Cascade Falls – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 324 – Line Camp Peak & Horse Trap Mountain (1-31-24)

7:59 AM, 28ºF, Cascade Falls, S of Hot Springs – Shadows were long, but the day already bright as the sun came peeping over the mountains. The steps leading down to Cascade Creek from the picnic ground were icy, forcing SPHP to use the railing for support. Reaching Cascade Falls, mist was rising into the chilly morning air from both the swimming hole, and the lukewarm stream tumbling into it.

Arriving early at **Cascade Falls**. Photo looks SW.

Beautiful! Love Cascade Falls, SPHP, but it’s still January! Kind of early in the season to go swimming, isn’t it?

Ha! No doubt, Loopster! Not too early to do a little wading, though.

As SPHP sat down and began removing boots and socks, the Carolina Dog appeared more concerned than convinced.

**Cascade Creek** immediately above the falls. Photo looks NNW.

Even though the water wasn’t all that cold or deep, Lupe was reluctant to follow SPHP into the stream. The creek bottom was smooth and firm, but uneven with sudden drops of a foot or more, enough to freak the American Dingo out a bit, causing her to freeze up midstream.

Just follow me, Loop. It’s not deep at all, if you take the exact same route.

After fording Cascade Creek, SPHP sat down and began putting socks and boots back on again.

Aren’t we staying here at the creek like we’ve always done before, SPHP?

Nope. Cascade Falls may be a great place to hang out during the summer, Looper, but we’re actually here to visit Line Camp Peak (4,530 ft.) today.

Line Camp Peak? Never heard of it, SPHP.

That’s the name I just gave it, Loop, because the topo map shows a Line Camp 0.33 mile SW of the summit. On Lists of John, it’s merely Peak 4535.

Oh, I get it! We’re back to tagging Lists of John peaks with a minimum of 300 feet of prominence. What is a line camp, anyway, SPHP?

Really don’t know, Loopster. If I had to guess, I’d think a temporary work camp near the construction of some sort of road or utility. Way out here, maybe a pipeline or powerline. With any luck, maybe we’ll find out today.

Scrambling up the steep, heavily forested bank on the W side of Cascade Creek through pines, junipers, and bushes, the terrain leveled out after a 40 foot climb. Another steep-sided ravine full of pines and junipers was now to the L with grasslands visible above both sides.

On the **NE side of Falls Canyon**. Photo looks NW.

This big ravine is Falls Canyon, Loop, but we’re on the wrong side. We’re going to have to find a place to get across.

Although Falls Canyon was only 40 feet deep, Lupe was above a cliff with standing water below it. Heading NW, there was already a nice view of Devils Slide Mountain (3,960 ft.) back to the NE.

Beginning the search for a way across **Falls Canyon**. Photo looks WNW.

**Devils Slide Mountain** (L). Photo looks NE.

After only 0.15 mile, the canyon divided. Falls Canyon turned N, while Mike Canyon continued NW. Lupe easily descended into Falls Canyon and climbed back out again here, but now had to cross Mike Canyon, as well. Another 0.1 mile NW got her to a good spot to enter Mike Canyon.

Exploring **Mike Canyon**. Photo looks E.

The terrain in the canyon was rolling and grassy, with a few inches of snow lingering along the more shaded SW side. Although the SW slope wasn’t a cliff, it was still mighty steep. Fortunately, Lupe didn’t have to sniff her way much farther up the canyon to find a spot where it was possible to scramble up and out, entering a region of typical western South Dakota prairie.

S of Mike Canyon now, the prairie rose in a long, gradual climb as Lupe headed W. Didn’t take her long to notice that grass wasn’t the only thing growing out here. The Carolina Dog’s nemesis was here, too.

Yeouch! SPHP, there’s cactus!

Lots of it, too. Progress slowed as Lupe insisted upon playing the cactus game. Remaining in one spot while SPHP scouted ahead, Lupe refused to budge until SPHP gave the signal that the route was cacti-free.

Playing the cactus game. **Devils Slide Mountain** (L). Photo looks E.

In some places, the cactus was so thick that carrying Lupe was the only way to keep going.

I sure hope it isn’t very far to Line Camp Peak, SPHP!

It’s a bit of a stroll, Loopster. Nearly 7 miles from Cascade Falls.

7 miles! We’ll never make it, SPHP! You can’t carry me that far, and I’m not walking barepaw through cactus infested fields for any 7 miles. You try it! It’s not fun.

Ahh, but there’s a road that goes nearly the entire way, Loop. We’ll soon come to it.

A road? Why didn’t you say so? That’s different, SPHP.

Continuing W, the terrain finally leveled out. From the top of a small rise, the Cheyenne River valley was now in sight off to the SW.

**Cheyenne River valley** (Center). Photo looks SW.

Alright! Almost there, Looper. USFS Road No. 647 should be just down this little slope about where the trees start. In fact, I think I see it.

Reaching the road put an end to the American Dingo’s cactus concerns. Turning NW again, her road hike commenced.

On **USFS Road No. 647**. Photo looks NW.

No. 647 was a scenic, easy march. Trending NW for miles through both prairie and open pine forests, the road steadily gained elevation. Soon Lupe was high enough to see Nebraska way off to the S.

Among the pines of the open forest. Photo looks NNE.

**Nebraska** on the distant horizon. Photo looks SSE.

The Black Hills had been very warm for January recently, and today was no exception. The morning was warming up fast as the sun climbed into the cloudless sky. Very little snow remained, but Lupe was happy to find enough melting in the shade here and there to eat for a bit of moisture whenever she got thirsty.

