{"id":38543,"date":"2022-04-28T08:10:43","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T14:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=38543"},"modified":"2022-05-08T10:09:53","modified_gmt":"2022-05-08T16:09:53","slug":"gray-wolf-ridge-olympic-mountains-washington-8-18-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=38543","title":{"rendered":"Gray Wolf Ridge, Olympic Mountains, Washington (8-18-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 13 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!<\/em><\/p>\n

11:15 AM, USFS Road No. 2870 (2860?), Olympic Peninsula – <\/em>Two s<\/em>igns by the turn onto the side road made no mention USFS Road No. 120, or the Upper Dungeness trailhead, but this had to be the turn SPHP was looking for, didn’t it?\u00a0 Going to give it a whirl.<\/p>\n

Level, or close to it most of the way, the narrow side road traversed a steep, forested mountainside.\u00a0 Thankfully, no oncoming traffic!\u00a0 SPHP was glad when a roomy parking area appeared more than 1.5 miles in.<\/p>\n

Think we’ve arrived, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of USFS Road No. 120 to the Upper Dungeness trailhead. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Upper Dungeness trailhead<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:11 PM, 65\u00baF, Upper Dungeness trailhead –<\/em> Finally ready, SPHP strapped on the pack.\u00a0 Despite leaving the North Cascades while it was still dark this morning, it was already noon.\u00a0 Not good.\u00a0 Regardless, Lupe set off for the end of USFS Road No. 120, coming to a smaller, shadier parking area only 100 feet from the big one.<\/p>\n

The road ended at the far end of this smaller lot.\u00a0 No signage here, either, but next to a big stump, a trail headed into the forest.<\/p>\n

Look at these blue skies, SPHP!\u00a0 Have to admit, taking the ferry back to the Olympic Peninsula was a great idea!\u00a0 Where are we going, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

Silly to be going anywhere this late in the day, Loop.\u00a0 It’s a big climb!\u00a0 We’ll shoot for Baldy<\/span><\/a> (6,827 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, though, at a minimum.\u00a0 Think we can do that.<\/em><\/p>\n

And what would be the maximum, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

The real prize is Gray <\/span>Wolf Ridge<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (7,218 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Loopster!\u00a0 Would love to get there, but it’s a long way.\u00a0 Guess we’ll just have to see how feasible it looks from Baldy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Gray Wolf Ridge!\u00a0 It’ll be Brown & White Dingo Ridge by the time I’m through with it, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Hah!\u00a0 I hope you’re right, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of the trail at the end of USFS Road No. 120. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The “big climb” started off with an easy stroll down to Mueller Creek, the only water Lupe would come to today.\u00a0 Wading through the stream, the Carolina Dog wisely helped herself to a cold drink before continuing up the opposite bank.\u00a0 After a 20 foot rise, the single track trail leveled out on an old roadbed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way to Mueller Creek.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wading across Mueller Creek<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first the roadbed was shady, but Lupe soon came to a sunnier stretch.\u00a0 200 yards past Mueller Creek, a few sticks across the road marked where she needed to leave it.\u00a0 A distinct trail veered off to the R here, climbed 20 or 30 feet, then leveled out, paralleling the now unseen lower route for 200 or 300 feet, before turning W (R) directly up the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the initial shady stretch of the roadbed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The side trail, close to where it left the road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A long steep climb had begun.\u00a0 Not super steep, but steep enough.\u00a0 SPHP paused frequently for breathers.\u00a0 The trail was easy to follow as Lupe climbed steadily higher.\u00a0 Few curves or switchbacks to ease the rate of ascent.\u00a0 Leafy plants covered the floor of a fairly open forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gaining 350 feet of elevation, the American Dingo reached another old roadbed.\u00a0 25 feet to the R, a rotten log across this road marked where the trail continued higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the rotten log on the upper roadbed. Trail continues to the L from here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Believe I read about this spot online, Loop.\u00a0 We’re at about 3,550 feet here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Is that good, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 A bit better than where we started out, but we’re just getting started!<\/em><\/p>\n

