{"id":30865,"date":"2021-02-18T08:10:53","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T15:10:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=30865"},"modified":"2023-12-20T17:37:41","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T00:37:41","slug":"trapper-peak-bitterroot-range-montana-8-15-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=30865","title":{"rendered":"Trapper Peak, Bitterroot Range, Montana (8-15-20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 10 & 11 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-14-20, Daybreak, 32\u00baF, Upper Taylor Fork trailhead, Madison Range, MT<\/em> – Just getting light out.\u00a0 The sun wouldn’t be up for a while yet.\u00a0 Jobe was up already, busily rearranging gear in his Rubicon when SPHP came to.\u00a0 Lupe sniffed excitedly, raring to go as soon as SPHP let her out of the G6.\u00a0 Maybe she was expecting another Koch Peak<\/span><\/a> (11,293 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> outing?<\/p>\n

That wasn’t in the cards, a travel day was.\u00a0 Wasn’t long before Jobe was ready.\u00a0 Handshakes and pawshakes, and he was off.\u00a0 The G6 followed the Rubicon across the bridge over Taylor Creek a minute later.\u00a0 For 3 snail-paced bumpy miles, the Koch Peak adventure was sort of still on.\u00a0 Wasn’t until the turn E into the rising sun on Taylor Fork Road that SPHP was certain the G6 wouldn’t pop a tire.<\/p>\n

At Hwy 191, SPHP turned N down the Gallatin River valley.\u00a0 Heavy traffic even this early in the day.\u00a0 At I-90, the G6 headed W.\u00a0 Jobe was long gone.\u00a0 His adventures were taking him E to Billings tonight.\u00a0 Been fun, but Lupe wouldn’t see her friend Jobe Wymore again this year.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was off for parts unknown!\u00a0 W of Butte, SPHP turned S on I-15.\u00a0 Never been here before!\u00a0 Let the next adventure begin!<\/p>\n

8-14-20, 11:40 AM, Hwy 43<\/em> –\u00a0 The Big Hole River was plenty wide, but not terribly deep.\u00a0 Peering into the water, the rocks forming the river bottom were all slimy and green, thick with long strands of algae swaying in the current.\u00a0 Slippery!\u00a0 Lupe did not venture in, preferring to admire the river’s sparkling surface from a dry rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Checking out the Big Hole River<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hwy 43 ended at a “T” intersection with Hwy 93 at Lost Trail Pass along the Idaho – Montana border.\u00a0 Sticking with Montana, SPHP turned N.\u00a0\u00a0 At Conner came a L (W) turn on West Fork Road, a shortcut which crossed both the E and W Forks of the Bitterroot River en route to Hwy 473.<\/p>\n

Not far now!\u00a0 Heading SW on Hwy 473 for a couple of miles, an access point for the W Fork of the Bitterroot River appeared on the L just before the Trapper Creek Job Corps Center came into view on the R.\u00a0 Another 0.5 mile, and the highway crossed Trapper Creek.\u00a0 Immediately beyond it was a sign for a R turn saying “Forest Access Baker Lake”.<\/p>\n

8-14-20, 1:21 PM, W Fork of the Bitterroot River<\/em> – Lupe waded in the cool, clear cool waters of the Bitterroot River.\u00a0 No slimy green algae coating the rocks here!\u00a0 Every pebble on the bottom stood out in crisp, watery relief.\u00a0 SPHP waded in with the Carolina Dog for a few minutes, but she was soon more interested in a squirrel scolding her from the trees above the riverbank than cooling off.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
W Fork of the Bitterroot River<\/strong> at the access point across Hwy 473 from the Trapper Creek Job Corps Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP relaxed on a tiny sandy beach.\u00a0 It had been too early to want to head up to the Baker Lake trailhead, so upon finding the access road, SPHP had simply turned around.\u00a0 Tempting to take a swim, but the trip journal needed attention.\u00a0 Two hours listening to the soothing rippling waters zoomed by.\u00a0 Loop would have preferred to continue the squirrel siege, but really hadn’t been making any progress with it.\u00a0 In any case, it was time to move on.<\/p>\n