Nothing happened on this pleasant journey until, approaching HP4040 after 2 miles on No. 647, the American Dingo spotted movement ahead. A lone horse with a thick black mane was running around up here. The horse trotted through the fields for a few minutes before disappearing into the forest, evidently on its way to some unknown destination.

Approaching **HP4040** (R). Photo looks NW.

“**Black Mane**“, the handsome horse of **HP4040**.

The road didn’t go all the way to the top of HP4040, instead flattening out as it turned W for a short stretch before losing 50 feet of elevation winding NW down into the uppermost reaches of Cedar Canyon.

About to descend into the **upper reaches of Cedar Canyon** (L). Photo looks WNW.

The uphill trek soon resumed as a somewhat steeper climb. Once out of Cedar Canyon, tablelands were in sight beyond Wildcat Canyon. Views of Wildcat Canyon improved as Lupe continued on.

**Tablelands** (Center) beyond the **Wildcat Canyon region**. Photo look W.

**Wildcat Canyon** (R). **Nebraska** on the horizon again. Photo looks S.

A level stretch led to yet another gradual climb, which topped out near HP4154. However, there were enough trees up here to block any distant views, at least from along the road.

Approaching **HP4154** (Center). Photo looks NW.

Beyond HP4154, more open territory provided a good look at the upper reaches of one of the branches of Wildcat Canyon. However, the views were even better just a little farther on, when the road swung over to the NE side of the long ridge it was following. Looking across Buck Canyon, quite a few peaks Lupe had once been to long, long ago were in sight.

**Upper end of Wildcat Canyon** (beyond Lupe). Photo looks WNW.

Oh my gosh, SPHP! There’s Roundtop Hill (4,469 ft.) and the Seven Sisters Range (4,420 ft.)!

Yup. And if you look down Buck Canyon, Loopster, you can see not only Devils Slide Mountain (3,960 ft.) a mile or so from where we started, but Flagpole Mountain (4,320 ft.) as well.

**Roundtop Hill** (L) and **Seven Sisters Range** (R) beyond **Buck Canyon**. Photo looks NE.

**Devils Slide Mountain** (L of Center) and **Flagpole Mountain** (R) in the distance. **Buck Canyon** (foreground). Photo looks SE.

Looks like we’ve come a long way already, SPHP.

Yeah, we’ve definitely made some progress, Loop. Still 1.5+ miles to Line Camp Peak, though.

For the next 0.67 mile, USFS Road No. 647 ran along the shady SW side of Buck Canyon, all mushy and wet with melting snow. After going up this incline, the rate of climb greatly diminished as the road turned W again for a little way before resuming its NW course. In this flat region, a large power line soon appeared ahead.

Heading up the **muddy stretch along the SW side of Buck Canyon**. Photo looks NNW.

Hey! This power line might be why the line camp is on Line Camp Peak, SPHP.

Don’t know, Loop. According to the map, the line camp is still 0.67 mile NW. Seems sort of far. Plenty of excellent space right here for a camp, if it was meant to support the construction of this power line.

Continuing NW past the power line, it wasn’t much farther to a fork in the road. Taking the R fork, Lupe headed N through a huge, very gently sloping field. Line Camp Peak’s summit was now only another 0.25 mile, hidden somewhere among the pines directly ahead.

On the grassy **summit plateau of Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks N.

However, something else caught Lupe’s attention. Over toward the W end of the field, a whole herd of horses was hanging out near the area where the line camp was supposed to be.

**Horses** near the **Line Camp region**. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.

Oh, I love horses, SPHP! Do you suppose they’re friendly? Maybe we should go see them? We can check out the line camp, too!

Whether friendly or not, let’s leave ’em be, Loop. The line camp mystery is of secondary importance. Let’s do what we came to do, first.

12:32 PM, 60ºF, Line Camp Peak (4,530 ft.) – Located near the NE end of the enormous summit plateau, Line Camp Peak’s true summit proved to be along a rocky, pine-covered, E/W running ridge that rose 10-15 feet above the immediately surrounding area. Only tree-broken views were available from the top, but a little SE of the summit, Lupe enjoyed a great view to the E across multiple canyons.

**Seven Sisters Range** (L) and **Devils Slide Mountain** (R) from **Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks E.

On one of the highest boulders of the **summit ridge**. Photo looks NNW.

Tree-broken views from the **summit ridge**. Photo looks SE.

A long march, but an easy one! Congratulations, Loopster, you’ve made it to Line Camp Peak! May I shake your paw?

Not all of it was as easy as you make it sound, SPHP! But, yes, go ahead, you may shake my cactus-stabbed paw. Gently, please!

For the last day of January, this was an extraordinary day. Although wind now sighed in the treetops, the breeze was only light and variable at ground level, and at a sunny 60ºF, the air was pleasantly warm. For a while, Lupe and SPHP relaxed on patches of grass near the true summit after sharing water and a chocolate coconut bar.

There’d already been a few brief water and Taste of the Wild breaks on the way here, and the American Dingo scarfed up some more as SPHP munched on an apple. Facing S toward the main part of the plateau, a glimpse of Nebraska was visible between the trees.

The **break spot** next to the true summit. Photo looks ESE.

**Nebraska** (L of Center) on the horizon. Photo looks S.

Time ticked away as it always does.

Very nice here, isn’t it, Looper?

Absolutely, SPHP. I loved all the canyon views and seeing some of the peaks we haven’t been to in a long time on the way here, too.

Me, too, Loop. Getting to be 1:00 PM, though, and the days aren’t very long this time of year.

We’ve only been here half an hour, SPHP. You aren’t saying we have to leave already, are you? Can’t we at least stay for the rest of my traditional summit hour? Or maybe you’re wanting to spend the second half of it checking out the line camp? I’d do that.

