Carolina Dog – Page 78 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 299 – Eleven Hour Gulch (3-28-22)

8:59 AM, 42ºF, Hwy 14A in Spearfish Canyon –

That must be it, Loop! I’ll find a place to turn around.

A mile up Spearfish Canyon from the old brick power plant on Spearfish Creek near the new Devil’s Bathtub trailhead, driving slowly, SPHP had seen a narrow crack in the limestone cliff off to the R. That crack was the entrance to locally famous Eleven Hour Gulch, which neither Lupe nor SPHP had ever been to before.

Turning around, SPHP parked at a small paved pullout on the creek side of Hwy 14A less than 200 feet down the canyon from the crack. Leaping out of the RAV4, Lupe discovered a cute memorial to Les Benth attached to an old tree stump next to the pullout.

By the Les Benth memorial at the pullout near Eleven Hour Gulch.

Venturing down the steep bank next to the pullout, Lupe had a quick drink from lovely Spearfish Creek, which had excellent flow this fine morning, prior to returning to Hwy 14A.

So, we’re not climbing any Lists of John peaks today, SPHP?

Nope. Well, maybe one, if we have time, Loop. Instead, we’re going to check out Eleven Hour Gulch, although this might not be the best time of year for it. Most of the pictures I’ve seen online have been taken during the winter when it looks like there are some awesome frozen waterfalls.

Might not be much left of them by now, SPHP. Already almost April!

Yeah, I know it, but no time like the present. Let’s have a look, shall we?

Crossing Hwy 14A, Lupe followed the road up to a trail that went past a few trees hiding a narrow gap between vertical limestone walls. The Carolina Dog had barely entered Eleven Hour Gulch when a remnant of a frozen waterfall came into sight ahead.

The entrance to **Eleven Hour Gulch** (Center) is on the other side of Hwy 14A. Photo looks up canyon from the pullout where the RAV4 was parked.

Entering **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks NW.

A small stream running down the gulch presented no big problems, but in the recesses of this narrow slot canyon where the sun rarely shines, quite a bit of ice was mixed in among the jumble of rocks that led up to the frozen waterfall.

The sheets of ice were hard, wet, and super slick, making what should have been an easy little scramble much trickier than it otherwise would have been. Even Lupe with her 4 on the floor could scarcely maintain traction, but exercising a bit of caution, the American Dingo made it up to the base of the frozen waterfall.

Even this late in the season after a dry winter, it was pretty impressive!

Hwy 14A from **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks SE.

Wow! This is awesome, SPHP! We’ve never seen anything quite like this anywhere else in the Black Hills.

I have to agree, Loop. Really different! And so close to the highway, too!

The narrow canyon extended a little beyond the frozen waterfall to a pool of water at the base of a 10 foot drop where a crude wooden ladder led to an as yet unseen upper region. SPHP boosted Lupe nearly to the top of the ladder, where she was able to scramble the rest of the way up to the hidden territory above.

Approaching the ladder beyond the frozen waterfall. Photo looks NW.

The frozen waterfall from above the ladder. Photo looks ESE.

The upper canyon angled slightly toward the R, revealing a massive ice plug beneath a huge boulder lodged between the canyon walls only a short distance ahead. Exploring all the way to the ice plug, daylight could be seen above it from beneath the boulder.

Guess this is it, Loopster. We aren’t going to be able to get past this.

Wonder how far up Eleven Hour Gulch we could go once the ice melts? Don’t you, SPHP?

I do! We’re going to find out, too, Loop!

We are? How, SPHP? You just said yourself that we can’t go any farther.

You’ll see soon enough, Looper. C’mon, let’s head back.

Mystified by SPHP’s cryptic answer, Lupe turned and started back down to the scenic frozen waterfall.

Approaching the **frozen waterfall** again. Photo looks ESE.

Above the ladder (unseen) about to descend to the base of the frozen waterfall.

Exiting **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks SSE.

10:04 AM, 54ºF, Hwy 14A, back at the RAV4 – Leaving the pullout, SPHP turned the RAV4 around, driving farther up Spearfish Canyon.

Eleven Hour Gulch was very cool, SPHP, but isn’t very well named. Only took us an hour to explore it! Maybe we can come back sometime in the winter? Really would be a wonderland then, and maybe a little safer with some snow over the ice to provide better traction.

Think you’re right about that, Loop. Explains why I’ve seen only winter photos online. We got just a taste of what Eleven Hour Gulch would be like then this morning, but you’re wrong about Eleven Hour Gulch only taking us an hour to explore. We’ve only seen the short lower gulch so far, no doubt the heart of its scenic splendor, but we’re just getting started.

We are, SPHP?

Yup. We’re going to explore the upper gulch next! All the way back down to the ice plug, if possible. You’re going to be an Eleven Hour Gulch expert, Looper, by the time we’re done today!

11:20 AM, 64ºF, junction of Tinton Road and USFS Road No. 134.2L – Odd. For some reason, USFS Road No. 222 going W past Roughlock Falls from Savoy was closed, forcing a huge detour. A lovely scenic drive, but it had taken an entire hour to get into position to explore the upper reaches of Eleven Hour Gulch. After parking the RAV4, SPHP checked the map.

At the start of USFS Road No. 134.2L. Tinton Road (No. 134) (L). Photo looks SW.

Hmm. Guess I could have driven a little farther, Looper, we actually want USFS Road No. 222.2F. Ought to be just up the hill.