According to the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, the Baker Lake access road left Hwy 473 as USFS Road No. 363.\u00a0 After crossing a big meadow, proof appeared on the R as the road turned up into the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Yup! This is the right way, alright!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A mile from the highway, a big sign at a junction with Baker Lloyd Road (No. 5629) said 9 miles to the Baker Lake trail.\u00a0 SPHP continued straight, sticking with No. 363, which by now was climbing steadily and getting both washboardy and very dusty.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with Baker Lloyd Road, which isn’t the way to go.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another mile on No. 363 led to a spot where roads curved both L and R.\u00a0 Directly ahead on a hillside was a “363”, apparently meant for the road going off to the L.\u00a0 Instead, SPHP made a sharp R turn onto a road with a small sign saying “5634” with a hiking symbol below it.<\/p>\n

The 8 miles on USFS Road No. 5634 were an adventure of their own!\u00a0 Nearly the entire way the road wound crazily or made long switchbacks along a steep forested slope.\u00a0 The rate of climb was never worrisome, in fact, parts of the route were level or close to it, yet the whole drive was unnerving, especially where openings appeared in the forest.\u00a0 It was then possible to see the plunging mountainside and a vast airy expanse over to mountains miles to the E, mountains no higher than where the G6 now crept cautiously along.<\/p>\n

However, the true source of anxiety was the extreme narrowness of the road, which produced a greatly heightened sense of always being on the brink.\u00a0 No. 5634 was fine for one vehicle, but what if another was met on its way down the mountain?\u00a0 The prospect of having to back down for who knew how far was dreadful, yet it must happen all the time.<\/p>\n

An answer came 3 miles into the journey.\u00a0 A vehicle did appear coming the other way.\u00a0 Luck of the Dingo!\u00a0 A Jeep!\u00a0 No way two vehicles could pass on the road at this point, but the Jeep pulled almost entirely off the road leaning at a 40\u00ba angle on the uphill slope.\u00a0 The G6 squeezed past.<\/p>\n

Onward!\u00a0 G6, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Should have come up earlier in the day!\u00a0 3 more times vehicles appeared heading down.\u00a0 Luckily, all these instances occurred at points where it actually was possible to sneak by, the only abuse suffered by the G6 the rude scraping of tree branches along the passenger side.<\/p>\n

8-14-20, 4:02 PM, Baker Lake trailhead<\/em> –\u00a0 The Baker Lake trailhead proved to be little more than a long wide spot where USFS Road No. 5634 simply dead-ended.\u00a0 Room enough to carefully turn around, if the joint wasn’t too overrun already, which it might have been if those 4 vehicles that had already departed had still been up here.<\/p>\n

SPHP did turn around, parking the G6 facing back out as close to the exit as possible.\u00a0 Might help avoid getting hemmed in when the time came to depart!\u00a0 An hour after leaving Hwy 473, the American Dingo hopped out.\u00a0 If Loopster was as relieved as SPHP to finally be here, she gave no indication of it.<\/p>\n

A short stroll past pickups and SUV’s to the end of the road led to the usual display of rules and regulations, but little of interest specific to this location.\u00a0 Hours yet until the sun would set, but here on the E side of the mountain, much was already in shadow.\u00a0 20 feet beyond the display, a well-worn single track trail curved up into the sullen deep green gloom of tall densely-packed conifers.<\/p>\n

The evening wore on.\u00a0 By nightfall, only 5 vehicles remained.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Baker Lake trailhead<\/strong> at the end of USFS Road No. 5634. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-15-20, 7:55 AM, 52\u00baF, Baker Lake trailhead<\/em> – Morning sunlight filtering through the trees completely dispelled yesterday’s gloom as Lupe set off for Baker Lake on Trail No. 234.\u00a0 The trail began with a short steep climb W or SW through thick forest before leveling out as it turned S.\u00a0 Upon reaching a small clearing, the trail started switchbacking higher.\u00a0 Before long, Looper came to a huge rock formation out in a larger opening.<\/p>\n

