’s tiny house and pay the tenting rate of $18, instead of the $22 RV rate.
Nope! Not possible. Lupe could put up her tiny house at one of the RV sites, but despite the fact that it was late afternoon and the place was virtually deserted, and Lupe wouldn’t be using any of the RV amenities (dump station, electricity, etc.), SPHP would have to pay the full $22 for the site or go to the tenting area. Oh, and by the way, there were all these rules for dogs in the park… blah, blah, blah.
The ranger was pleasant enough about it, but like so many in the Land of the Free these days, she was all about countless bureaucratic rules, regardless of the situation. SPHP declined. The ranger had a golf cart to drive around in enforcing the blizzard of rules. Lupe, Lanis and SPHP would be her only targets to micro-manage in the entire loop. No way! Lupe and SPHP would rather car camp, even if it meant disappointing Lanis.
Instead of taking a site; Lupe, Lanis and SPHP went down for a brief exploration along the Snake River. The edge of the river proved to be rather mucky and marshy. The river was low this time of year. On the mud, and among the reeds, flies swarmed around the rotten decaying carcasses of large dead carp. Lupe was interested. It really was time to get out of there! Absolutely no more Dead Fish Dingo stunts permitted! That was one rule both Lanis and SPHP were in full and complete agreement with!
Heading E on I-84 along through the Columbia River Gorge E of Multnomah Falls.
Only yesterday it had been 80°F. Now it was much cooler. A cold front moved through overnight, and a fairly strong wind still blew out of the NW, but it wasn’t bad down here. SPHP had just parked the G6 near the intersection of USFS Roads No. 422 and 284.1C (9:54 AM, 47°F). Lupe was 0.33 mile N of Custer County Road No. 284, and 5 miles W of where “The Fort” used to be S of Crazy Horse on Hwy 385. She was about to begin her 100th official Black Hills, SD Expedition!
Lupe and SPHP had an ambitious peakbagging day planned for Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 100. Lupe was going to visit 4 mountains she had never been to before. Her first goal was Round Mountain(6,600 ft.), the N end of which was only 0.5 mile to the W. Lupe and SPHP headed W directly for the mountain.
Lupe started gaining elevation right away, slowly at first, but the mountain grew steadily steeper. The area was all forested, but the forest had been thinned on the lower slopes. Near the top, the forest was much thicker. The climb was pretty easy, and soon Lupe arrived at a break in a line of small limestone cliffs near the N end of the mountain. Lupe and SPHP quickly scrambled up on top.
Round Mountain’s summit ridge is about 0.20 mile long, and runs N/S. The mountain is capped by a layer of limestone. Small cliffs tend to form along the edges of the limestone cap. The summit ridge is quite narrow at the N end, but wider toward the S. Since Lupe and SPHP came up near the N end of the mountain, Lupe checked things out in that direction first.
At the N end of Round Mountain, the narrow limestone ridge ended in small cliffs on all three sides. Pines hid most of the field of vision, but Lupe did get a partial look at Peak 6740 to the N. It was windy and cold here. Lupe didn’t stay long. Lupe and SPHP went back to the little notch in the limestone cliffs to get out of the wind. SPHP checked the topo map. The true summit was supposed to be toward the S.
From the notch, it was easiest to just go S along the base of the W side of the cliffs until another break provided a way up on top again. Lupe and SPHP continued S on the ridgeline. For the most part, the forest blocked the views. At least the forest was providing protection from the wind! Occasionally Lupe could see distant peaks SPHP recognized to the E. All that could be seen to the W was a high forested ridge less than a mile away.
The stroll along the top of the ridgeline was easy and almost level. Lupe gained elevation slowly. She passed over the true summit of Round Mountain, but continued on a little farther to the cliffs at the S end. Lupe found the best views from Round Mountain here. From on high, she could see a very long way S.
Lupe reaches the S end of Round Mountain. The big view here was easily the best from anywhere on the mountain. Photo looks S.
After checking out the view, Lupe and SPHP went N back to the true summit. The summit area was very flat and hidden in the forest. A small patch of exposed limestone seemed to be close to the highest point around. Lupe posed for a photo. Round Mountain was her first peakbagging success of Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 100!
Lupe at the summit of Round Mountain. Photo looks N.
Before leaving Round Mountain, Lupe and SPHP returned to the very N end of the summit ridge once again. Lupe posed uncomfortably on the rocks in the cold wind. As soon as her photo op was over, she was anxious to leave! Lupe and SPHP went back to the notch, climbed down to the E, and turned N along the base of the limestone cliffs. Soon Lupe was beyond them and on her way down the N slope of Round Mountain.
Lupe sits uncomfortably in the cold wind at the N end of Round Mountain. Her next peakbagging objective, Peak 6740, is the forested ridge seen to her L. Photo looks N.Looking back at the small limestone cliffs at the N end of Round Mountain. Photo looks SSW.