From the rotten log, the trail ran up a short slope of packed dirt before vanishing into the forest.\u00a0 Nothing would change now until Lupe got at least another 2,000 feet higher.\u00a0 Still heading directly up a ridge that looked virtually the same as the rest of the mountainside, Loop charged up the trail as fast as SPHP’s heart, lungs, and legs would allow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the packed dirt slope above the rotten log.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No views, only trees.\u00a0 The character of the forest varied somewhat from one region to the next, but these changes were more subtle than abrupt.\u00a0 Up every step of the way!\u00a0 No flat or downhill stretches.\u00a0 In some places, young trees crowded the path, in others, the forest was more open.<\/p>\n

Relentlessly steep!\u00a0 SPHP paused frequently for breathers.\u00a0 The good news was that the trail was always easy to follow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The long climb.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe eventually passed a wooden “No Stoves Beyond This Point” sign.\u00a0 Checking the topo map, SPHP decided that might mean she’d reached the wilderness boundary at roughly 4,800 feet.\u00a0 A while later, a white sign with black lettering was spotted somewhat off the trail.\u00a0 That one said simply “National Forest Boundary”.<\/p>\n

The steepest part was early on, but the average rate of ascent diminished so slowly that change was virtually imperceptible for a long way.\u00a0 Not until the trail finally began trending NW, instead of W, did improvement become more noticeable.<\/p>\n

Loop had already gained a lot of elevation by the time a small clearing appeared ahead.\u00a0 The trail curved L, bypassing it, but this seemed like a good spot to take a break.\u00a0 The opening was level, round, and covered with small flat rocks.\u00a0 A heavily forested high point a few hundred feet higher was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the clearing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chocolate coconut bar, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Thought you’d never ask, SPHP!\u00a0 How are we doing, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hard to say, Looper, but we must have made decent progress by now.<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to the trail, Lupe encountered something she hadn’t before.\u00a0 Just past the small clearing, several big trees had fallen across the trail.\u00a0 Didn’t affect the Carolina Dog at all.\u00a0 She trotted below the mess, while SPHP had to crawl over it, or circle by off-trail.\u00a0 Happily, deadfall was confined to this one little section.<\/p>\n

The trail was clear again as the American Dingo continued on.\u00a0 The rate of ascent was finally starting to slow enough to make a difference.\u00a0 The forest was beginning to thin out, too.\u00a0 Lupe started coming to clearings where Tyler Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,364 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight off to the NE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Tyler Peak<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail steepened again before finally leveling out.\u00a0 Progress was rapid along this flat stretch, which went on for quite a long way.\u00a0 Eventually, a partially open hillside appeared ahead.\u00a0 Leaving the forest, Loopster climbed through a meadow of dry grass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the flat stretch. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the steep meadow. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the meadow. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking W (L), the meadow extended 500 feet higher, all the way up to Peak<\/span> 6531<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 The American Dingo could have gone straight up to it, but SPHP felt the trail was plenty steep enough.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6531<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After crossing the meadow, the trail continued along the edge of the next forest, entering it shortly before reaching a ridgeline.\u00a0 Lupe promptly came to a junction.<\/p>\n

R was the way to Tyler Peak.\u00a0 Lupe instead turned L, starting what was now only a 300 foot climb up to Peak 6531.\u00a0 Quickly emerging from the forest, there was a fairly flat part of the meadow off to the L.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Out on the flat part of the meadow. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6531<\/strong> from the relatively flat region. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail to Peak 6531, however, stayed toward the R along the NW edge of the ridge.\u00a0 As she climbed, Looper could now see Baldy<\/span><\/a> (6,827 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, her minimum objective, off to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Baldy<\/strong> (Center) from the trail up Peak 6531. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Halfway up Peak 6531<\/strong> from the flat part of the meadow. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:02 PM, Peak<\/span> 6531<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe stood on a little rock outcropping enjoying a terrific view of Tyler Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,364 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The Strait of Juan de Fuca, many islands, and even parts of Canada were visible beyond it, but the view was quite hazy that far out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Tyler Peak<\/strong> (Center) from Peak 6531<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 6531’s summit was small, but the SW slope wasn’t steep, so there was plenty of room to relax.\u00a0 Pausing to rest for a few minutes, Loop had unobstructed views in all directions.\u00a0 0.7 mile due W, Baldy<\/span><\/a> (6,827 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was only 300 feet higher.\u00a0 Looked like an easy trek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Baldy<\/strong> (L of Center) is going to be a snap!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lots more to see here, too!\u00a0 An enormous ridge to the SE ran for miles, many peaks strung out along it.\u00a0 The Needles, a collection of even higher, rugged peaks, was visible to the SW beyond the end of the giant Royal Creek canyon.\u00a0 A closer peak, along the near side of that same canyon, caught the eye.<\/p>\n