This must be Baker Point!\u00a0 Lupe scrambled partway up for a look.\u00a0 Kind of hazy out, especially to the E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set out from the Baker Lake trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Baker Point<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Baker Point, Lupe reached the start of a broad ridge sloping slowly, but steadily higher.\u00a0 The trail headed WNW along this ridge passing through a more open forest of younger trees.\u00a0 After gaining perhaps 200 feet of elevation, the trail left the ridgeline to head more directly W or WSW along a slope N of the Baker Creek valley, flattening out as it did so, and even losing elevation in spots.<\/p>\n

Glimpses of the ridge to the SW that Lupe ultimately needed to get over to began appearing.\u00a0 Eventually, Loop caught sight of towering cliffs on the E face of East Trapper Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,928 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the younger forest past Baker Point.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The ridge on the L leads to Trapper Peak. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After losing 80 feet of elevation, a big opening was reached on the N (R) side of the trail.\u00a0 This region contained many huge rocks that had long ago crumbled ago from the ridge the trail had abandoned, the top of which was now in sight at least 100 feet higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below the ridge the trail had abandoned. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this low point, the trail began climbing again as it wound among boulders and tree roots in an older forest.\u00a0 Close to Baker Lake exposed slabs of rounded bedrock appeared.\u00a0 With so much rock about, the forest was more dispersed.\u00a0 Upon reaching Baker Creek, Loop crossed a bridge of three small logs before following the stream to its source.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Boulders, tree roots, and an older, denser forest en route to Baker Lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Slabs of bedrock appeared shortly before reaching Baker Lake. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the 3 log bridge over Baker Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Baker Creek<\/strong> was small, but quite scenic flowing over exposed bedrock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe found Baker Lake tucked away in a spectacular setting!\u00a0 Large rock formations bordered the E and S shores, and magnificent mature forests encircled the lake wherever sufficient soil was present.\u00a0 Huge protective ridges pressed in from the N and S, and off to the W was a splendid view of the E face of East Trapper Peak.\u00a0 Mirror smooth, the lake doubled the grandeur of its surroundings in near perfect reflections.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Baker Lake<\/strong>. East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another angle. East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo Looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak<\/strong> from Baker Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Evidently, Baker Lake is a popular destination.\u00a0 Exploring boulders and bedrock along the E shore, Lupe saw colorful tents and hammocks both nearby, and over on the W side of the lake.\u00a0 However, getting to Baker Lake was merely a good start to the day for the peakbagging Dingo.<\/p>\n

Trapper Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,157 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was Lupe’s destination.\u00a0 Unseen, except for the E summit, Trapper Peak was still another 2,300+ feet higher and 2 miles away.\u00a0 There was actually an official Trapper Peak trail No. 133 that came up the mountain’s humongous SE ridge, but the Baker Lake route that Lupe was taking was shorter, more scenic, and required 640 feet less elevation gain.<\/p>\n