Taking a primitive road paralleling Tinton Road NNE for 0.1 mile, Lupe quickly reached the top of a rise where they merged. On the other side of Tinton Road, several inches of slushy snow were melting away in a big open flat region. USFS Road No. 222.2F left Tinton Road here, angling sharply back to the S.

Instead of taking No. 222.2F, which was mucky, Lupe followed a drier open corridor that went SSW through the forest. This corridor was quite scenic. Lupe stuck with it a little way, but soon returned to No. 222.2F near an open gate.

Taking the primitive road NNE from the RAV4 to the top of the rise. Photo looks NNE.

Start of USFS Road No. 222.2F where it leaves Tinton Road. Photo looks S.

On the beautiful path through the forest. Photo looks SSW.

By the open gate back at USFS Road No. 222.2F. Photo looks S.

Following No. 222.2F S from the gate, the road wasn’t as soft as it had been back at the start. Going gradually downhill, Lupe soon came to a fork. No. 222.2F climbed slightly as it veered off toward the SE, but Loop stuck with the other branch of the fork, which continued SSW, still going downhill. Before long, this more primitive road bottomed out. SPHP had another look at the map.

At the clearing where the primitive road bottoms out. Photo looks S.

Loopster needed to turn SE here to get back to No. 222.2F. Leaving the primitive road, she gained just a little elevation following a faint trail through a forest of young aspens. By the time she reached a field at the end of the aspens, the terrain was sloping gently downhill. Terry Peak (7,064 ft.) was visible on the horizon.

Exploring the aspen forest. Photo looks SE.

Entering the field. **Terry Peak** (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks SE.

OK, Loop! We’re now in the uppermost reaches of the Eleven Hour Gulch drainage.

Wow! This could hardly be any more different from the low end, SPHP.

That was for sure! USFS Road No. 222.2F was off toward the L side of the field along the base of a pine-covered hill. Angling toward it, Lupe was soon trotting easily down No. 222.2F again.

Glancing back at the aspen forest after reaching USFS Road No. 222.2F again. Photo looks NW.

Following No. 222.2F down the valley. Photo looks SE.

Continuing down the valley, more and more large patches of snow were seen melting away among the trees on the N slopes. Lupe finally came to a big patch right on the road. The snow was only a few inches deep, but that was plenty to frolic on while cooling off.

Following No. 222.2F for another 0.67 mile, Lupe came to a fork. Signage indicated that both branches were part of Loop D of the Big Hill cross country ski trail system.

Going uphill, USFS Road No. 222.2I curved off to the S (R) here. Lupe stuck with No. 222.2F, which went NE (L), continuing down the valley. A tiny creek soon appeared next to the road.

Continuing down the valley, still on USFS Road No. 222.2F. Photo looks NE.

The downhill trek was super easy. Didn’t take long to go another 0.6 mile from the fork where Lupe had reached Loop D. At a slight bend in the road, the Carolina Dog came to a clearing where there was another junction. A map posted here showed that the trailhead for the Big Hill trail system was off to the NW.

The Big Hill trailhead might actually have been a closer starting point. Loop A came down to this junction through another part of the upper Eleven Hour Gulch drainage, but SPHP hadn’t known how easy these cross country ski trails were to follow.

Maybe Lupe could do some exploring that way during the return trip? For the time being, though, she just needed to keep following USFS Road No. 222.2F down the valley.

At the junction of Loops A, C & D of the Big Hill trail system. Photo looks ENE.

No. 222.2F headed ESE from this junction. According to the Big Hill Trail map, this stretch of the road was considered part of both Loops C and D. They parted ways only 0.33 mile ahead. There was a second map at this next junction, basically the same as the first one, except for the location of the “You Are Here” star.

This time, it was USFS Road No. 222.2F that veered off to the R (SE), now only part of Loop D again beyond this point. Looper finally left it here, taking No. 222.2L instead, which went straight ahead as part of Loop C.

Snow-covered USFS Road No. 222.2F (Loop D) goes off to the R here. Lupe continued straight on No. 222.2L (Loop C). Photo looks ESE.

No. 222.2L continued ESE for a little way before curving NE. The valley was narrower here, and no longer quite as shallow as before. Lupe soon came to a sign that wasn’t at any junction.

Always nice to know you’re on the right track!

After snaking SE for a bit, a good 0.75 mile from where Lupe had left Loop D, No. 222.2L bottomed out at a clearing. Turning N, the road started uphill.

Continuing down USFS Road No. 222.2L (Loop C). Photo looks E.

At the clearing where the USFS Road No. 222.2L bottoms out. Photo looks SE.

Alrighty, Loopster! This is where things get interesting. No roads or trails the rest of the way! Let’s hope we can do this.

Abandoning the road, Lupe entered the Eleven Hour Gulch wilderness.

Entering the wild, seldom seen part of **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks SSE.

Lupe had already gone a good 3 miles since leaving the RAV4. According to the topo map, the wild upper reaches of Eleven Hour Gulch went on for another 0.67 of a mile. Whether the American Dingo would come to impassable drops or other obstacles was a complete unknown.

Started out alright, but Eleven Hour Gulch soon narrowed after a turn to the W. Lupe came to a couple of feet of snow in this region. There were sudden drops, but only minor ones. Plenty of trees, rocks, and bushes to wind through. Progress was now very slow, but there was always a way through it all.