The upper slopes were all gray.<\/p>\n

Is that it, SPHP?\u00a0 Gray Wolf Ridge<\/span><\/a> (7,218 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah!\u00a0 Gotta be, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s get to Baldy, and have a look!\u00a0 Maybe there’s still time to get to Gray Wolf before dark?<\/em><\/p>\n

Abandoning Peak 6531, Lupe headed W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for Baldy<\/strong> (R). Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The only potentially questionable part of the trek to Baldy was a forested stretch that might hide some rough ground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the forested region. Baldy<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Happily, the forested region proved no worse than the rest of the route.\u00a0 Following use trails, Lupe wound through it without difficulty.\u00a0 Once past the trees, all that remained was a 400 foot open trudge higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting up Baldy<\/strong> (R), Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Baldy’s easy E slope<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Baldy had a bit of an E shoulder, a rocky high point that seemed worth a stop along the way.\u00a0 Lupe scrambled up there for a quick look around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Baldy’s E shoulder<\/strong>. Tyler Peak<\/strong> (L). Peak 6531<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6531<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The E shoulder was a magnificent viewpoint in its own right, but wasn’t the top.\u00a0 Baldy’s summit was only 0.1 mile farther W now.\u00a0 A couple of minutes on the E shoulder, and the Carolina Dog was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Baldy’s summit<\/strong> from the E shoulder. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:50 PM, 57\u00baF, Baldy<\/span><\/a> (6,827 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – A semi-circular rock fortress, no doubt intended as a wind break, stood 15 feet N of a rocky true summit only modestly higher than the rest of the terrain.\u00a0 100 feet farther W, amid a slightly lower collection of rocks, one stood on end, seemingly marking the W end of the summit region.<\/p>\n

With fabulous views in all directions, just getting to Baldy was a worthy accomplishment itself!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The summit region<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the rock fortress. Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View from the W end. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Baldy’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Baldy true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Somewhat surprisingly, no cairns, no registry, no survey benchmarks.<\/p>\n

And that makes no difference to me, SPHP, but there better be a chocolate coconut bar!\u00a0 Baldy’s been a monster climb!\u00a0 How much elevation have we gained, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re in luck, when it comes to chocolate coconut bars, Looper!\u00a0 I’ll split one with you, and you can have some Taste of the Wild, too.\u00a0 Baldy is about 3,600 net feet of elevation gain from where we started.\u00a0 More like 3,800 feet total.<\/em><\/p>\n

No wonder I’m tired, SPHP!\u00a0 Mind if we rest here for a while?<\/em><\/p>\n

Feel the same way, Loop.\u00a0 I’m ready for a break, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

After dispatching the chocolate coconut bar, plus half of the Taste of the Wild supply, Lupe laid down on the dirt next to SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Resting on Baldy. Tyler Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Did you see that huge mountain way off to the SW, SPHP?\u00a0 The one with some big snowfields or glaciers on it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Believe that’s Mount Olympus<\/span><\/a> (7,969 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Loop.\u00a0 Kind of amazing to think that we can see it from here!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Olympus<\/strong> (R of Center) from Baldy. Photo looks SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suppose we’ll ever get to see Mount Olympus from Gray Wolf Ridge, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Tough question.\u00a0 Hard to say.\u00a0 Time was flying by.\u00a0 Gray Wolf Ridge was out there now, tantalizingly close, less than 1.5 miles away as the crow flies.\u00a0 The sight of it was absolutely inspiring, but energy and the will to do all that was required to get there seemed to be ebbing away.\u00a0 Baldy had done that.\u00a0 Maybe Baldy was good enough?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A mountain too far? Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Now or never, sweet puppy, or we’ll run out of time.\u00a0 Want to go for it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but not really, SPHP.\u00a0 Wish I had my Dingo wings.<\/em><\/p>\n