Actually have something else in mind. Horse Trap Mountain (4,682 ft.) is only a little over a mile N of here. Been a long time ago, but remember how scenic it was up there, Loopster? Would be fun to return for a little while, if the skinny ridge leading to it is negotiable.

A chance to visit Horse Trap Mountain again, SPHP? Let’s do it!

Alright. We better get with it, though, Loop. Taking on Horse Trap means we’ll be getting back long after dark, even if we leave right now. However, before we go, stand on the true summit of Line Camp Peak here again for a minute. There’s kind of an interesting view showing that there’s a hollow spot beneath it.

Back on the true summit of Line Camp Peak. Photo looks NW.

1:01 PM – Setting out for Horse Trap Mountain, Lupe wandered W along Line Camp Peak’s little summit ridge, turning NW once it melted away in the forest. To SPHP’s surprise, the Carolina Dog quickly discovered an old road that went N, exactly the direction she needed to go.

A short descent led to a grassy bench, where a cluster of rocks along the NW edge promised a grand view of Hell Canyon. Going over to them, the view didn’t disappoint at all.

On the **grassy bench** at the **far N end of Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks NW.

**Hell Canyon** from the **N end of Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks WSW.

Wow! This is gorgeous, Loop! Love this kind of territory. Doesn’t look like “Hell” Canyon at all to me.

Heh. Beautiful enough, SPHP. Probably full of cactus, though!

From the far N end of this bench, Lupe’s next objective was in sight.

**Horse Trap Mountain** (R of Center). Photo looks N.

There it is in all its glory, SPHP! Horse Trap Mountain! Doesn’t look like a difficult climb, either, if we can get down to the saddle leading to it.

Fortunately, getting to the saddle was no problem. The ancient jeep trail Lupe had found wound down to an intersection with USFS Road No. 327, which ran E/W right over it.

Following the **old jeep trail** (L) down to the saddle leading to **Horse Trap Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

**HP4656** (Center) above the **upper reaches of Hell Canyon**. Photo looks N.

**HP4500** (Center) along **Line Camp Peak’s E ridge**. Photo looks ESE.

Crossing the saddle, the wind was 20 mph out of the W as Lupe started up Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge. This fairly steep climb was actually a bit dangerous for the Carolina Dog due to a pair of parallel barbed wire fences running straight up the ridgeline, one of which was flat on the ground much of the way.

At one point, SPHP had to give the American Dingo a boost at a rocky spot, although Lupe could have gone around it, if necessary. Views were already marvelous from a couple of high points crossed during the 450 foot ascent. From the second one, Lupe had a terrific view of Horse Trap Mountain’s S face.

A band of limestone cliffs running along the upper rim appeared to have enough breaks in it to ensure a successful ascent.

Heading up Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge. **Line Camp Peak** (L), **Hell Canyon** (R). Photo looks SSW.

**S face of Horse Trap Mountain** from **HP4550**. Photo looks N.

Nothing to it! As Lupe closed in on the S face, a readily discernable trail went right on up. From atop the rocks along the S rim, Lupe enjoyed a tremendous view of Falls Canyon with Devils Slide Mountain (3,960 ft.) and Flagpole Mountain (4,320 ft.) beyond, and the prairies of western South Dakota stretching to the edge of vision beyond them.

Approaching the **S rim of Horse Trap Mountain**. Photo looks NW.

**Falls Canyon** (Center), **Devils Slide Mountain** (L of Center), **Flagpole Mountain** (Center). Photo looks SE.

**HP4550** (L) along **Horse Trap Mountain’s S ridge**. **Line Camp Peak** (Center), **Hell Canyon** (R). Photo looks SSW.

2:16 PM, 57ºF, Horse Trap Mountain (4,682 ft.) – Lupe had come up at the lower S end of a huge, oval summit plateau covered with grass and scattered pines. Sloping gently up to the N, this plateau was ringed by a line of small cliffs around virtually the entire perimeter. Having been here once before, the Carolina Dog knew the true summit was along the opposite NNW edge.

Any preferences, SPHP? Want to go straight for the true summit, or circle around the perimeter where all the big views are?

Around the perimeter, Loopster. After all, the unobstructed views from this island in the sky are what make Horse Trap Mountain so special.

Clockwise, or counter-clockwise then, SPHP?

Your choice, Loop. Either way is fine with me.

Lupe chose clockwise. Within minutes she reached a particularly scenic overlook along the SW edge from rock formations providing a superb view of Line Camp Peak, lower Hell Canyon, and barren ridges to the W.

**Line Camp Peak** (L edge), **Hell Canyon** (L), and **barren tablelands** (R). Photo looks SW.

**Line Camp Peak** (L), **Hell Canyon** (Center), **tablelands** (R). Photo looks SSW.

Circling around to the NW edge, the upper reaches of Hell Canyon were in sight. The top of Parker Peak (4,848 ft.), the Fall River county high point, was also visible, sticking up behind them.

**Parker Peak** (L of Center) beyond **upper Hell Canyon**. Photo looks NW.

2:27 PM – The wind was only 5-10 mph out of the NW by the time Lupe reached the true summit of Horse Trap Mountain after a leisurely stroll around the W end of the plateau. A couple of photos atop the summit rock, the usual congratulatory pawshake, and it was time for a break.

At the **true summit of Horse Trap Mountain**. Photo looks NNW.

**Parker Peak** (R) from the **true summit**. Photo looks WNW.

Taking it easy on **Horse Trap Mountain**. **Parker Peak** (Center), **true summit rock** (R). Photo looks NW.