The whole trick to making the Baker Lake route work was to get up onto the ridge S of the lake, which was merely a different part of the same SE ridge the official trail went up.\u00a0 However, the topo map showed the N face of this ridge being very steep for 200+ feet.\u00a0 Didn’t look so bad from here at the lake, though.\u00a0 Lupe headed for it, staying somewhat E of the lake following an easy route higher along bedrock slabs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The ridge Lupe had to get up onto as seen from Baker Lake<\/strong>. The route up is just to the R of the big pine tree at L. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the bedrock slabs heading for the E end of the ridge<\/strong> (Center). This region is SSE of Baker Lake<\/strong>. Much better than going due S from the lake. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP had previously seen GPS tracks of routes others had successfully tried from Baker Lake.\u00a0 Nearly all of them went up toward the lower E end of the part of the ridge closest to the lake.\u00a0 A shaded area full of trees could be seen between two cliffy spots as Lupe got closer.\u00a0 Figuring this was the way to go, suspicions were soon confirmed by the discovery of a use trail near the bottom of the slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Aim for the dark area<\/strong> (L of Center) between the cliffy spots!<\/em> Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the base of the climb, which is just to the R of these cliffs. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slope the use trail went up was steep, very steep, but not all that rocky.\u00a0 SPHP clung to trees, branches, bushes – basically whatever was available, whenever available.\u00a0 With 4 on the floor, Loopster had no trouble.\u00a0 Near the top, the rate of climb diminished.\u00a0 Gonna make it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Made in the shade! The use trail flattens out just beyond Lupe. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Up on top, a large pile of deadfall was near the big flat spot where the use trail came up.\u00a0 The use trail turned R here, heading W just S of a line of cliffs.\u00a0 However, before going that way, Lupe scrambled over some of the deadfall to a rocky high point visible just a little to the NE.\u00a0 This high point featured several large dead trees, and was a terrific viewpoint.\u00a0 Baker Lake could be seen from here, as well as both East Trapper Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,928 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and North Trapper Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,801 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the viewpoint NE of where the use trail reached the ridgeline. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Baker Lake<\/strong> (Center) from above. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (L) and North Trapper Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reaching the ridgeline meant that the only tricky part of the ascent was over, but the Carolina Dog still had a long way to go.\u00a0 Returning to the use trail, she now followed it W through a forest different from the one down by Baker Lake.\u00a0 Up here, the trees were smaller, more spaced out, and many were dead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the use trail higher. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The use trail gained elevation at an easy to moderate pace that didn’t vary much.\u00a0 Every now and then, Lupe ventured N to the edge of the cliffs to check out the views.\u00a0 She finally came to a point where Middle Lake was in sight, along with just a glimpse of Gem Lake above it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Middle Lake<\/strong> (near Lupe’s head). East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (L) and North Trapper Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Close to this viewpoint, the terrain steepened as Loop climbed a ridge of light-colored talus.\u00a0 These rocks tended to be flattish, which made them an easier scramble than they might otherwise have been.\u00a0 Lichens gave all the rocks on top of the ridge a mottled dark gray and light green cast.<\/p>\n

This ridge was HP8768<\/span><\/strong> on the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 Ahead was a chasm due to a large notch in the main ridge, and a terrific view of East Trapper Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing the light-colored talus ridge. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (R) from HP8768<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe now had to veer SW along the talus ridge to avoid the chasm.\u00a0 The talus slowed things down, but eventually played out.\u00a0 Back in the forest, Loop soon turned W again, quickly regaining the elevation she’d lost leaving HP8768<\/span><\/strong> and more.<\/p>\n

By now the use trail was intermittent, but the overall route was clear.\u00a0 The open forest and moderate pace of climb made travel relatively easy.\u00a0 Lupe kept heading W, constantly gaining elevation.\u00a0 Eventually the line of cliffs to the N began to curve NW.<\/p>\n

A high point of light-colored rocks now appeared near the edge, but the terrain steepened rapidly in that direction, and a young densely-packed forest made attaining that high point difficult.\u00a0 Abandoning the attempt to follow the cliffs any farther, Lupe took a course more to the WNW.<\/p>\n