Reluctantly, Lupe followed SPHP down Baldy’s SW slope.\u00a0 At first, it was easy, but a lip was ahead.\u00a0 How steeply would the mountain drop away beyond it?\u00a0 Would it even be possible to get down to the saddle leading to Peak<\/span> 6520<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, a high point on the way to Gray Wolf Ridge, or would that require technical skills?\u00a0 Maybe SPHP would just chicken out?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the lip. Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Plenty steep, that was for sure.\u00a0 SPHP was a little doubtful.\u00a0 Not technical, though, just a long way down a fairly featureless slope.<\/p>\n

Oh, think I can manage this, Loop.\u00a0 Just going to pick my way down slow and easy.\u00a0 Have fun sniffing around!\u00a0 You’re going to have some time on your paws while I do this.<\/em><\/p>\n

Loose!\u00a0 A pile of scree gave way with every step.\u00a0 SPHP was consumed with guilt for destroying the mountain.\u00a0 Between channels of the loose stuff, ribbons of tundra held about half of the slope together.\u00a0 Which was worse?\u00a0 Trample the delicate tundra?\u00a0 Or erode away it’s weak nearby support by continuing to gouge it away?<\/p>\n

Both choices seemed bad.\u00a0 What seemed even worse was contemplating having to come back up this same slope later on in the dark.\u00a0 Sticking with the loose scree rather than the tundra, SPHP tried to banish the thought, concentrating on the task at paw.\u00a0 Plenty of evidence around that others had made this same choice, too.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Lupe wandered effortlessly back and forth along the slope as impulse and her nose led her.\u00a0 Almost as good as another rest break at the rate SPHP was going.<\/p>\n

At last the grade began to diminish.\u00a0 The worst was over.\u00a0 SPHP was able to pick up the pace.\u00a0 Reaching the saddle leading to Peak 6520, Loopster crossed it, and started up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down Baldy’s SW slope<\/strong>. Made in the shade by the time SPHP got this far! Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6520<\/strong> ahead. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back at Baldy<\/strong> from the saddle. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Growing weariness aside, the trek to the top of Peak 6520 was easy.\u00a0 Part of the way, a use trail stayed on loose scree to the R (NW) of a large intact strip of crunchy dry tundra that covered a long section of the ridgeline.<\/p>\n

6:11 PM, Peak<\/span> 6520<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> – The summit here was sort of like Peak 6531, a little bigger and flatter, perhaps, but equally barren and capped by a similar minor rock outcropping.\u00a0 Lupe made it clear that she wanted to rest, but there wasn’t time for that.<\/p>\n

Another big drop was ahead.\u00a0 Fortunately, not nearly as steep as coming down off Baldy had been.\u00a0 Unenthusiastically, the weary Carolina Dog went on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Baldy<\/strong> (Center) from Peak 6520<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong> (R) from Peak 6520<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the last saddle. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the low point.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back. Peak 6520<\/strong> (L), Baldy<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking SE from the saddle region.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Maybe it was the time of day, the slanting rays of the evening sun?\u00a0 Maybe it was the easier terrain after getting past Baldy?\u00a0 Or maybe the American Dingo now sensed the urgency SPHP felt?<\/p>\n

Whatever the reason, as Lupe crossed that last saddle S of Peak 6520 and started up Gray Wolf Ridge, something changed.\u00a0 Her former reluctance vanished.\u00a0 A second wind!\u00a0 Facing a 1,000 foot climb, energy, enthusiasm, and determination reappeared.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog willingly led the way.<\/p>\n

An initial short climb led to a level plain of dry tundra.\u00a0 Gray Wolf Ridge now loomed ahead, a trail snaking higher before veering R to angle up a long, steep slope of gray soil.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the tundra plain. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The path was narrow.\u00a0 Loose scree here, too, but beneath the surface, the soil was firm.\u00a0 Lupe climbed and climbed.\u00a0 SPHP trudged behind her.\u00a0 At last, it appeared possible to regain the ridgeline.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Not far from the ridgeline.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An odd cluster of rocks stuck out in all directions where Looper finally regained the ridge.\u00a0 Nearby a steep, but relatively short climb led up to a minor high point, a rocky knob from which the ridge ahead angled more toward the WSW.\u00a0 It all looked quite doable from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
First rocky knob along the upper ridge. Baldy<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not much farther!\u00a0 Less than 0.25 mile to the summit!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting near the end. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A relatively easy trudge WSW got Lupe up to a large rounded hump of soil and sparse tundra.\u00a0 The wind was blowing harder here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Baldy<\/strong> (L of Center) and Tyler Peak<\/strong> (R) from the windy hump. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking S, a worrisome sight.\u00a0 The hump became more of a ridge as it rose toward the prow of the mountain, a thick cap of off-white rock.<\/p>\n