Hard to believe we’re here again after all these years, Loop! So glad we came! Horse Trap Mountain is every bit as fabulous as I remembered it.

Most definitely agree, SPHP! Easily worthy of a chocolate coconut bar, maybe 2 or 3!

Um, yeah. Only one left, Loopster, but I do have a duck jerky for you, too.

Both were eagerly accepted, along with Taste of the Wild and water, then Lupe laid her head down.

Mind if I snooze for a bit, SPHP?

Not at all, Looper. It’s already been a long day.

SPHP drank a strawberry Equate and chomped the last apple. Only the sound of the wind broke a perfect silence. Amazing, unspoiled territory of this remote part of the Black Hills laid in all directions.

A glimpse of Elk Benchmark (5,669 ft.) and Wildcat Peak (5,500 ft.) was far to the NW. Black Elk Peak (7,131 ft.) was but a distant blip to the N. SPHP peered into Hell Canyon. Gorgeous, but Lupe might be right. Maybe it was full of cactus?

After a short nap, the Carolina Dog woke up and accompanied SPHP on a stroll to other nearby viewpoints.

**Parker Peak** (L) again. Photo looks NW.

**Horse Trap Mountain summit plateau**. Photo looks SE.

3:15 PM, Horse Trap Mountain – The inevitable sad moment arrived.

About time to get back on the top rock, Loop.

Summit hour’s over already, SPHP?

Hate to say it, but yup, pretty quick now, Loopster.

At least we can still enjoy completing our circumnavigation of the summit plateau, SPHP.

Final moments on the **true summit of Horse Trap Mountain**. Photo looks NW.

A brief return to the true summit, and Lupe was on her way, this time circling around the E end of the plateau.

Leaving the true summit region. Photo looks E.

The views were grand going this way, too. All too soon, Lupe was back at the S end of the plateau, ready to start her descent along the S ridge.

**Falls Canyon** (L & Center) from the E edge. **Devils Slide Mountain** (L) and **Flagpole Mountain** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

**Roundtop Hill** (Center in foreground). Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.

Back at the S end. **HP4550** and **Line Camp Peak** (L of Center), **Hell Canyon** (R). Photo looks S.

4:43 PM, 55ºF – The wind had died completely, and the rapidly setting sun was already on the horizon by the time the American Dingo reached the summit of Line Camp Peak (4,530 ft.) again. She wouldn’t get much of a rest break at all here this time around.

Sunset from the **summit of Line Camp Peak**. Photo looks W.

Enjoy it while you can, Looper. 10 minutes, then we’re moving on.

What about the line camp, SPHP? Are we ever going to check it out?

Yup. That’s why we’re in a rush. Going to be too dark to see anything, if we don’t get over there pretty quick.

The last rays of sunshine were filtering through the trees as Lupe headed SW across the big field where the horses had been earlier in the day. No sign of them now. SPHP overshot the turn W to the line camp. Lupe was well on her way to HP4509 before SPHP realized the error.

Doubling back in haste, dusk was deepening among the pines when the Carolina Dog reached the location marked as the line camp on the map. Nothing here. No towers, sheds, shacks, or other structures at all, only a few pieces of metal quietly rusting away in the tall grass.

So what makes this a line camp, SPHP?

No idea, Loop. Only our cartographer knows for sure. Had no idea what to expect from a line camp, and still don’t, except maybe not much at all.

Exploring farther along the N edge of the point W of the line camp, trees hid the views, except from one spot where Lupe caught a final glimpse of a familiar sight.

**Horse Trap Mountain** (L) from **W of the Line Camp**. Photo looks NNE.

And that was it. The return march back along USFS Road No. 647 was even easier now going downhill. Lupe barked at a small plane that flew almost directly overhead while there was still light in the sky. However, it wasn’t long before the tiny flashlight had to come out.

On this black, moonless night, the Milky Way was stunningly bright. Rising in the SE, Orion was directly ahead. Back to the N, the Big Dipper stood on end. Geese honked as they flew by unseen, and coyotes sang a wild, mournful chorus before silence reigned again. Many miles away widely dispersed lights revealed the locations of remote ranch homes.

Nearly 14 hours after leaving the RAV, Lupe forded Cascade Creek again, completely unfazed by the jet black water or ghostly mist rising from it.

Line Camp Peak and Horse Trap Mountain! What a magnificent day they had been! (9:55 PM, 36ºF)

**Line Camp Peak** from **Horse Trap Mountain**, Black Hills of South Dakota 1-31-24

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 196 – Devil’s Slide, Cascade Falls & Tepee Mountain (3-19-17)

Start (7:46 AM, 50°F) J. H. Keith Memorial Park, Cascade Springs, Hwy 71 S of Hot Springs.

Nothing like starting the day off with a little dread. Upon arrival, Lupe understood the situation immediately. Another expedition, another cactus-infested mountain. When would this ever end? Lupe’s soft Dingo ears drooped.

Not many more of these lower peaks below cactus line to go, Looper. You’ll be alright. Once you’ve done them, you won’t ever have to return. Besides, you’ve actually had some really fun times on these peaks, haven’t you? Come on, it won’t take long. I’ll help you dodge the cacti. What do you say?

What do I say? I say, OK, fine, but you ought to join in the fun. About time you went barefoot, too, SPHP! It’s a shame you’ve been missing out on the whole, complete joyful experience of all these barefoot treks through cacti lately. Besides, it might be amusing to see human ears droop for a change.

Heh, I appreciate your concern Loop, but think I’ll pass on that. Just a matter of personal vanity, you understand. I don’t look nearly as good as you do with droopy ears. Come on, let’s go!