Exploring part of the snowy stretch. Photo looks WSW.

The snowy stretch wasn’t very long. Most of the snow vanished once Eleven Hour Gulch turned SW. A fair amount of deadfall was the main obstacle here. Sort of a mess, but it was still possible to make progress.

Plenty of obstacles, but nothing too terrible so far.

Loopster was more than halfway down the wild, upper section of Eleven Hour Gulch when the canyon curved SE. At this point, the valley became absolutely choked with large deadfall full of branches. No way through! Practically impossible.

The sides of the canyon were quite steep here, but staying toward the L, even SPHP was able to climb above the horrendous deadfall. Traversing the slope above the worst of it for several hundred feet, Lupe managed to get by. Returning to the valley floor, there was still some deadfall to contend with, along with some ice, but it was nothing compared to what she’d just circumvented.

Past the worst of the deadfall. Photo looks SSE.

Near the end, in an area full of brush, an odd sight appeared ahead. In the middle of seemingly nowhere, Lupe discovered a lamp post.

Why is this here, SPHP?

Beats me, Looper! Incredibly strange!

The lamp post was straight and tall. Looked to be in good condition, but did it work? Who knew? Seemed unlikely, to say the least. What would be the point, anyway?

Even before reaching the lamp post, a faint use trail had been detectable in some spots. It now became more distinct, winding among big rock formations. And then, suddenly, there it was!

A frozen waterfall was directly ahead. Not the tall, skinny waterfall Lupe had seen before down in the lower part of Eleven Hour Gulch. This frozen waterfall was wider, but shorter. It dropped down to the boulder Lupe had seen the ice plug beneath at the upper end of the lower gulch.

*How about that! Made it all the way to the lower gulch!* Photo looks SE.

2:44 PM, overlooking the lower, more famous end of Eleven Hour Gulch –

This is it, SPHP! We’ve made it to the lower end of Eleven Hour Gulch! I can see the top of the tall frozen waterfall from here. That makes it about time for a chocolate coconut bar, doesn’t it?

Yup! Let’s go take a look at the tall frozen waterfall first, Loop, see what the lower gulch looks like from above. Then we’ll split a chocolate coconut bar, and you can have some Taste of the Wild, too.

Crossing the upper frozen waterfall, which extends down to the ice plug beneath the boulder seen at lower L.

Lupe over on the other side, standing where she was about to enjoy a rest break.

Looking down on the same frozen waterfall Lupe had seen earlier. Photo looks SE.

The tall frozen waterfall from the break spot. Photo looks SE.

Relaxing after successfully exploring Eleven Hour Gulch.

Lupe’s Eleven Hour Gulch break spot was certainly unique. Where else can you see a frozen waterfall in the Black Hills? Maybe a few places along some creeks in the winter, but none as impressive at this one.

Wonder how many Dingoes have even been here, SPHP?

You mean up here looking down on the lower part of the gulch, Looper? Hard to say. Might not be all that difficult to get here from below once all the ice melts. Or maybe it isn’t that easy? Who knows? One thing for sure, there can’t be too many Dingoes that have ever explored the entire length of Eleven Hour Gulch!

After a leisurely rest break, the American Dingo had a little more to do here before starting back up the gulch. Loopster posed for a photo on the upper frozen waterfall prior to having another good look at the tall one. Sniffing around in the forest, she went far enough to look down on Hwy 14A and Spearfish Creek in Spearfish Canyon.

*Not every day that you get to stand on a frozen waterfall!* Photo looks NW.

**Eleven Hour Gulch**. *Wonder how big this frozen waterfall gets in the winter?*

Spearfish Canyon from **Eleven Hour Gulch**. Photo looks E.

Looking down on **Hwy 14A** and **Spearfish Creek.** Photo looks E.

45 minutes after reaching the lower gulch overlook, Lupe started back up Eleven Hour Gulch. Her return route was exactly the same all the way back to the clearing at the bend in the road where all the Big Hill Loop trails met. At that point she left USFS Road No. 222.2F to explore parts of Loop A and Loop B.

By a little ice-filled cave and trench as Lupe starts back up **upper Eleven Hour Gulch**.

Enjoying the tiny stream near USFS Road No. 222.2F again. Photo looks NW.

Setting off to explore parts of Big Hill Trails Loop A and Loop B. Photo looks NW

The sun was sinking, but it was a beautiful evening. After leaving Loop A, Loop B eventually topped out at a flat region 0.33 mile SE of where the RAV4 was parked. Lupe stuck with it only until the trail curved NE and started downhill.

Crossing a minor ice floe. Photo looks WNW.

A beautiful evening on Loop B. Photo looks W.

6:24 PM, 63ºF, junction of Tinton Road and USFS Road No. 134.2L – Rather than taking USFS Road No. 222.2F when she finally came across it again, Lupe continued off-trail straight for the RAV4. The gently rolling, thinly forested terrain was fun and easy to explore, but the American Dingo’s wonderful Eleven Hour Gulch adventure was now just about over. Nothing left but the beautiful drive home.

Well, wha’dya think, Loop? Made a day of it, didn’t we?

I had a great time, SPHP! Kind of a different Black Hills Expedition since we didn’t climb any peaks today, but we sure saw some unusual sights in the narrow slot canyon of the lower gulch. Eleven Hour Gulch is a Black Hills treasure hidden right off the highway!