Whether Lupe could get up that steep-sided cap was debatable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The prow from the hump. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe headed for the prow, SPHP felt that it might be best to turn SW along the base of the cap seeking a feasible route up.\u00a0 However, upon reaching the prow, a use trail angled only slightly R before vanishing as it led directly into the rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the prow. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Going for it! Climbing the prow. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Twice Lupe got stuck.\u00a0 Fortunately, SPHP was able to lift her high enough to get her past both otherwise insurmountable spots.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Waiting for SPHP after her 2nd boost.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Second boost did the trick!\u00a0 Only a short, easy stroll higher remained.<\/p>\n

7:45 PM, 55\u00baF, Gray Wolf Ridge<\/span><\/a> (7,218 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – An incredible, unforgettable half an hour was all Lupe would have before the sun would sink below the horizon.\u00a0 Terribly sad, yet thrilling!<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 Congratulations!\u00a0 Can’t believe we made it!\u00a0 We’re really here!\u00a0 Gray Wolf Ridge!\u00a0 Fabulous job, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

No wolves in sight, SPHP!\u00a0 Brown and white American Dingo Ridge at the moment!<\/em><\/p>\n

Ha, ha!\u00a0 Yes!\u00a0 I love it!\u00a0 Brown and white American Dingo Ridge it is!<\/em><\/p>\n

Gray Wolf Ridge’s summit was much smaller than SPHP expected.\u00a0 Two high points, so close to the same elevation that it was hard to say which might technically be the true summit, were at opposite ends of an 80 – 100 foot long ridge that cliffed out to the E, but sloped only moderately toward the W.<\/p>\n

A brass survey benchmark was attached to the top of a flat rock over by the N summit where Lupe stood now, as SPHP shook her paw.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gray Wolf Ridge N summit<\/strong>. Baldy<\/strong> (L), Tyler Peak<\/strong> (R). Survey benchmark visible on the rock R of Lupe. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The survey benchmark. Elevation shown, but sadly no “Gray Wolf” stamp.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The S summit was a more dangerous perch.\u00a0 The highest rock jutted out into space.\u00a0 Lupe got very close to it, but SPHP wouldn’t let her go quite all the way to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The airy S summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other than a chilly 10 mph W breeze, conditions were perfect!\u00a0 The air was clear. Nearby peaks could be seen with great clarity.\u00a0 A more than half full moon was well above the E horizon.\u00a0 After photos at both high points, Lupe and SPHP sat facing W toward the sinking sun.<\/p>\n

Look!\u00a0 No smoke, Loop!\u00a0 We’ve finally found the clear blue skies that we set out in search of when we left home.<\/em><\/p>\n

A rare moment on this Dingo Vacation, that’s for sure, SPHP!\u00a0 So glad we kept going!\u00a0 What a fabulous mountain!<\/em><\/p>\n

Celebration time!\u00a0 The third and final chocolate coconut bar vanished.\u00a0 Lupe polished off the rest of the Taste of the Wild supply.<\/p>\n

Trying to take it all in as much as possible while light remained, Loop and SPHP traipsed back and forth across the little summit ridge multiple times.\u00a0 Baldy and Tyler Peak stood out back to the NE.\u00a0 Two big peaks dominated to the SE.\u00a0 Mount Constance<\/span><\/a> (7,756 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 Warrior Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,320 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 SPHP didn’t know.<\/p>\n