The forest soon began to thin.\u00a0 Suddenly it ended.\u00a0 A few thin lines of stunted trees ran down a long slope of scattered rocks and loose soil.\u00a0 Directly ahead were several distant high points.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Oh, I think that’s it, SPHP! Trapper Peak<\/strong> (L)<\/em>! Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wandering higher on the vast open slope beyond the forest, Lupe now had views of mountains to the SW.\u00a0 A ridge of dark stone appeared to the N, the summit of East Trapper Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,928 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Instead of going to it, the American Dingo aimed for the saddle leading to Trapper Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the open on Trapper Peak’s vast SE slope<\/strong>. HP9587<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below East Trapper Peak’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way to the saddle, Lupe came across the official Trapper Peak trail No. 133 bound for the same destination.\u00a0 By then, she didn’t have much farther to go.\u00a0 The broad flat saddle between East Trapper Peak and Trapper Peak proved to be terrain similar to the giant slope Looper had just come up, a rock-strewn plain of gritty loose soil and short, sparse vegetation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Trapper Peak<\/strong>. Trail No. 133 (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak<\/strong> from the saddle. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before heading for Trapper Peak’s summit, Lupe ventured over to the N edge of the saddle.\u00a0 Here, beyond a giant cirque, was a tremendous view of a series of rugged peaks and jagged ridges extending from North Trapper Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,801 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> all the way to El Capitan<\/span><\/a> (9,983 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
El Capitan<\/strong> (far L) and North Trapper Peak<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the W end of the saddle, the official Trapper Peak trail vanished as far as SPHP could tell.\u00a0 Two high points were visible ahead, the more distant one clearly higher than than the one Lupe faced at the moment.\u00a0 Gonna be slow going!\u00a0 All talus from here on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the W end of the saddle, approaching the talus-covered slopes leading to the summit. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe hadn’t seen anyone along the entire Baker Lake route except right at Baker Lake, but the official Trapper Peak trail was busy.\u00a0 Hikers were coming and going.\u00a0 From here, most seemed to head W right over this first high point.\u00a0 Following their example, Looper did the same.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the talus slope leading to the first high point. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the top, which turned out to be a series of mini high points along a talus ridge modestly higher toward the W, the next high point ahead was in full view.\u00a0 Definitely the true summit!\u00a0 Whether coming up onto this first ridge was really the best route or not seemed doubtful.\u00a0 At the W end, the American Dingo faced a short, but very steep down climb in big talus to get to a minor saddle leading to the final ascent.<\/p>\n

Maybe it would have been better to stay lower simply skirting this ridge to the S?\u00a0 Hard to say.\u00a0 Didn’t matter now.\u00a0 Lupe did what she had to do.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit of Trapper Peak<\/strong> (Center) from the first high point. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (L) from the E end of the first high point<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the W end of the first high point<\/strong> with the final ascent dead ahead! Getting down to the saddle leading to it was trickier than it looks. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-15-20, 1:18 PM, Trapper Peak<\/em> – Made it!\u00a0 Well, almost.\u00a0 Having scrambled up from the S, Lupe was now a little SW of the true summit, maybe 20 or 25 feet below it.\u00a0 Quite a few people around.\u00a0 Lots up on top.\u00a0 Still early, the Carolina Dog could wait for them to clear out.\u00a0 Time for a rest, anyway.\u00a0 Except for a bit of haziness, the weather was perfect.<\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 That was SPHP’s opinion.\u00a0 The American Dingo was hot.\u00a0 While SPHP found a perch from which to enjoy the views, Loop searched for a comfortable spot with a bit of shade.\u00a0 None!\u00a0 Giving up on finding any, Lupe finally plunked herself down on a patch of dirt to pant and snap at flies.\u00a0 A couple bowls of water provided at least some relief.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Don’t happen to have a parasol in that backpack, do you, SPHP?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A little SW of where Lupe and SPHP were hanging out, an airy platform of rock provided a tremendous vantage point.\u00a0 Like the true summit, it was occupied.\u00a0 However, when it eventually opened up, Loop went over that way for a look around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Airy platform<\/strong> (L) before it got vacated. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Due to some big cracks, as close to the airy platform as Loop got. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the S and SW, Boulder Peak <\/span><\/a>(9,804 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, East Boulder Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,480 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and HP9587<\/span><\/strong> stood out.\u00a0 Beyond them a huge expanse of lesser peaks and ridges stretched to the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP9578<\/span><\/strong> (L), East Boulder Peak<\/strong> (Center) and Boulder Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP9578<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Due N, and more than 2,500 feet lower, a good chunk of Cave Lake was visible.\u00a0 Sugarloaf Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,586 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> towered a couple of ridges past it, while El Capitan<\/span><\/a> (9,983 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> dominated the scene farther NNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cave Lake<\/strong> (R of Center), Sugarloaf Peak<\/strong> (Center), & El Capitan<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
El Capitan<\/strong>. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Summit from close to the airy platform. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People continually came and went.\u00a0 Most stayed up at the true summit only a little while before moving on, but a few lingered for a long time.\u00a0 Lupe was patient, but the summit was never unoccupied.\u00a0 More than 1.5 hours drifted by.<\/p>\n