Satisfied then, Loopster? Not feeling cheated, are you? Even counting driving time between the lower and upper gulches, Eleven Hour Gulch only took us a little shy of 9.5 hours. You didn’t get your full 11 hours in.

Oh, but I will, SPHP! Didn’t you say we could come back to the lower gulch sometime in the winter when it’s all snowy and the frozen waterfall is at its most glorious? We’ll finish our 11 hours then!

Sounds like a plan, sweet puppy!

Good! Let’s go home then, SPHP! I’m famished and ready for dinner.

**Eleven Hour Gulch**, Black Hills of South Dakota, 3-28-21

Lupe treasures collected – 4 plastic bottles, 4 aluminum cans

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Silver Star Mountain, Cascade Range, Washington (8-23-21)

Day 18 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!

7:59 AM, 46ºF, Grouse Vista trailhead – Sunlight filtering through the trees and an encouraging patch of blue sky had both vanished by the time SPHP was ready. Smoke or fog! Always seemed to be one or the other on this Dingo Vacation.

Fog had ruined the views the past couple of days. Both smoke and fog the day before that. Nothing the Carolina Dog could do about it. Yet the increasingly cloudy sky was disheartening as Lupe passed three gray boulders by the dark opening at the start of the Tarbell trail.

**Grouse Vista trailhead** along Road 1200 N of Washougal.

The Tarbell trail was wide and smooth. Lupe followed it higher through a shady green forest. In under 10 minutes, she reached a junction. The Tarbell trail narrowed and leveled out as it continued straight, destined for Hidden Falls. Lupe took the wider trail that branched off to the R.

L to Hidden Falls. R to Silver Star Mountain.

Trail No. 180F was soon climbing rather steeply. Covered with loose rock, the pathway widened enough to be an old jeep trail or USFS road as it wound N.

Loop had already gained 400 feet of elevation, and the rate of climb was diminishing, by the time the trail curved E. Lupe trotted along a narrow single track corridor lined with dense foliage. No views, but sunshine reappeared. Encouraging!

The American Dingo finally reached a clearing. Still lots of clouds, but some blue sky, too! Lupe paused to take in the first distant views she’d enjoyed while climbing mountains in days. Large portions of a hillside to the N had been clear-cut. Part of Larch Mountain (3,480 ft.) was in sight back to the W.

A partly clear-cut mountainside. Photo looks NNW.

**N end of Larch Mountain** (L). Photo looks W.

The view of greatest interest, however, was to the NE. A big knob of rock was visible along a long ridge.

That must be Pyramid Rock (3,577 ft.), Loop!

Is that where we’re going, SPHP?

Might be, since Silver Star Mountain (4,360 ft.) is still in the clouds.

**Pyramid Rock** (R of Center). Photo looks NE.

Lupe went on. Back in the forest, views vanished. No. 180F rose at an easy pace, now trending NE. Some stretches were perfectly flat.

Progress was rapid. Lupe came to a trail junction at a clearing. Pyramid Rock now loomed nearby.

**Pyramid Rock** from the junction. Photo looks NE.

Want to climb Pyramid Rock, Loop? Silver Star is still shrouded.

Might as well, SPHP, before Pyramid Rock disappears, too!

Certainly possible. Intent upon making hay while the sun shined, the Carolina Dog took the unmarked side trail going SE.

A short, steady climb led to a saddle where the side trail curved E. Lupe was now due S of Pyramid Rock. A tall grass field dotted with bushes and a few trees led to the base of the rocky part.

**Pyramid Rock** from the saddle. Photo looks N.

Seemed simple enough, until SPHP checked the topo map.

Makes no sense!

What doesn’t, SPHP?

This map, Loop! Clearly labels the hill S of us here as Pyramid Rock.

You’re joking, right, SPHP? That hill isn’t even rocky.

I know it, Looper. Doesn’t look like a Pyramid Rock at all! However, the map labels what we think ought to be Pyramid Rock merely as HP3577. Even Peakbagger.com agrees, calling it Peak 3577. Meanwhile, both insist that the hill S of us is Pyramid Rock (3,480 ft.). Just crazy! Can’t think of an explanation for it.

I can, SPHP.

Really? Do tell, Loopster.

Humans named it. Doesn’t have to make any sense at all. Anyway, which one do you want to climb, SPHP? The hill the map says is Pyramid Rock, or the real one?

Oh, I don’t know. Maybe we’ll do both? Let’s start with the easy one.

A two track road led most of the way up the hill to the S. Above it, Lupe picked her way through tall grass, bushes, and up a small rocky section the short remaining distance to a few rocks along the upper edge. Along the way, she discovered a most unusual creature.

About to head up the hill to the S. Photo looks SSW.

Getting close to the top. Photo looks SSW.

Come look at this, SPHP!

Wha’dya find, Looper?

The world’s shortest snake, SPHP! Sniffs funny. Might be dying! It’s barely moving.

That’s not a snake, Loop. That’s a slug! Sort of a snail without a shell.

Weird! Don’t think I’ll eat it. Got any chocolate coconut bars, instead?

Yeah, I do. Don’t eat the poor slug! Actually quite a handsome specimen as far as slugs go. Leave him be, Loop.

Handsome as far as slugs go? Slugs don’t seem to go very far, SPHP.

The top of the fake Pyramid Rock was acres in size. The N lip clearly wasn’t the high point, so Lupe went in search of it. Tall, wet vegetation hid the ground over a large region all practically the same elevation. No discernable specific point appeared to be the true summit.

