{"id":39627,"date":"2022-07-17T08:10:51","date_gmt":"2022-07-17T14:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=39627"},"modified":"2022-07-28T07:57:33","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T13:57:33","slug":"diamond-peak-cascade-range-oregon-8-28-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=39627","title":{"rendered":"Diamond Peak, Cascade Range, Oregon (8-28-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 23 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!<\/em><\/p>\n

Another day, another decision.\u00a0 The question, of course, as always, was how best to avoid the wildfire smoke?\u00a0 Skies were surprisingly blue over Odell Lake as the RAV4 headed NW over Willamette Pass (5,128 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>on Hwy 58.\u00a0 Maybe staying up among the higher peaks of the Cascades made some sense?<\/p>\n

Coming into Oakridge, the deciding factor was dead ahead.\u00a0 A partial view NW beyond the Cascades looked very smoky.<\/p>\n

Kind of the opposite of what I expected, Loop!\u00a0 Good thing we’re flexible.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, we’re not going to the Oregon coast, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, we will, but not today!\u00a0 I’m thinking Diamond Peak<\/span><\/a> (8,744 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Diamond Peak!\u00a0 Think we’ll find any diamonds, SPHP?\u00a0 You know what they say, diamonds are a Dingo’s best friend!<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 I thought I was your best friend, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re highly rated, SPHP, but don’t let it go to your head!<\/em><\/p>\n

S of Oakridge, Diamond Road (paved USFS Road No. 21)<\/em> wound along the Hills Creek Reservoir for miles, then continued up the Middle Fork of the Willamette River valley.\u00a0 A scenic drive to be sure, but a time consuming one, too.\u00a0 Indigo Springs campground was something like 30 miles from Oakridge, and the turn onto USFS Road No. 2154 came 3 miles later.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the L turn onto USFS Road No. 2154 off Diamond Road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a few miles, No. 2154 turned to gravel.\u00a0 A couple more miles, and No. 2160 appeared on the L, followed by a R turn onto No. 380, which went to Emigrant Pass, but Lupe never got that far.<\/p>\n

No. 380 was narrow, but good for only about a mile.\u00a0 Beyond a pond, the road became deeply rutted.\u00a0 SPHP had no intention of submitting Lupe’s new RAV4 to such abuse.\u00a0 This would have to do.<\/p>\n

12:53 PM, 69\u00baF, USFS Road No. 380<\/em> –\u00a0 The RAV4 was safely stashed near the pond.\u00a0 A smoke-tinged sky, but not bad at all.\u00a0 Looked quite blue.<\/p>\n

Let’s check out the pond, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Parked near the pond a mile E of the turn onto USFS Road No. 380.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Checking out the cool pond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kind of a mucky shoreline, but the remote little pond was nice.<\/p>\n

What do you think, SPHP?\u00a0 I like it!\u00a0 This is a great spot!<\/em><\/p>\n

I like it too, Loop.\u00a0 Hidden serenity!\u00a0 Have a question for you, though.\u00a0 We got here so late in the day, that we’re kind of forced to gamble one way or another.\u00a0 Diamond Peak is not a trivial undertaking.\u00a0 Over 6 miles one way from here, and close to 4,000 feet total elevation gain.\u00a0 Think we can get there before sunset.\u00a0 Still want to go for it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sunset on Diamond Peak would be awesome, SPHP, but that means we’d get back awfully late!\u00a0 Wouldn’t we be better off waiting until tomorrow?\u00a0 We could leave early in the morning, and be back before dark.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, ordinarily that would be the thing to do, Looper.\u00a0 However, we also have to consider what tomorrow might bring.\u00a0 If the wind shifts tonight, and all the smoke we saw rolls in, then what?\u00a0 We might have missed our shot at Diamond Peak entirely.\u00a0 The smoke is minimal right now.\u00a0 Who knows how long that will last?<\/em><\/p>\n

Extended debate was out.\u00a0 Decision time!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was willing to give it a shot.\u00a0 Diamond Peak<\/span><\/a> (8,744 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was a go!<\/p>\n

Could have walked the road another mile plus E over Emigrant Pass to the Pacific Crest Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a> near Summit Lake, but a Diamond Peak trailhead had been passed on the way in only 1\/8 mile back W along No. 380.\u00a0 The trailhead didn’t amount to much, scarcely a wide spot in the road, but it didn’t take long to get there.<\/p>\n

On the N side of No. 380, a sign saying Diamond Peak Trail No. 3699 stood on a sandy bank.\u00a0 Next to it a trail headed up into the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting off for Diamond Peak!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above the little sandy bank, the trail leveled out.\u00a0 Almost immediately, Lupe came to a registration station.\u00a0 Registration and a free, self-issued permit were required.\u00a0 Paperwork complete, SPHP consulted the posted map.\u00a0 Lots of trails shown, but only the Pacific Crest Trail actually got close to Diamond Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the registration station.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The posted Diamond Peak Wilderness map.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the registration station, Diamond Peak Trail No. 3699 was fairly level, an easy stroll N, then NW, through the forest.\u00a0 Less than 10 minutes got Lupe to a small pond.\u00a0 W of the pond, the trail gained elevation, then lost it again going past a large rock formation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Diamond Peak Trail No. 3699 beyond the registration station. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the pond. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once past the pond, Diamond Peak Trail No. 3699 continued N, most of the time gradually gaining elevation.\u00a0 Unlike other trails Lupe had been on in Oregon and Washington, No. 3699 looked seldom used, and had a fair amount of deadfall.\u00a0 Along a 50 foot stretch almost entirely hidden beneath deadfall, SPHP briefly lost the route.<\/p>\n