Alright.\u00a0 Ready or not, maybe it was time for action?\u00a0 Despite a couple in the middle of enjoying a picnic up there, SPHP encouraged Loopster to proceed.\u00a0 On a mountain this busy, complete privacy was a luxury.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Guess we’re going to go barge in at the top now!<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back on the way to the true summit. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Memorial stone near the summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looper got high, very high!\u00a0 But not quite all the way to the tippy top yet.\u00a0 East Trapper Peak was in view again, and so was the entire SE ridge that the official Trapper Peak trail comes up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (L of Center) and the first high point on the way up<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Trail No. 133 comes up the long slope in the foreground. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP kept inching closer to the picnickers.\u00a0 They finished eating, but the woman started calling people on her cell phone.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Loopster discovered a survey benchmark, and got up on one of the very highest rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The first of 2 survey benchmarks Lupe found on Trapper Peak.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Just a foot or two lower than the true summit. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe had been waiting for a turn on the summit rock for nearly 2 hours now.\u00a0 The couple was sitting right next to it.\u00a0 SPHP finally apologized for the intrusion, as Loop leapt up to the true summit.\u00a0 Close to the highest point, another survey benchmark was attached to this rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
True summit of Trapper Peak<\/strong>. El Capitan<\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The “Trapper” survey benchmark.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
How’s this for a view? We’re higher than El Capitan<\/strong> (Center) and everything else around here!<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fortunately, the couple was friendly.\u00a0 They didn’t mind Lupe being up here, too.\u00a0 The American Dingo took the liberty of going past them to get over to the best view of North and East Trapper Peaks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
North Trapper Peak<\/strong> (L) and East Trapper Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
More of the chasm between them. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unfortunately, the phone conversations quickly headed S.\u00a0 Suddenly, the woman was weeping as she spoke with her mother.\u00a0 Awkward, but the situation didn’t last.\u00a0 Trapper Peak’s joyful mood had been ruined for the couple.\u00a0 They left, heading down the mountain.<\/p>\n

Sad that their Trapper Peak experience ended that way, but it worked for Lupe.\u00a0 For the first time she had the true summit all to herself.\u00a0 Still people not too far away, so the Carolina Dog better enjoy it while she could.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In dramatic solitude at the true summit<\/strong>! Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
More of the summit region. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking WSW now.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking W with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-15-20, 3:29 PM, Trapper Peak<\/em> – The true summit photo shoot hadn’t taken long, but Loop had now been at or near the top of Trapper Peak for over 2 fabulous hours.\u00a0 So this was it, the inevitable moment of truth.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Trapper Peak<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the return was simply a matter of retracing the same basic Baker Lake route, Lupe changed things up a bit, making new discoveries and having new experiences along the way.<\/p>\n

After scrambling down to the little saddle between Trapper Peak and the first high point to the E, Loop followed a trail S, losing elevation instead of going up and over that talus ridge.\u00a0 Once she turned E, cairns were all over the place, but still no path.\u00a0 Just a jumble of large talus, same as the ridgeline had been.<\/p>\n