**Summit of fake Pyramid Rock**. Photo looks S.

Satisfied that she’d done as much as could be done, Lupe returned to the N lip. A chocolate coconut bar break was taken here, while enjoying the view of what still seemed to be the real Pyramid Rock (3,577 ft.), plus Sturgeon Rock (4,120 ft.) and Silver Star Mountain (4,360 ft.), both of which were now emerging from the clouds.

Relaxing on **Fake Pyramid Rock**, aka **World’s Shortest Snake Hill**. Photo looks NW.

**Sturgeon Rock** (L) beyond **Pyramid Rock** (L of Center). **Silver Star Mountain** (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.

**Sturgeon Rock** (far L), **Pyramid Rock** (L), **Silver Star Mountain** (R). Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.

**Sturgeon Rock** (R). Photo looks NNE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Half an hour flew by up on Fake Pyramid Rock. Time to move on.

Silver Star Mountain is below the clouds! Climbing the true Pyramid Rock might not be the best choice, SPHP. Maybe we better get to Silver Star?

Seemed reasonable. Looper returned to Trail No. 180F, which ran NNE from the junction along the mostly open side of the ridge, passing W of true Pyramid Rock. Sturgeon Rock could still be seen along in here, but Silver Star Mountain could not.

Continuing along Trail No. 180F. Sturgeon Rock (L). Photo looks NNE.

Eventually climbing faster, widening out, and becoming quite rocky, the trail curved back into the forest. In this region, a woman caught up to SPHP, and struck up a conversation. Her name was Boni. She and her husband, Dave, lived somewhere over toward Larch Mountain. Dave soon appeared, and fell in with Lupe’s growing parade, too.

On the rocky stretch close to where Boni caught up.

Dave was an expert on the local trail system. He and Boni had hiked up Silver Star Mountain many times. Dog Mountain (2,948 ft.), farther E along the Columbia River gorge, was another recommended summit, and sure sounded good to Lupe, but Silver Star was their favorite. Boni and Dave were both very friendly, but soon pressed on ahead.

Lupe started coming to other trails. No 180F fed into No. 180. No sign that SPHP noticed, but farther on, there was a sign for No. 180E, which went to the Indian Pits along the S ridge. Might have been interesting, but Lupe went right on by. It was only a little farther up to a huge cairn at another trail junction.

Abandoning No. 180, which continued N, Lupe turned E (R) at the cairn on No. 180D, which was also a wide and somewhat rocky path. It wasn’t far to a flat spot on the L where a single stone campfire ring was hidden among the trees.

From here, the trail angled SE. Gaining 120 feet of elevation beyond the campsite, the trail turned E again as it reached a saddle between two high points.

11:16 AM, 57ºF, Silver Star Mountain (4,360 ft.) – Still quite cloudy, but at least the American Dingo wasn’t lost in fog. Off to the N (L), Boni and Dave were visible over at Silver Star’s summit. Straight ahead, Lupe had a great view of Little Baldy Mountain (3,920 ft.) way out along Silver Star’s E ridge. Bluff Mountain (3,928 ft.) was beyond Little Baldy, and a series of hazy, more distant ridges stretched away past it.

The map showed a “Star 2” survey benchmark at the high point to the S, which was very close by. Lupe went up there first. Disappointingly, no sign of the Star 2 benchmark could be found, only a thick metal rod sticking up out of a pile of rocks.

**Little Baldy Mountain** (Center) with **Bluff Mountain** (R) beyond it. Photo looks E.

By the metal rod at the **Star 2 high point**. **Silver Star Mountain true summit** (R). Photo looks NNW.

**Silver Star Mountain’s E ridge** (foreground) with **Little Baldy Mountain** (R) from the **Star 2 HP**. Photo looks ENE.

Looking SW, Pyramid Rock and World’s Shortest Snake Hill were both in sight way down the ridge. Clouds still hung around Larch Mountain’s summit. Near the horizon, the Columbia River was barely discernable through the haze.

**Pyramid Rock** (L of Center) with **false Pyramid Rock** beyond it. **Larch Mountain** (R). Photo looks SW.

Having seen what there was to see from the Star 2 high point, Lupe went over to Silver Star Mountain’s true summit. Still there, Boni and Dave welcomed Loopster to their favorite mountaintop.

With Boni and Dave on **Silver Star Mountain**! Photo looks N.

Another conversation ensued. Both Pyramid Rock candidates were in view from the summit. Dave confirmed that the very rocky high point along the SW ridge was the true Pyramid Rock, no matter what the map said. When SPHP asked Dave about a natural arch somewhere on Silver Star Mountain, Dave knew all about it.

Just go back down to the little campsite with the stone fire ring, then take Trail No. 172 around to the N side of the mountain. Look up. From the right spot, the arch is visible well up a steep slope. A small cave is behind the arch.

Boni was surprised! Dave had never mentioned the arch to her before! She wanted to see it, too. Dave agreed to take her there. Happily, before departing, Boni had good information to share. Thus far, SPHP hadn’t noticed any, but Boni insisted that Silver Star Mountain had plenty of huckleberries. She’d seen many on the way up.

Stay alert! Don’t want to miss out on the huckleberries!

Boni and Dave went on their way. Lupe and SPHP lingered up on Silver Star Mountain. The true summit was a 15 foot diameter rocky crag that jutted 10 feet up above the rest of a considerably larger summit region. Shaking Loopster’s paw, SPHP congratulated the American Dingo on her success, following praise up with an eagerly accepted chocolate coconut bar. Shared, of course.