The E slope wasn’t bad. Definitely better than the optional route up the barren sunbaked WSW slope would have been. That might well have been a cactus nightmare. As it was, Lupe hardly encountered any cacti until she was at the top of the ridgeline. By then, she was almost to the summit of Devil’s Slide Mountain (3,965 ft.).

Loop nears the summit of Devil’s Slide Mountain. She’d hardly encountered any cactus at all during her climb up the E slope. Photo looks NW.

As expected, cactus was thick on the other side of the ridge. Lupe stayed mostly toward the E to avoid it. She quickly made her way to the summit. The top of Devil’s Slide Mountain consisted of an assortment of large boulders resting on a prominent knob along the ridgeline.

No trees were up here to block the views. Lupe could see in every direction.

Lupe reaches the top of Devil’s Slide Mountain. With no trees around, she had fabulous views in every direction. Photo looks NNW along the spine of the ridgeline.

Lupe at the true summit. The steep slopes below the curved ridge in the distance on the L are known as Horseshoe Bend. Photo looks SSE.

Highway 71 is seen below on its way to Hot Springs, SD. The high ridge on the R is part of the Seven Sisters Range. Lupe had been climbing hills over there only a few weeks ago on **Expedition No. 193**. Back then, everything had been white with snow. Photo looks NNE.

Lupe on the very highest rock. Horseshoe Bend in view on the L. Photo looks SSE.

Lupe’s adventures had taken her to the top of Flagpole Mountain (4,320 ft.) only a week ago on Expedition No. 195. SPHP thought she ought to be able to see the summit from here beyond Horseshoe Bend, a steep sharply curving slope along the NW face of the mountain.

Loop had an unobstructed view of the entire length of Horseshoe Bend from Devil’s Slide Mountain, but the light was a little glary. Horseshoe Bend was far enough away so SPHP couldn’t tell if the actual summit of Flagpole Mountain was in view or hidden behind the top of the ridge. Binoculars would have solved the puzzle, but SPHP didn’t have any along.

Although Lupe had a great view of the entire length of Horseshoe Bend, SPHP couldn’t tell if she could see the actual summit of Flagpole Mountain from Devil’s Slide or not. SPHP suspected it was just out of view beyond the top of the ridge. Photo looks SSE.

Not all of the views from Devil’s Slide Mountain were of more hills and mountains. To the S and SW, high plains stretched away to the horizon beyond the Black Hills. Closer by, Lupe could see Cascade Creek in the valley below.

High plains stretch away to the horizon SW of Devil’s Slide Mountain. Hwy 71 is in view below on its way to Ardmore, SD and Nebraska. Cascade Creek is to the R of the highway. Photo looks SW.

It was too early in the day to take a real break, but Lupe and SPHP hung around up on top of Devil’s Slide Mountain for a while enjoying the views. Eventually it was time to press on. Lupe had more adventures in store.

Lupe lingers at the summit of Devil’s Slide Mountain. Photo looks S.

*Time to go, Looper! Come on down!* Photo looks S with a little help from the telephoto lens.

Lupe returned to the G6 (9:16 AM, 57°F). Her next stop, Cascade Falls, was only a few miles away. The picnic ground was closed and barred shut to vehicles this time of year, but there was plenty of room to park the G6 at the turnoff.

Lupe went around the gate, through the picnic ground, and down the steps leading to Cascade Creek and the falls. She had a drink, waded around, and enjoyed the view of Devil’s Slide Mountain from below.

Devil’s Slide Mountain from Cascade Creek above the main falls. Photo looks NE.

The true summit of Devil’s Slide Mountain is the high point seen on the L.

Yep, this is it – Cascade Falls! More like rapids really, but they feature a great swimming hole below and some fine wading, including a number of much smaller pools to soak in, above. Photo looks W.

*Aren’t you coming in SPHP?* Photo looks NW.

Cascade Falls as seen from downstream. Devil’s Slide Mountain is in view on the R. Photo looks NNE.

After visiting Cascade Falls, Lupe’s next stop was only a mile farther S at the Cheyenne River. A sign S of the river told about the Wood Stage Station, which used to be close by. More than a century ago, a stagecoach route ran from Sydney, Nebraska to Deadwood, South Dakota. The sign mentioned General Custer’s 1874 Expedition to the Black Hills.

This historical marker about the Wood Stage Station is just S of the Cheyenne River on the E side of Hwy 71.

Custer’s only expedition to the Black Hills made him even more famous due to the discovery of gold. Despite being on her 196th Black Hills expedition, Loop hasn’t become famous, but then she’s never found any gold. SPHP sort of wishes she would, but understands that American Dingoes are more squirrel oriented than gold oriented.

At least Lupe’s relations with the Sioux nation are far superior to General Custer’s.

The Cheyenne River flows out of Wyoming around the S end of the Black Hills on its way to the Missouri River. Photo looks WSW from the Hwy 71 bridge.

Lupe’s next peakbagging objective was Tepee Mountain (3,970 ft.) on the S bank of the Cheyenne River a couple miles W of Angostura Reservoir. Lupe had seen Tepee Mountain for the first time only a week ago on Expedition No. 195. From Flagpole Mountain, Tepee Mountain appeared as a much lower, heavily forested ridge.

SPHP turned E off Hwy 71 onto Maitland Road five miles S of the Cheyenne River. According to SPHP’s old Black Hills USFS map, Tepee Mountain is on BLM land, but private ranches are nearby. SPHP had to look for access for Lupe.

More than a mile SSW of Tepee Mountain, Lupe and SPHP stopped by the headquarters of the Tepee Creek Ranch. Two ranch dogs were eager for Lupe to come out and play, but she had to stay in the G6 while SPHP chatted with the rancher’s wife.