Lupe’s next peakbagging objective was Peak 6740, which Lupe had seen part of from the N end of Round Mountain. Peak 6740 was less than a mile away. As the terrain started leveling out, Lupe and SPHP crossed USFS Road No. 241.1C. Continuing N a couple hundred yards, Lupe found another grassy road which must have intersected with No. 241.1C back to the SW.
Like at Round Mountain and many other western Black Hills peaks, a layer of limestone forms the top of Peak 6740. As a result, there are cliffs along most edges. On Peak 6740, the limestone is thicker and the cliffs are higher than at Round Mountain. SPHP scanned the SE facing cliffs, hoping to see a break where Lupe could climb up. There appeared to be a couple of possibilities, but the mountain looked pretty steep. It was hard to tell if there was actually a realistic route up from the SE.
The grassy road Lupe had just reached went N along the lower E slopes of Peak 6740. SPHP decided it might be best for Lupe to stay on the road. Maybe there would be an easier way up from the N? The road was almost level and an easy trek. Very conveniently for Lupe and SPHP, it went past the E side of Peak 6740 and curved around to the N side. The grassy road then started looping down to the NE toward Custer County Road No. 292, which could be seen not too far below.
By the time the grassy road turned NE, Lupe and SPHP could see a broad, thinly forested valley ahead. It rose at a moderate pace toward the SE up to the top of the ridgeline on Peak 6740. Lupe and SPHP left the road and started climbing. Lupe was exposed to the NW wind here, but it was a much easier way up than anything SPHP had seen from the SE.
Lupe climbed up to the highest point at the N end of the ridge. There were great views from the edge of the cliffs here! Time for a break. Lupe had water and Taste of the Wild. She then spent her time sniffing through low juniper bushes with a great deal of interest, although what was so fascinating about them was not apparent to SPHP. While Lupe was thusly entertained, SPHP ate an apple and enjoyed the scenery.
St. Elmo Peak(6,458 ft.) (L), Harney Peak(7,242 ft.) (Center), Thunderhead Mountain(6,567 ft.) (R where the Crazy Horse carving is), and Sylvan Hill(7,000 ft.) (highest point on the ridge seen above and just L of Crazy Horse). Photo looks NE from the cliffs of the NE prong of the Peak 6740 anchor.Lupe on the high cliffs at the end of the NE prong of the Peak 6740 anchor. She is distracted by something in the low juniper bushes off the L side of this photo. Photo looks N at Bear Mountain(7,166 ft.).
Peak 6740 has an unusual shape, rather like an anchor. The bottom of the anchor is positioned to the SE. The main shaft extends to the NW. From the bottom of the anchor, prongs curve to the W and NE. The topo map shows five particularly high spots on the mountain – two along the main shaft, one at the bottom of the anchor, and one near the end of each prong. All of these high spots are connected by long broad ridges that are only marginally lower.
Lupe had reached the top of the ridge at the high spot near the end of Peak 6740’s NE prong. However, it wasn’t clear if this was the true summit of Peak 6740, or not. The high points are separated from each other by as much as 0.5 mile. Due to the forest and the terrain, the high points aren’t all in view from one another. The Peakbagger.com topo map shows the high points are very close to the same elevation.
To make certain Lupe reached the true summit, she was going to have to visit the other high spots on the mountain, too. Lupe and SPHP left the NE prong heading for the SE high point near the bottom of the anchor. Along the way, Lupe found there was a small break in the cliffs. She really could have come up the mountain from the SE! It would have been a much shorter and steeper route than the one she actually took by circling around to the N.
Round Mountain (Center) came back into view as Lupe headed toward the SE tip of the Peak 6740 anchor. Near this spot was a narrow break in the cliff wall which would have been a much shorter and steeper route up. Photo looks S.
The cliffs at the very SE tip of the Peak 6740 anchor provided a great look back to the S at Round Mountain.
Lupe at the SE tip of Peak 6740. Photo looks S at Round Mountain.
From the cliffs at the SE tip of Peak 6740, Lupe and SPHP went NW up a modest slope and found the closest high spot at the base of the anchor. It seemed at least as high as the NE prong had been, and maybe a bit higher. From here, SPHP could also see the high spot at the W prong. It looked almost as high, but instead of going directly to the W prong, Lupe went NW to explore the main shaft of the Peak 6740 anchor.
Lupe found a small patch of exposed limestone here at the high spot near the SE bottom of the Peak 6740 anchor. Photo looks SE.
The main shaft of the anchor was more heavily forested than the rest of the mountain. At first, the terrain didn’t look promising. Lupe started out losing elevation. After 5 or 10 minutes, though, she came to two high spots along the way. The first high spot was a flat, elevated limestone outcropping. The second high spot was close enough to be seen ahead a bit farther to the NW. It looked like a 5 foot high limestone rock.