Atop **Silver Star Mountain**. Photo looks S.

**Star 2 high point** (L) from the **true summit**. Photo looks S.

Lots more to see up here, too! During her traditional summit hour, Lupe toured the highlights. To the SW, Larch Mountain was cloud-free now. A concrete foundation, perhaps all that remained of an old lookout, was immediately NW of the summit knob.

The old concrete foundation. **True summit** (R). Photo looks NE.

Sturgeon Rock (4,120 ft.) was due W, and looked much different and more dramatic from up here.

**Sturgeon Rock** (Center). Photo looks W.

**Sturgeon Rock** with help from the telephoto lens.

There was a fabulous view of Silver Star Mountain’s long E ridge, and of countless hills, mountains, and ridges to the N. Only 0.33 mile N, Lupe could see Silver Star Mountain North (4,210 ft.).

**Silver Star Mountain’s E ridge** (Center & R), **Little Baldy Mountain** (R), and Bluff Mountain (far R). Photo looks ENE.

**Silver Star Mountain North** (Center). Photo looks N.

The clouds were breaking up! More and more blue sky appeared. Views kept improving. Silver Star Mountain was turning out well. Still not all it might have been, though.

Unfortunately, no sign of the big volcanoes, Looper.

Which ones should we be able to see from here, SPHP?

Mount Saint Helens(8,333 ft.) and Mount Adams (12,276 ft.) N and NE. Maybe even Mount Rainier(14,411 ft.). Mount Hood(11,239 ft.) SE.

75 minutes after arriving at Silver Star Mountain’s true summit, Lupe was back on it. Silver Star was popular. Getting busy! Time to go.

Our Silver Star Mountain adventure isn’t over already, is it, SPHP? We’re still going to check out the arch Dave told you about, aren’t we?

Oh, yeah! Lots more to come, Looper. Might even see those volcanoes yet!

Returning to Trail No. 180D, Lupe headed back down to the campsite. No sign, but sure enough, a trail did head NE off into the forest.

At the stone fire ring campsite just N of Trail No. 180D. Photo looks WNW.

Start of Trail No. 172 (L) where it leaves the campsite. Photo looks NE.

Didn’t take long to follow the trail around to the N side of the mountain. A pink slip of paper was impaled on a stick next the trail.

A note, SPHP! What does it say?

Go to excellent huckleberry bushes straight ahead! (We left some for you.) Look straight up from there and see arch. Remove this note please. Boni & Dave.

Looking straight ahead across a small rock slide, and up the slope from there, a little sliver of the arch was visible.

The arch is above the rock formation seen directly beyond Lupe. Photo looks ESE.

C’mon, Looper! Let’s go up there!

Easier said than done. Huckleberry-whacking is an exceptionally slow process. After crossing most of the rockslide, Lupe started up. The slope was very steep, and densely covered with huckleberry bushes. Big, ripe, dark purple, and sweet! SPHP devoured hundreds of huckleberries. Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, remained.

Heading first toward the L (E) up to the base of a big rock outcropping, then to the R (W) where Lupe discovered an equally steep faint trail, SPHP scarfed up huckleberries the entire way. After gaining 80 to 100 feet, Lupe was positioned for success directly below the arch.

Finishing the climb, Lupe entered a little grotto behind the arch. A low cave went maybe 6 to 8 feet back into the mountain. Plenty of headroom for a Carolina Dog!

Most awesome Dingo Cave ever, SPHP! Hidden spot way up on Silver Star Mountain’s N slope, with this grand arch entryway, and a fabulous view!

Certainly was pretty sweet! Depending on how one wanted to frame it, either Peak 3977 or Silver Star Mountain North (4,210 ft.) could be seen out the big arch picture window.

**Silver Star Mountain North** through the arch. Photo looks NNW.

The arch and cave combination was very cool and unusual. Lupe and SPHP hung around a little while enjoying the view before returning to Trail No. 172. On the way back to the campsite, an unmarked trail took off to the WNW. Exploring it, Lupe soon reached a major trail junction.

Three old wooden signs gave directions. Lupe was back at Trail No. 180, which went both S and N. The junction with the big cairn where Trail No. 180.D split off heading for Silver Star Mountain’s summit was 0.25 mile S. Going N, Ed’s Trail (No. 180A) split off from No. 180, destined to wrap around the E side of Silver Star Mountain North.

Sign for Trail No. 172, which Lupe had just come from.

Ed’s Trail No. 180A wraps around the E side of Silver Star Mountain North.

Trail No. 180 went both S and N from here.

Where to, SPHP? S back to the big cairn?

Nope! We’ve got one more project on this side of the mountain. Take No. 180 N. Maybe we can climb Silver Star Mountain North (4,210 ft.)?

At the junction. Lupe left it heading N on Trail No. 180 (L). Photo looks N.

Leaving the junction, Trail No. 180 was smooth, wide, and level as Lupe followed it through the forest. Before long, the trail climbed a bit. 0.25 mile from the junction, the Carolina Dog emerged from the trees on an open shoulder just W of Silver Star Mountain North.

Distant clouds, but lots of blue sky now! Very encouraging! The day was getting better and better. Looked like Silver Star Mountain North would be an easy climb, too. A rock slide to go up, but Lupe could do that.