The wife was friendly. She didn’t seem opposed to Lupe crossing the ranch to climb Tepee Mountain, but mentioned that cows were calving and it had been so warm and dry out lately snakes were already out. She suggested that SPHP check out the possibility of public access along the Cheyenne River from Angostura Reservoir before resorting to crossing the ranch. SPHP agreed to do that.

Lupe visited the S shore of Angostura Reservoir, as requested by the Tepee Creek rancher’s wife, but found no public access leading W along the Cheyenne River. Photo looks N.

Five miles of dusty gravel roads brought Lupe to a boat launch on the S shore of Angostura. Immediately to the W was a mobile home park, which appeared to be bordered by more private ranchlands. Lupe found no sign of public access to Tepee Mountain from here.

Lupe and SPHP left Angostura Reservoir. An approach from Maitland Road would have to do. SPHP found a spot to park the G6 (10:53 AM, 72°F). The summit of Tepee Mountain was more than 2 miles N from here.

Lupe was none too keen on starting the trek. The first half of her journey was through hilly, forested terrain. The forest was a mix of junipers and Ponderosa pines. Junipers thrive where it’s dry. Lupe associates them with cactus. She’s right, too. Cacti were present from almost the very start.

The forested hillsides didn’t have much cactus, but wound around a long series of ravines in crazy directions. The uneven ground was tiring to traverse. Higher up, the terrain was much more level, but many areas were so dry on top that even the junipers couldn’t survive. The sunny, exposed terrain was full of cactus.

Lupe in the mixed forest of pines and junipers. There was a lot less cactus in the forest than up on the sunny top of these low hills, but Lupe came to many ravines. Photo looks S.

Lupe and SPHP used her usual technique for dealing with cactus. SPHP scouted ahead looking for a safe route forward. When SPHP sat on the ground, Lupe took it as the signal she could advance that far. Rinse and repeat. Where there was too much cactus, SPHP carried Lupe far enough to get to a less infested area.

Progress was slow, but steady. At first, Lupe and SPHP stayed mostly on the high ground along the edge of the trees. Later, Lupe tried staying more in the forest. Traveling each type of terrain had its benefits and drawbacks. It was an extraordinarily warm day for March. The Carolina Dog was thrilled to find a small rapidly shrinking patch of melting snow in the forest on the N side of a hill!

Lupe was thrilled to find this small rapidly melting snow bank on the N slope of a hill. It was a very hot day out for March. The cold, wet snow felt marvelous!

As wearisome as the forested hills were, SPHP was not looking forward to reaching the end of them. From Maitland Road, Lupe had already seen the S slopes of Tepee Mountain. She would have to make a long, gradual climb up a barren, sun drenched slope. SPHP feared Lupe would face an incredible concentration of cacti the entire way.

Lupe might have to be carried more than a mile to the top.

Tepee Mountain as seen from Maitland Road. The summit is the high point on the R. SPHP feared Lupe would encounter so much cactus on the barren S slope that she would have to be carried all the way to the top. Her route would take her up from the R side of this photo. Photo looks N using the telephoto lens.

The forest ended when Looper reached the N end of the low hills. Now she faced open grasslands the rest of the way up Tepee Mountain. Just ahead was a dirt road at the bottom of a shallow ravine that drained to the W. Beyond the road was a barbed wire fence. Lupe would have to cross both the road and the fence. First, though, she followed the road uphill to the E.

Traveling this short section of dirt road up the ravine was easy. Lupe was confident she wouldn’t encounter any cactus. Near a junction of fences, she left the road and went under the fence to the N. SPHP thought Lupe might be on BLM land now, but wasn’t certain.

Despite the heads up from the rancher’s wife, Lupe hadn’t seen a single cow or rattlesnake. However, cows had clearly spent a lot of time in the pasture N of the fence. This was great news for Lupe! The cows had eaten everything down so there wasn’t much vegetation left. Best of all, cows are apparently hard on cactus. SPHP had feared this area would be totally infested; instead there was hardly any!

Lupe now N of the low forested hills seen behind her. This field had far less cactus in it than SPHP had feared. Lupe made relatively good time the rest of the way up Tepee Mountain. Photo looks SSE.

Lupe wasn’t convinced this barren ground was safe. She insisted that SPHP continue to scout out the cactus situation ahead. Overall, though, she made significantly faster progress. She traveled up the long, gentle slope going NW, staying close to another barbed wire fence coming down the mountain.

As Lupe climbed higher, more cactus appeared – enough to slow things down again, but it wasn’t too bad. The fence line turned N. Lupe kept going NW until she came across a cattle trail that went N, too.

The cattle trail was like a super highway. Lupe trotted along unworried and unhindered by cactus. By the time the cattle trail curved E, Lupe was only 150 yards from the top of the mountain. She found cactus again as soon as she left the trail, but SPHP guided her through it. Lupe reached the summit of Tepee Mountain (3,790 ft.). Sweet success!

The large summit area was mostly grassland. Barren terrain sloped gradually away to the S and E. Junipers and pines were scattered thinly along the edge of the steeper W slope. The steepest drop off was to the N, where a thick line of trees blocked the view most places. The highest rocks on the mountain were clustered in a small area near the NW corner of the summit. Four or five different medium-sized rocks might have been the absolute highest point.

The most impressive view was toward the NW. Lupe could see Flagpole Mountain (4,320 ft.). She had been there only a week ago on Expedition No. 195.

Lupe reaches the summit of Tepee Mountain. The most impressive view was this look at Flagpole Mountain. Lupe had been there only a week ago on Expedition No. 195. Photo looks NW.

Looking N at some of the colorful cliffs E of Flagpole Mountain.