However, other than that one point, the trail was easy to follow.\u00a0 Lupe leapt over, or snuck under, whatever deadfall she came to.\u00a0 Nothing to see but trees.\u00a0 The forest went on and on, but progress was good.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At a small clearing. Lupe came to no significant ones.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A typical stretch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Diamond Peak Trail No. 3699 eventually steepened and turned NW.\u00a0 Nothing major, but Lupe gained 300 feet of elevation before it leveled out again.\u00a0 A short rest break was taken at a rotten log.\u00a0 Continuing on, the trail soon started downhill.<\/p>\n

Seemed like the Carolina Dog had been on No. 3699 for nearly 2 miles now.\u00a0 SPHP was starting to worry that a junction with Rockpile Trail No. 3632 might have been missed, when Lupe came to it.\u00a0 No. 3632 was a broad well-traveled path with nice new signage.\u00a0 Actually would have been hard to miss!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break by the rotten log.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the junction with Rockpile Trail No. 3632.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Spiffy new signage at the junction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After another short break at the intersection, Lupe headed E on Rockpile Trail No. 3632.\u00a0 Still in the forest, the trail climbed steadily at a moderate pace.\u00a0 No deadfall at all now.\u00a0 Even the forest had a groomed look to it.<\/p>\n

The trail soon turned NE, and before too long began to level out.<\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 Diamond Rockpile<\/span><\/a> (6,323 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> sure isn’t what I had envisioned.\u00a0 Just another hill in the forest.<\/em><\/p>\n

Diamond Rockpile?\u00a0 Where’s that, SPHP?\u00a0 Is that different from Diamond Peak?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, entirely different.\u00a0 Think we just passed Diamond Rockpile, Looper.\u00a0 This must be the saddle between it and the next hill NE, HP6310<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Trail went within 100 feet of the top.\u00a0 If we had more time, we would check it out, but we better keep going.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wait!\u00a0 We’re close to a diamond rockpile, and we aren’t even going to spend a few minutes filling your pockets with diamonds?\u00a0 That’s crazy, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sad, but true, Loopster.\u00a0 Price of our late start.\u00a0 We’ll have to be content with whatever diamonds we scoop up off Diamond Peak.\u00a0 Shouldn’t need tons of ’em, anyway.\u00a0 Even a single small diamond is pretty valuable.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond the saddle, Rockpile Trail No. 3632 climbed modestly, topping out while traversing HP6310<\/span><\/strong>‘s upper S slope.\u00a0 This high point provided the first distant view of the day, Cowhorn Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,664 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Sawtooth Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,301 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> beyond Summit Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
SW of HP6310<\/span><\/strong>, only minutes from the viewpoint. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cowhorn Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Sawtooth Mountain<\/strong> (R) beyond Summit Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the E end of HP6310<\/span><\/strong>, Trail No. 3632 started downhill.\u00a0 Lupe saw water in a clearing down in the valley the trail was heading for.\u00a0 Looked like what was left of a pond that was drying up.<\/p>\n

Another nicely signed trail junction was at the bottom of the hill.\u00a0 Marie Lake Trail No. 3632.2 went NW (L) bound for Marie Lake, which was less than 0.25 mile away.<\/p>\n

However, Lupe was destined to miss out on Marie Lake, too.\u00a0 Rockpile Trail No. 3632 went S (R) here, passing through the clearing Loop had seen earlier.\u00a0 The water was actually what remained of a stagnant stream, not a pond.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Initial glimpse of the clearing in the valley E of HP6310<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the valley, at the junction with spur Trail No. 3632.2 to Marie Lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage at the junction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Following the stagnant stream through the clearing. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe followed the stream through the clearing, but it soon veered off to the SE.\u00a0 Near the top of a sandy rise, the Carolina Dog came to another junction.\u00a0 Trail No. 3632.1 went SW (R) to Rockpile Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the sandy rise at the junction with Rockpile Lake Trail No. 3632.1. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Junction signage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ignoring this spur as well, Loopster stuck with Rockpile Trail No. 3632, which wound SE through a gently rolling region of fine, dusty soil where virtually nothing grew.\u00a0 This region was thinly forested with numerous small clearings.<\/p>\n

No. 3632 soon turned NE.\u00a0 By the time Lupe reached the next junction, the clearings and dusty soil were gone.<\/p>\n

Made it to the Pacific Crest Trail, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe saw no one, but voices could be heard off to the S.\u00a0 Kind of creepy!\u00a0 A clear plastic bag hung from the signpost.<\/p>\n