Mount Walkinshaw<\/span><\/a> (7,378 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was closest of many jagged peaks to the S.\u00a0 The Needles region came next, then Mount Deception<\/span><\/a> (7,788 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Mount Mystery<\/span><\/a> (7,639 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was even farther S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S summit<\/strong> (L), Mount Mystery<\/strong> (Center), Mount Deception<\/strong> (R), The Needles<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Baldy<\/strong> (Center) and Tyler Peak<\/strong> (R) from the N summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Constance<\/strong> (far L?), Warrior Peak<\/strong> (L?), S summit<\/strong> (L of Center), Mount Mystery<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gray Wolf Ridge N summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Moment of glory on Brown & White American Dingo Ridge<\/strong>! Get it right, SPHP!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Deception<\/strong> (far L), The Needles<\/strong> (L), Mount Walkinshaw<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Precious minutes rapidly ticked away.\u00a0 Sadly, no pause button in real life.\u00a0 Some close ups, last glances at the tremendous views to the S, and Lupe stood for the final time near the S summit.\u00a0 Even the alpenglow was fading.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Mystery<\/strong> (Center), Mount Deception<\/strong> (R), The Needles<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Mystery<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Deception<\/strong> (L) and The Needles region<\/strong> (Center & R). Photo looks SSW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S summit<\/strong>. Final moments in the alpenglow. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The big show wasn’t over yet, though!\u00a0 Attention now shifted to the WNW where earth’s glowing star still hovered above the horizon.<\/p>\n

Sunset from Gray Wolf Ridge!\u00a0 We are so lucky, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sunset from Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Far to the SW was another amazing sight, a glacier-clad peak, mightiest of the entire Olympic Peninsula!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Olympus<\/strong> from Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The show went on, a once-in-a-lifetime must see event.\u00a0 A magnificent display it was!\u00a0 Transfixed, Lupe and SPHP stayed through the credits.\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

8:24 PM, Gray Wolf Ridge<\/em> – The world was gray.\u00a0 Clouds had moved in, borne by the chilly W wind.\u00a0 Still light out, but not for long.\u00a0 Dusk would be coming soon.\u00a0 Lupe stood by the pack close to the N summit.<\/p>\n

Sunset might be over and done with, but the American Dingo’s Gray Wolf Ridge adventure wasn’t.\u00a0 Gotta do it all over again, in reverse!<\/p>\n

Gah!\u00a0 Better get with it!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on the summit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A need for speed!\u00a0 Light was fading fast as SPHP grabbed the pack, sorry to be leaving Gray Wolf Ridge so soon, yet elated that Lupe had managed to arrive in time to have enjoyed the experience.\u00a0 A fond farewell to the mountain, then –<\/p>\n

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

Carefully, carefully, though!\u00a0 SPHP had trouble recognizing the lower spot where Lupe had been hoisted up the prow.\u00a0 Delay was not good, but SPHP finally figured it out, and helped the Carolina Dog down.\u00a0 An easy trek across the rounded hump, then ENE down along the upper ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Descending the upper ridge. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fading light made the descent tricky.\u00a0 SPHP kept losing the use trail.\u00a0 Lupe led the way, repeatedly finding it again, often much lower.<\/p>\n

Dark!\u00a0 The flashlight emerged before the Carolina Dog was completely down off Gray Wolf Ridge.\u00a0 At least the worst was behind her by then.\u00a0 Batteries were weak.\u00a0 SPHP didn’t bother with stopping to change them.<\/p>\n

A beautiful evening!\u00a0 Moonlight brightened the edges of clouds in the night sky, shedding a gleam on the mountain, too.\u00a0 Desperately weary, Lupe began climbing toward Peak 6520 again.\u00a0 Repeatedly pawing the back of SPHP’s legs, she politely begged for mercy.<\/p>\n

And so it was.\u00a0 Again and again.\u00a0 Resting while sitting in the dark on the bone dry tundra, watching the clouds sail by in the moonlit sky, as the W wind blew.\u00a0 Then on once more, a little farther, until the tap of the tired, gentle paw.\u00a0 Please stop!<\/em>\u00a0 Rinse and repeat.<\/p>\n

What had been easy during the day, now felt uncertain, dangerous.\u00a0 Hard to find the way, hard to judge distances, hard to stay oriented.\u00a0 Descents brought on fear of the abyss, that black void ahead.\u00a0 All these sudden drops.\u00a0 Careful!\u00a0 One step at a time!<\/p>\n