Trail No. 180 out on **Silver Star Mountain North’s W flank**. Photo looks N.

Below **Silver Star Mountain North**. Photo looks SE.

Turning back, because she’d gone too far N, Looper returned to the edge of the forest. Leaving the trail to climb ESE, she passed through a bushy region on her way to the rock slide. Huckleberries! Tons of ’em! Lupe cooled her jets, sniffing about while SPHP indulged.

The inevitable huckleberry delay came to its conclusion. Lupe started up the rock slide, aiming for the lower S end of the line of cliffs above.

Above the rock slide, just S of the cliffs. Photo looks NNW.

Above the rock slide, Lupe reached the edge of a large plateau that tilted down toward the S. Quite rocky, the plateau was dotted with scattered trees and bushes. Climbing N near the W edge, Loop was soon beyond the last trees. The summit wasn’t much farther. On the way to it, she came to a semi-circular rock windbreak.

Near the W edge of the plateau. Photo looks N.

2:43 PM, 63ºF, Silver Star Mountain North (4,210 ft.) – The summit was at the far NNW end of the plateau, where a low ridge of rock ran along the N and NE edge. Except near the horizon, almost the entire sky was now cloud-free. However, that didn’t mean visibility was as good as it should have been. Smoke still marred the views to the W and SW, where the Columbia River remained barely visible.

**Silver Star Mountain North summit**. Photo looks NNW.

Locally, visibility was excellent. The Carolina Dog enjoyed grand views of the long N ridge, and Silver Star Mountain (4,360 ft.), where she’d been with Boni and Dave so recently.

Peering down on the N ridge. Photo looks NW.

Another view. Trail No. 180 below. Photo looks NW.

**Silver Star Mountain** (Center) from **Silver Star Mountain North**. Photo looks S.

Yet the most exciting view was far to the SE. Kind of smoky over that way, too, but the smoke wasn’t terrible.

SPHP, look! A volcano! We finally get to see one!

You’re right, Loop! That’s gotta be Mount Hood (11,239 ft.)!

**Mount Hood** with help from the telephoto lens.

Maybe seeing Mount Hood from Silver Star Mountain North meant that the Luck of the Dingo was finally returning? The trend was favorable, but distant clouds still hid Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams. Plenty of time left, though, and the American Dingo could make good use of it.

C’mon, Looper! Let’s go visit Sturgeon Rock (4,120 ft.)!

Returning to Trail No. 180 as quickly as possible, despite another round of huckleberry fest, Lupe headed S. At the junction with all the signs, she continued S up to the intersection with the big cairn and kept going.

Downhill now, but not that far, to where Trail No. 180E branched off to the Indian Pits. Ignoring that turn, Lupe went another 25 feet to where Trail No. 180C branched off to the W (R).

Trail No. 180C was wide and rocky, yet looked a bit overgrown, as Lupe started down it.

**Sturgeon Rock** (Center) from Trail No. 180C. Photo looks WNW.

No. 180C lost elevation, a trend that accelerated as Lupe went on. By the time Loopster drew even with the E end of Sturgeon Rock, it was much, much higher. A line of columnar vertical cliffs above showed that Loop would have to try to reach the ridgeline farther W.

The ridgeline sloped down to the W, but so did the trail. Once Lupe was beyond the cliffs, SPHP started looking for a way up, but the slope was still extremely steep. After passing two massive deadfall logs, Loopster finally came to a place where a faint use trail angled up into the forest.

The use trail was an illusion that soon faded away. After gaining some elevation, Lupe got stuck below a nearly vertical bank that was still too steep to manage. The critical problem zone wasn’t very tall, maybe 20 feet. A mad scramble thrashing around in the bushes while traversing farther W ensued.

Before too long, Lupe came to a spot that might work. Barely, but it did! Now above the trees and tall bushes, Loop was still on a very steep slope, but she could claw her way higher. It was much farther to the ridgeline than it had appeared from below, but the Carolina Dog managed to get up to where the terrain was much flatter.

There was a good use trail up here that headed right for Sturgeon Rock!

Above the worst of it, but still on a very steep slope. Photo looks ENE.

Along the S edge of the ridge. **Sturgeon Rock** (Center), **Silver Star Mountain** (R). Photo looks ENE.

Wait, Loop! Don’t go to Sturgeon Rock yet.

Why not, SPHP? Isn’t that what we’re here for?

Yes, but you can tag the Clark County High Point (4,080 ft.) on the way. It’s somewhere up along the ridgeline between here and Sturgeon Rock.

Oh, so two ascents for the price of one? I like it, SPHP!

Loopster went up to the ridgeline, which wasn’t far from the trail. The views were great! A lot of smoke to the SW, but otherwise the sky was clear, especially to the E over by Sturgeon Rock.

Looking WSW toward the smoke. **Larch Mountain** (L).

On the ridgeline. **Sturgeon Rock** (R), **Silver Star Mountain** (far R). Photo looks NE.

How do we find the Clark County High Point, SPHP? What do we look for?

Possibly a cairn, or even a registry, Loop, but I doubt we’ll find either. It’s just wherever the county line crosses this ridge. Go E along the ridgeline hitting whatever little high points there may be, and you’ll go right over it somewhere along the way. Good chance we won’t even know when we’re there.

And that still counts, SPHP?

Oh, yeah! Totally legit!

Well, that sounded easy enough out on an open ridge with no significant obstacles. Hitting every high point along the way, Lupe headed E.