When Lupe and SPHP got close to the second high spot, Lupe discovered that the rock was actually three pillars of limestone very close together, all about 5 feet high. Lupe and SPHP continued NW beyond the limestone pillars until it became clear there wasn’t any higher ground ahead. The forest had been thinned in this area, and Lupe could see the high point at the NE prong of the anchor. It looked every bit as high as where Lupe and SPHP were, and probably higher.
Lupe and SPHP returned to the limestone pillars high point. Lupe got up on top of one of the pillars for a photo.
Lupe up on the 3 pillars high point on Peak 6470. This is the high point at the NW end of the main shaft of the anchor.
SPHP peered through the forest out over a small valley back toward the W prong. Even though Peakbagger.com marks the true summit of Peak 6740 at the middle of the main shaft of the anchor, the W prong looked higher than the high points along the main shaft. Lupe had better visit the W prong, too! It didn’t take Lupe all that long to get there.
Lupe at the high spot on the W prong of Peak 6740.
By now, Lupe had been to all five of the high points on the Peak 6740 anchor. Wherever the true summit was, she had been there. If SPHP had to guess, the SE high spot at the bottom of the anchor was the true summit. The W prong was a close second. If Lupe thought differently, she didn’t say so.
It was time for Lupe to press on to her next peakbagging goal, Limestone Hill(6,620 ft.). To get there, Lupe left the W prong of Peak 6740 taking a shortcut N down into a small valley. She then climbed back up to the three pillars high point on Peak 6740. She went a little farther NW, and then turned W following a lower ridge down through a dense forest of young trees.
Limestone Hill was only 0.33 mile away. Lupe soon came to a shallow saddle where there was a jeep trail. Lupe and SPHP followed the old jeep trail to a slight rise, which was the summit of Limestone Hill. The summit area ended at a band of low limestone cliffs to the W.
Getting to Limestone Hill from Peak 6740 had been a snap! SPHP took a break. Lupe could have taken one, but she was too busy. A chipmunk had taken refuge in a patch of low bushes at the edge of the cliff. Lupe searched excitedly for it, but the chipmunk had all the advantages. SPHP ate an apple and checked the maps. Lupe’s final peakbagging objective for the day was Elliot Ridge(6,700 ft.), about 3 miles NW as the crow flies.
Lupe on Limestone Hill. The Bear Mountain quarry can be seen in the background. Photo looks NW.
Lupe couldn’t go to Elliot Ridge as the crow flies, though. Down in the broad open valleys to the W and N of Limestone Hill, the fields were all private property. Lupe would have to go S to get around it. Lupe and SPHP returned to the jeep trail and started following it SE.
The jeep trail turned out to be USFS Road No. 284.1I. It wound around quite a bit to the W of Peak 6740, but eventually turned S and arrived at Custer County Road No. 284. Lupe and SPHP followed it 0.25 mile W to its junction with the S end of USFS Road No. 291 (Ditch Creek Road). As soon as Lupe and SPHP reached the junction, gunfire erupted off to the N.
Someone had started target practice up at the Bear Mountain quarry. The plan had been to go N on No. 291, but Lupe would have to pass by quite close to the quarry. Since Lupe hates the sound of gunfire, SPHP stopped to consult the maps. Was there another way around to Elliot Ridge?
Yes, there was, but it wasn’t as direct. Unfortunately, it was too late in the day to consider the long route. SPHP encouraged Lupe to head N on No. 291. Lupe did her best to convince SPHP deadly danger awaited.
Limestone Hill is pretty enough, but doesn’t look all that high or impressive from USFS Road No. 291. Photo looks E.
With Lupe constantly insisting it was wise to turn back, progress going N on USFS Road No. 291 was slow until a couple of squirrels and some free range cattle diverted Lupe’s attention from the gunfire. Fortunately, target practice ended before too long. Lupe was then happy to trot right along.
Lupe and SPHP reached the intersection with USFS Road No. 293, which goes NNE to Bear Mountain. On the other side of No. 291, a jeep trail led W into the forest. SPHP was eager to leave No. 291, and hoped the jeep trail would turn NW toward Elliot Ridge. It soon turned SW instead. Lupe and SPHP left the jeep trail heading NW through the forest.
It wasn’t far to a small valley. USFS Road No. 472 was down there, but Lupe just crossed it and continued NW up onto the next ridge. From the top, Lupe and SPHP could see the larger Bear Spring Creek valley. The other side of the valley was all barren. This area had burned in the Jasper Fire back in August, 2000.