So, no matter which route was taken, it was simply a time-consuming talus trek over to the big saddle W of East Trapper Peak.\u00a0 Once Lupe got there, instead of jumping on the official Trapper Peak trail to start down the enormous SE slope, Lupe climbed East Trapper Peak<\/span><\/a> (9,928 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 This was easily accomplished from close to the SE end of the summit ridge where she didn’t have to do much scrambling.<\/p>\n

For no more effort than it took, the side jaunt up East Trapper Peak was very worthwhile!\u00a0 The views of Trapper Peak were splendid, and even Baker Lake and most of the route back to it were visible from up here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trapper Peak<\/strong> from East Trapper Peak. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
North Trapper Peak<\/strong> (Center) and El Capitan<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
East Trapper Peak summit region<\/strong> with Trapper Peak<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Baker Lake<\/strong> (L). The route back circles along the top of the cliff line. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the return, those boots started bothering SPHP’s paws again.\u00a0 Lupe suffered no such inconveniences.\u00a0 Once back in the forest, the Carolina Dog had a blast racing about searching for squirrels, while SPHP hobbled after her.<\/p>\n

The talus ridge at HP8768<\/span><\/strong> was easily avoided.\u00a0 However, this success was completely overshadowed by a mistake SPHP made descending the very steep slope leading down to Baker Lake.<\/p>\n

Instead of staying toward the E (R), halfway down SPHP led Loop down a path more to the W.\u00a0 This missed the nice trek on the slabs Lupe had taken earlier in the day that would have gotten her back to Baker Lake with little difficulty.\u00a0 The American Dingo dropped much further down into a jungle of deadfall, boulders, bogs, and hollows.\u00a0 SPHP endured a lot of useless thrashing about before reaching the S shore of Baker Lake.<\/p>\n

8-15-20, 8:40 PM, Baker Lake trailhead<\/em> – Whew!\u00a0 What a day!\u00a0 Even Lupe was acting tired as SPHP limped gingerly to the G6.\u00a0 The Trapper Peak adventure wasn’t over yet.\u00a0 One more thing to do.\u00a0 After getting Loopster fed and the pack stuffed back into the G6, SPHP opened a Coke and a box of Dots, then turned the key.<\/p>\n

In the morning, vehicles would be coming up super narrow USFS Road No. 5634.\u00a0 Now was the time to get back down to the highway.\u00a0 Twilight faded to black on the 8 mile Coke slurping, Dot munching journey back to USFS Road No. 363.\u00a0 Slowly, cautiously!\u00a0 Still took a long time, but the experience was much less nerve-wracking in the dark without those daunting views or oncoming vehicles to worry about.<\/p>\n

Success!\u00a0 Took the better part of an hour, but so what?\u00a0 The American Dingo could now spend the night twitching and dreaming of her Trapper Peak adventures at the access area along the beautiful W Fork of the Bitterroot River.\u00a0 And why not?\u00a0 That was SPHP’s plan, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trapper Peak<\/strong>, Bitterroot Range, Montana 8-15-20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2020<\/span> Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Utah & Montana Adventure Inde<\/strong>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/a><\/span> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 10 & 11 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana! 8-14-20, Daybreak, 32\u00baF, Upper Taylor Fork trailhead, Madison Range, MT – Just getting light out.\u00a0 The sun wouldn’t be up for a while yet.\u00a0 Jobe was up already, busily rearranging gear in his Rubicon when SPHP came to.\u00a0 Lupe … Continue reading Trapper Peak, Bitterroot Range, Montana (8-15-20)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30861,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1293],"tags":[105,1354,1353,106,26,104,417,1352],"class_list":["post-30865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-summer-of-2020","tag-american-dingo","tag-baker-lake","tag-bitterroot-range","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-montana","tag-trapper-peak"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_7755.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30865","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=30865"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30865\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49527,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30865\/revisions\/49527"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}