**Silver Star Mountain North** (L), **Sturgeon Rock** (R of Center), **Silver Star Mountain** (far R). Photo looks ENE.

*Who knows? This might be it, SPHP!* Photo looks W.

*This would be a good spot for the **Clark County High Point**!* Photo looks NNE.

*Say when, SPHP! … I just don’t know, Loop. Supposed to be only 40 feet lower than Sturgeon Rock, so maybe a little farther?*

*Like looking for a needle in a haystack, and yet I’m supposed to step on it!*

*No cairn, no registry, no survey benchmark, no clue, yet I’ll still get credit for an extra ascent!*

In the end, the use trail wound up to an elevated platform immediately W of Sturgeon Rock.

So, do I get credit for visiting the Clark County High Point, SPHP?

Yes, of course! Must have hit it somewhere along the way by now, Loop.

Oh, good! I’ll be collecting an extra chocolate coconut bar then.

Fine, fine! Have to wait until you’ve climbed Sturgeon Rock, though.

On the platform just below **Sturgeon Rock**. **Larch Mountain** (L). Photo looks W.

From a distance, Sturgeon Rock had looked like a fail. Lupe wasn’t going to be able to get up onto that lofty pinnacle! But up close, the situation appeared rather different. Lupe was already only 20 feet below the top!

Think you’re looking good, Loopster!

And in a moment she was!

Not a roomy place! Sturgeon Rock (4,120 ft.) was most definitely an airy perch.

Stay right there, Looper! Don’t move! Gotta get a couple more shots!

As seen from the platform. Photo looks E.

Couldn’t leave Lupe up there too long! SPHP called her down. A short break was taken on the platform, enjoying the Sturgeon Rock success, plus all the grand views. By now, even the clouds to the N and NE had retreated so far off that more wonders were on display.

Mount Saint Helens (8,333 ft.) and Mount Adams (12,276 ft.) were both in sight! Of course, Mount Hood was, too. Hazy, but Lupe had been looking for these bad boys for days now, and finally, here they all were!

**Mount Saint Helens**. Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

**Mount Adams** (R). **Silver Star Mountain North** (L) in the foreground. Photo looks NE.

Zoomed in on **Mount Adams**. Photo looks NE.

Silver Star Mountain, what a day! You’ve been all over this mountain now, Loop, including the arch and cave, met Dave and Boni, the local trail and huckleberry experts, seen 3 famous volcanoes, and even made it to the top of Sturgeon Rock!

Aren’t you forgetting something, SPHP?

Like what, Loop? Your chocolate coconut bars?

Well, yes, that, but I mean about Silver Star Mountain.

Indian Pits? You wanted to see the Indian Pits, Loop?

I suppose the Indian Pits would be OK, but look over there, SPHP!

Looking down Silver Star Mountain’s long SW ridge, a massive knob of rock stood out. Pyramid Rock. The real one, not the fake one with the world’s shortest snake that Lupe had climbed this morning.

**Pyramid Rock** (Center). Photo looks SSW.

Probably still time, if we hurry, Loopster.

On the way down the ridge W of Sturgeon Rock, Lupe followed the use trail past where she’d come up, hoping to avoid the super steep slope. Even the use trail led to a ridiculously steep decent, but it was at least somewhat better than Loop’s route up had been.

Two big white trees were across No. 180C where Lupe reached it again. Turning E, she went all the way back up to No. 180.

Downhill to No. 180F! Pyramid Rock basked in evening sunlight as Lupe approached and went by, hurrying on to the junction with the side trail.

Trail No. 180C where Lupe reached it after following the Sturgeon Rock use trail down.

Approaching **Pyramid Rock** (L) on No. 180F. Photo looks SW.

Lupe made it to the same saddle she’d been to earlier in the day. Still time! Pyramid Rock remained bathed in sunlight as the Carolina Dog followed another trail through the tall grass to the base of the S face.

Back at the saddle, destined for **Pyramid Rock**. Photo looks N.

The use trail ultimately led to a short scramble near the top that SPHP wouldn’t be anxious repeat on the way down, but Lupe made it!

7:35 PM, 55ºF, Pyramid Rock (3,577 ft.) – Half an hour before sunset, Lupe stood all aglow atop the real Pyramid Rock. Well beyond her, both Sturgeon Rock and Silver Star Mountain were still lit up, too. Smoky all points W, but the sky was otherwise clear, and the smoke wasn’t thick enough to deny a sunset.

On **Pyramid Rock**. **Sturgeon Rock** (L), **Silver Star Mountain** (R). Photo looks NE.

Enough room up here to relax easily enough, even a bit of grass among all the rock where Lupe could get comfortable.

**Pyramid Rock summit**. **World’s Shortest Snake Hill** (R). Photo looks S.

A light W breeze. Silence. Precious minutes ticked away. Lupe stayed until the last glimmer of the weary sun sputtered and died.

Only twilight remained. It would soon be gone, too.

The American Dingo beat twilight to the punch. Avoiding that scramble on the upper S route, Lupe went SE first, losing enough elevation to get below it before returning to the use trail. A better route!

Back at Trail No. 180F, SPHP had to bring out the flashlight. Down the trail Lupe went, trotting through the black forest, confident that comfort, dinner, and rest were waiting at the RAV4. (End 9:31 PM, 55ºF)

With Boni & Dave on **Silver Star Mountain**, Cascade Range, Washington 8-23-21

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