The story is that back on August 8, 2000, a woman stopped along the highway a couple miles W of Jewel Cave National Monument to pee. For some reason, she thought it would be a good idea to light a match and drop it on the ground. Before departing, she watched as pine needles caught fire and the fire started to spread. The resulting Jasper Fire burned 83,000 acres of the Black Hills. Elliot Ridge is in the burn area.
Lupe and SPHP headed down to Bear Spring Creek. SPHP was surprised to see it was still flowing this time of year. Lupe a long cool drink from the tiny creek. It was the only stream she had come to all day. From the creek, Lupe and SPHP continued NW up the other side of the valley. Partway up, Lupe came to a dirt road, which may have been USFS Road No. 469.1A. Lupe and SPHP followed the road SW a short distance, but left it at its high point to turn NW again and keep climbing.
As Lupe gained elevation, she started coming to rock outcroppings at high points along the way. It was slow going. There were many dead tree trunks and branches laying on the ground, bleached by years in the sun. Even though the area is all in the Black Hills National Forest, Lupe kept coming upon barbed wire fences, too. Lupe finally reached the top of the ridge. Despite the unbroken views, SPHP was uncertain which way Lupe needed to go to reach Elliot Ridge.
It was still windy and getting progressively cooler out. SPHP consulted the maps, but the wind was a real pest. SPHP finally concluded that Lupe was far enough N. Elliot Ridge was off to the SW from here. Lupe and SPHP headed SW staying on the highest ground possible. Out in the open, Lupe saw several herds of deer, both mule deer and whitetails. Of course, they also always saw Lupe and SPHP and bounded away.
Lupe on her way to Elliot Ridge. The hill ahead proved to be a false summit. Photo looks SW.
The first big hill Lupe climbed heading SW proved to be a false summit, but the true summit of Elliot Ridge could be seen ahead from the top. Lupe and SPHP continued on, and Lupe finally arrived at the summit of Elliot Ridge.
Lupe comes running back to SPHP from one of her explorations. The summit of Elliot Ridge is just ahead. Photo looks SSW.
Elliot Ridge itself was not very beautiful with all the dead trees laying around. The fire had certainly opened up the views, though. In the cool wind, everything looked and felt stark and desolate. Lupe could see far to the SW into Wyoming. SPHP could even make out Laramie Peak(10,272 ft.) very faintly on the farthest horizon.
Lupe seems quite pleased to have arrived at the summit of Elliot Ridge. Photo looks SE.
Lupe and SPHP continued S from the summit of Elliot Ridge. Lupe came to a series of minor high points as she followed the ridgeline. As the sun started sinking in the W, the wind finally began to die down. It was really beautiful out. The sense of isolation was inspiring. On the E side of the ridge, there was a great view of the S end of the Bear Springs Creek valley N of Custer Country Road No. 284.
Lupe somewhere S of the summit of Elliot Ridge as the day nears its end.
SPHP hoped for a great sunset, but it didn’t develop. Too many clouds moved in off to the W. There was never more than just a little color that could be seen. The world turned gray.When the sun disappeared, Lupe and SPHP descended from the ridgeline heading SE down into the Bear Springs Creek valley. Twilight was already well advanced by the time Lupe reached Custer Country Road No. 284 at the S end of the valley. Lupe was still 5 or 6 miles from the G6. Lupe and SPHP started trudging SE on No. 284.
It was dark out by the time Lupe had gone over a mile to the southernmost point on No. 284 where it turns NE. A guy named Mitch came by in a pickup truck. Mitch very kindly offered Lupe and SPHP a ride. Lupe accepted immediately! She thought a ride was a splendid idea! She leaped way up into the big truck without the least bit of hesitation.
Mitch had a cabin somewhere farther W, but he was on his way E to his father’s ranch near Crazy Horse to get his hunting dog. Mitch was a hunting guide, and had been out hunting coyotes. The wind had ruined his calls, however, and the hunt had been unsuccessful. Secretly, Lupe and SPHP were glad. Lupe and SPHP are on the coyotes’ side.
SPHP asked to be dropped off at Round Mountain. Mitch soon stopped the truck so Lupe and SPHP could get out. As Mitch drove off, SPHP realized the drop off point didn’t look familiar. The night was blacker than black. SPHP couldn’t see anything – not the road, not a hand held in front of SPHP’s face, nothing except a few stars. Good thing SPHP had brought the little flashlight!
Lupe was puzzled. For 45 minutes, SPHP wandered repeatedly back and forth along the same stretch of No. 284 and a side road. Which way was it to the G6? Finally SPHP figured it out. Lupe arrived back at the G6 at 8:26 PM (43°F).
It had been a long day. Part of the night would have been long too, if Mitch hadn’t come along! Expedition No. 100 had been a 4 mountain peakbagging success. Time to head home for a big bowl of Alpo and a nice long snooze!