Lupe stands on the rock that SPHP thought might be the highest one, though 4 or 5 rocks nearby were about as high. Photo looks N.

Looking ESE. The high plains of western South Dakota go to the horizon.

Lupe was happy to reach the summit of Tepee Mountain. After a few photos, she curled up in the shade of a juniper tree. She had a great view of Flagpole Mountain while enjoying some Taste of the Wild. It was an amazingly warm day. Only mid-March and the temperature was somewhere in the 70’s!

Lupe rested in the shade of a juniper tree while having Taste of the Wild and enjoying this beautiful view of Flagpole Mountain (L). Photo looks NNW.

SPHP munched an apple and shared water with Lupe. When the apple was gone, SPHP got up to wander around the summit area to see what else there was to see. Lupe preferred not to move around much. She was still worried about cactus. Besides, she liked the shade of the juniper tree. She was curious about what SPHP was up to, though.

Sometimes she peered out from her juniper tree stronghold to see what was going on.

*Whatcha up to, SPHP? … Don’t worry Loop, just having a look around. … OK, but don’t wander off too far and leave me stuck here all alone up on this pincushion!* Photo looks WNW.

SPHP had to wander a little E of the true summit to find a break in the trees big enough to provide this view of the Cheyenne River. Part of Angostura Reservoir is seen in the distance on the R. Photo looks NE.

Lupe soon decided she didn’t want to miss out on any of the views. She came out from her juniper trees to join SPHP and pose in a few more photos.

Angostura Reservoir from Tepee Mountain. Photo looks NE.

Still looking toward the true summit as a cloud passes overhead providing temporary shade. The big green junipers on the L are at the top of the mountain. Photo looks NW.

At the conclusion of her scenic summit tour, Lupe wanted to go relax in the shade of the juniper tree some more. SPHP went with her. There was no rush. The sun was high in the sky, and Lupe might never be on Tepee Mountain again. Time enough to enjoy this unique moment, and seldom seen view of Flagpole Mountain.

SPHP petted Lupe; in turn, she licked SPHP’s hand. Puffy white clouds sailed slowly through the pale blue sky overhead. Lupe and SPHP were both happy.

Happy times on Tepee Mountain in the shade of the juniper tree.

As it always does, the time came to say good-bye to the mountain. Lupe and SPHP started back to the G6. Lupe followed the same route as before, except that when she reached the low, forested hills again, she stayed farther to the W and lower down. Hidden on the N slopes of various ravines, she found half a dozen more patches of snow to eat and cool off on.

There were still cacti to deal with. Lupe remained cautious. SPHP helped guide her through, and carried her for short distances where necessary. She finally reached Maitland Road again W of the G6, but it wasn’t far away (3:31 PM, 81°F).

Looking back at Tepee Mountain (Center) on the way to the G6. Photo looks NNW.

Over 80°F, in March! Incredible! On the way home, Lupe stopped again at Cascade Falls. The thirsty Carolina Dog had a huge drink from the creek. SPHP thought the water would be cold, but it was surprisingly, comfortably warm. This time, SPHP joined Lupe wading around in Cascade Creek.

Lupe returned to Cascade Falls for a 2nd time on this incredibly warm March day. SPHP joined her wading in the surprisingly warm creek. Photo looks S.

For cactus weary paws, Lupe recommends wading in Cascade Creek! Photo looks N.

Expedition No. 196 was a success, but wasn’t entirely over until Lupe was done with her enthusiastic barking from the G6 at all the cows and horses she saw on the way home. SPHP thought she deserved a special treat for braving the cactus on two more mountains today. The Sonic Drive-Inn was advertising half price milkshakes after 8 PM.

Lupe had a good time being taken out to the Sonic Drive-Inn. She was delighted when SPHP bought her a milkshake of her very own. Lupe had chocolate. SPHP had strawberry. When the milkshakes were gone, it was time for nighty-night and dreaming together about the day’s adventures, and adventures yet to come.

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Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 136 – Cascade Falls (7-12-15)

Cascade Falls isn’t really much of a waterfall. Instead, it is a short series of pools and rapids on Cascade Creek. The small upstream pools are very clear and clean with swiftly flowing waters. They are no more than 3 or 4 feet deep. Just downstream of the small pools, Cascade Creek pours over a large fan-shaped mineral deposit 5 or 6 feet high into a big deep (over your head!) blue-green swimming hole. There are more large pools farther downstream, but unlike the clear upstream pools, they tend to be mucky. Very few tourists ever visit this remote location, but Cascade Falls is often busy with locals cooling off on hot summer days.

On 7-9-15, Xochitl flew in from Chicago. Lupe and SPHP picked her up at the Rapid City regional airport. She was in town for just a few days to visit friends and family. Her plans included spending July 11th at her class reunion at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and celebrating her birthday on July 12th with family and friends at Cascade Falls.

On 7-10-15, Xochitl and SPHP went for a hike from Sylvan Lake up to Little Devil’s Tower (6,960 ft.). This should have been Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 136 for Lupe, but sadly Lupe didn’t get to go. She had to stay home due to injuries sustained on Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 135 on 6-27-15. FrankenPuppy was a very dejected Dingo when SPHP told her she couldn’t come with. She had gotten all worked up when SPHP had started packing up the backpack. It really didn’t feel right at all to leave Lupe to mope on the floor, but it had to be done.

Cone-On the Luparian didn't get to go to Little Devil's Tower on 7-10-15. She had to stay home to continue healing up. — Cone-On the Luparian didn’t get to go to Little Devil’s Tower on 7-10-15. She had to stay home to continue healing up.