8-19-21, 12:07 AM, Baldy<\/em> – Mutually exhausted, Lupe nestled on SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 She’d perked up some during the trek up Baldy, but wanted to rest again now.\u00a0 For SPHP, coming up Baldy had been wretched, endless, but no more big climbs left.\u00a0 Going to be alright.\u00a0 Peak 6531 yet to come, but that wouldn’t be so bad.<\/p>\n

Layered up, SPHP sat facing away from the wind.\u00a0 What an amazing night!\u00a0 Clouds threatened the moon, but elsewhere, silver stars shone brightly.\u00a0 There were other lights, too.<\/p>\n

See that, Loop?\u00a0 All those glittering lights below?\u00a0 Civilization!\u00a0 That’s Port Angeles, and islands in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.\u00a0 Way out there, Canada, and the E shore of Puget Sound, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

Midnight on Baldy.\u00a0 Half delirious, it was like being in a dream.<\/p>\n

For a long time, no one moved.\u00a0 Then somehow, the summoned strength to carry on.<\/p>\n

SPHP was elated when Lupe reached the trail junction near the flat part of the meadow below Peak 6531.\u00a0 Maintained trail and downhill now all the rest of the way!<\/p>\n

That joy was premature.\u00a0 The trail had been fine, obvious on the way up, but SPHP couldn’t follow it in the dark.\u00a0 So frustrating!\u00a0 It kept vanishing in the meadow.\u00a0 Was Lupe too high or too low?\u00a0 Impossible to say.\u00a0 Up and down!\u00a0 Around and around.\u00a0 No luck.\u00a0 No clue.<\/p>\n

Two efforts both ended circling all the way back up to the trail junction.<\/p>\n

8-19-21, 2:52 AM, flat part of the meadow<\/em> – No more!\u00a0 Laying down on the dirt and thin grass, SPHP clicked off the flashlight.\u00a0 Gloves, hat, all layers on.\u00a0 Lupe huddled closer.<\/p>\n

Try to sleep, sweet puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearby, the cold wind sighed in the trees.<\/p>\n

8-19-21, 4:32 AM<\/em> – Shivering, SPHP woke.\u00a0 Black as pitch.\u00a0 Definitely colder now, the wind roaring.\u00a0 Where the Carolina Dog was still cuddled up, the only warmth in the world.\u00a0 Another hour and a half till dawn.<\/p>\n

How, you feeling, Loop?\u00a0 I can’t take this any longer.\u00a0 We have to move.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m lots better, SPHP.\u00a0 Ready when you are!<\/em><\/p>\n

Good!\u00a0 Changing the batteries in this flashlight.\u00a0 We’ll find that trail yet!<\/em><\/p>\n

Worked like a charm!<\/p>\n

8-19-21, 7:19 AM, 57\u00baF, Upper Dungeness trailhead<\/em> – Sunny and bright!\u00a0 SPHP moved the RAV4 to the shady part of the trailhead, fed a famished American Dingo, and chowed down, too.<\/p>\n

A beautiful morning, but neither Lupe nor SPHP were going to see any of the rest of it.\u00a0 Both off to Dingo Dreamland, climbing together forever, to see a blazing sunset high atop Gray Wolf Ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Gray Wolf Ridge<\/strong>, Olympic Mountains, Washington 8-18-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

GPS track by Kevin Lester (10-9-21)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2021<\/span> Dingo Vacations to New Mexico, Wyoming & the West Coast Adventure Inde<\/strong><\/span>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 13 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast! 11:15 AM, USFS Road No. 2870 (2860?), Olympic Peninsula – Two signs by the turn onto the side road made no mention USFS Road No. 120, or the Upper Dungeness trailhead, but this had to be the turn SPHP was looking … Continue reading Gray Wolf Ridge, Olympic Mountains, Washington (8-18-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38489,"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":[1416],"tags":[105,1529,106,26,1528,104,1530,511,501],"class_list":["post-38543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-baldy","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-gray-wolf-ridge","tag-lupe","tag-olympic-mountains","tag-olympic-peninsula","tag-washington"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/IMG_1895-scaled.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\/38543","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=38543"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38543\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40177,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38543\/revisions\/40177"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38489"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38543"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38543"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}