Xochitl at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park on 7-10-15. — Mysterious Ms. X at Sylvan Lake in **Custer State Park** on 7-10-15.

The trek to Little Devil’s Tower proved to be a bit more than Xochitl had been expecting (like twice as much) and the round trip on the trail took more like 4+ hours than the 2 hours she had allotted, but she made it. (SPHP’s fault for always being overly ambitious.) Xochitl went to her class reunion on the 11th.

Thistle along the trail to Little Devil's Tower — Thistle along the trail to Little Devil’s Tower

Xochitl near Cathedral Spires on the way to Little Devil's Tower. — Xochitl near **Cathedral Spires (6,840 ft.)** on the way to Little Devil’s Tower.

Xochitl on Little Devil's Tower. Cathedral Spires in the background. — Xochitl on Little Devil’s Tower. Cathedral Spires in the background.

The 12th was Xochitl’s birthday and the last full day she was going to be in the Black Hills. Since Lupe was soon going to get her staples and stitches out anyway on the 14th (which was days later than required by the veterinarians), SPHP decided Lupe may as well come with. There wasn’t going to be any long trek where Lupe might re-injure herself, just some wading and swimming. Lupe was ecstatic to be going anywhere! Once in the G6, SPHP allowed Guille to take Lupe’s head cone off too, and it stayed off for the rest of the outing. Loopster couldn’t believe her good luck – she was finally free of that torture device!

SPHP was somewhat reluctant to classify Lupe’s trip to Cascade Falls as one of her official Black Hills, SD Expeditions. All her other expeditions have involved hikes through the mountains. However, it wasn’t Lupe’s fault she got injured on Expedition No. 135. SPHP decided to relent and consider this mere outing an official expedition. Time to cut the wounded Carolina Dog a little slack! So worthy of the title or not, Cascade Falls officially became Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 136 for Lupe.

Lupe arrived at Cascade Falls around 11:30 AM. It was a hot, sunny day in the low 90’s – way too hot for a typical hiking expedition, but perfect for a day at Cascade. Xochitl, Guille, Erik, Ana, Steve & SPHP were all there with Lupe, plus a ton of strangers enjoying the falls too. There was a picnic with elk burgers, cherries, chips, lemonade, etc. Lupe just stuck to her Taste of the Wild – even turning down perfectly good elk burgers for it!

Lupe in Cascade Creek. She liked walking (or running) along the shallow lip of the pool.

After the picnic, Erik & Ana weren’t into swimming or even wading and left long before the rest of the gang did. Lupe, SPHP and the rest of the gang made lots of treks back and forth from the picnic table down to the creek during the afternoon. Lupe had been to Cascade Falls before, but never to spend the day in the creek. She was having a good time, but sometimes seemed to be wondering what she was supposed to do or what was going to happen next.

Xochitl, Guille & Steve with Lupe at Cascade.

Many strangers were very kind to Lupe. Some asked about her wound. Others wanted to pet her. Lupe enjoyed wading in the creek. She really didn’t want to swim though. She doesn’t like water over her head. Those dingo paws want to be on terra firma. She seemed genuinely concerned about Xochitl, Steve & SPHP whenever they swam in the big deep blue-green pool. That dingo wasn’t about to leap in to rescue any of them, though, unless they showed more signs of distress. American Dingoes aren’t fools, you know!

Lupe claims an island. — Lupe claims an island above the big pool.

Lupe in Cascade Creek 7-12-15 — Lupe near her island.

Cascade Falls is just out of the Black Hills. Here Lupe is near the edge of the picnic ground. Cascade Creek is down in the trees. This photo looks WNW towards the surrounding countryside. It’s very unusual for it to be so green approaching mid-July!

For Lupe, it was a most puzzling expedition. SPHP had never just hung out in the water before. And having all these people around was very strange, too. On the other hand, she loved the attention from everyone and seemed to enjoy being cool and partly wet. She was determined not to get completely wet, though. It was funny to watch her immediately leap out of the deep water whenever she stepped into a pool where it got up to her chest.

I'm not so sure about this! — I’m not so sure about this!

Lupe asks Xochi if she is OK down there in the big pool. Is it really safe?

You got yourself in there - you can just get yourself out! — You got yourself in there – you can just get yourself out!

Cascade Falls - the big swimming hole. — Cascade Falls – the big swimming hole.

A little after 5:30 PM, it was time to leave Cascade Falls. Lupe was sleepy after all the activity and had a relaxing ride home in the G6. Back home, Xochitl became head chef for her own birthday dinner of curry chicken sweet potatoes. Steve, Erik & SPHP assisted to some degree. Although dinner turned out to be quite yummy, Lupe held out for cake and ice cream when it was all over.

Xochitl's birthday! — Happy birthday Xochi!

Xochitl says good-bye to Cone-On the Luparian the morning of 7-13-15 before flying back to Chicago.

Cascade Falls is easy to find. It is about 10 miles S of Hot Springs, SD on the W side of Hwy 71 (a mile N of the Cheyenne River) at the very S end of the Black Hills of South Dakota. On flat grassland overlooking the creek is a gravel parking lot, a few covered picnic tables, and a restroom. No water or other services are available. There are no fees or permits required. There is no lifeguard – just a delightful old-fashioned swim/wade at your own risk creek and swimming hole!

Cascade Creek originates just 2 or 3 miles upstream at a series of warm water springs (67°F). There is another picnic ground called Cascade Springs 2 miles closer to Hot Springs than Cascade Falls. That picnic ground is more shaded by trees and the creek flows through it, but there is no swimming hole there. Other attractions near Cascade Falls include the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Evans Plunge and the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD, and Wind Cave National Park N of Hot Springs.

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