What’s in the bag, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Dunno, Loop, I’ll take a look.\u00a0 Hmm.\u00a0 Appears to be donated supplies for hikers on the PCT.\u00a0 A note says “Enjoy your day!”<\/em><\/p>\n

Supplies?\u00a0 Like what?\u00a0 Any goodies for American Dingoes in there?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not really, unless you like powdered soup.\u00a0 Oh, wait!\u00a0 Here’s something, a nice big blueberry fig bar.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do I like blueberry figs, SPHP?\u00a0 Can’t remember what they taste like.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s because you’ve never had any, Loop.\u00a0 I don’t know.\u00a0 You might like them.\u00a0 Sounds intriguing to me!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, break a piece off for me then, SPHP.\u00a0 I’ll give blueberry figs a try.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, maybe we shouldn’t do that, Loop.\u00a0 From the looks of this stuff, most of it is intended for through hikers on the PCT, not just day hikers like us.<\/em><\/p>\n

Could have told me that at the start, SPHP!\u00a0 Now here I am salivating over blueberry figs, and I don’t even know what they are!<\/em><\/p>\n

Tell you what, Loop.\u00a0 We’ll leave the blueberry fig bar here for now.\u00a0 If it’s still here when we come back this way after our adventure on Diamond Peak, we’ll nab it then under cover of darkness!\u00a0 How’s that?<\/em><\/p>\n

Under cover of darkness?\u00a0 You make it sound like we’re leading a life of crime!\u00a0 It’s just one blueberry fig bar!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure about that, Loop?\u00a0 Might be the start of something big!\u00a0 Our career haunting the PCT as diamond and blueberry fig bar smugglers!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Junction signage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving the junction, Lupe took the heavily-traveled Pacific Crest Trail N.\u00a0 At first it was flat.\u00a0 Glimpses of Diamond Peak began to appear as the trail headed NNE.\u00a0 Before long, though, the trail began a gradual ascent, and forest hid the mountain again.\u00a0 0.5 mile from Blueberry Fig Bar junction, the PCT curved WNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the Pacific Crest Trail. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’re not all that far from the S end of Diamond Peak now, Looper.\u00a0 We’ll be climbing it from the S, so we need to start looking for where we should leave the PCT.<\/em><\/p>\n

The PCT doesn’t go up there, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 It by-passes Diamond Peak to the E, so we can’t just stay on the PCT.\u00a0 Let me know if you happen to sniff out any kind of use trail.\u00a0 Thought it would be easy to tell where to start up, but didn’t realize we wouldn’t be able to see the mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

After going 0.5 mile WNW, a clearing on a rocky hillside appeared.\u00a0 The Pacific Crest Trail began a steeper climb.\u00a0 4 minutes farther, and Lupe reached a viewpoint.\u00a0 To the SSE, Summit Lake, Cowhorn Mountain, and Sawtooth Mountain were all in view again.\u00a0 Loopster could even see the dramatic summit spire of Mount Thielsen<\/span><\/a> (9,182 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the rocky hillside. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cowhorn Mountain<\/strong> (L), Sawtooth Mountain<\/strong> (R), and Mount Thielsen<\/strong> (far R) beyond Summit Lake<\/strong> from the PCT viewpoint. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That wasn’t all, though!\u00a0 This same viewpoint also had somewhat of a view to the N, where a high ridge was in sight not too far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S end of Diamond Peak<\/strong> from the Pacific Crest Trail. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s where we need to be, Loop!\u00a0 That’s the S end of Diamond Peak.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not as high as I thought it would be, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s just the beginning, sweet puppy.\u00a0 Anyway, we aren’t going to be able to stick with the PCT much longer.\u00a0 Keep that sniffer to the ground!\u00a0 Would sure be nice if we can find a use trail instead of having to bushwhack our own route.<\/em><\/p>\n

The PCT curved NE.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t have to sniff hard for long.\u00a0 2 minutes past the viewpoint, the American Dingo did find a use trail!\u00a0 Even SPHP might have spotted it.\u00a0 A candy cane ribbon was wrapped around a rock that was part of a small cairn.\u00a0 More ribbons were tied to nearby trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Start of the Diamond Peak climbers trail where it leaves the PCT. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
So easy, I could have found it with my eyes closed. Maybe I did!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The long slog higher began.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was soon heading up a steep, sandy slope that supported little vegetation other than trees.\u00a0 Above the sand, Lupe reached a curve where there actually was some ground cover, already sporting fall colors.\u00a0 A rock slide came next, yet for the most part, the trail remained relatively easy to follow.<\/p>\n

The slope eventually opened up.\u00a0 Rocky and loose.\u00a0 Trees were scarcer.\u00a0 The trail was braided along in here with no clearly favored main route.\u00a0 Angling slightly toward the W, Lupe made it up to a minor ridgeline where the terrain wasn’t quite as steep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the sandy slope. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the colorful curve. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Base of the rock slide. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting to open up. Fewer trees. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Just below the ridgeline. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up on the nearly as steep ridge. More trees again. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once on the ridge, the going was easier, but no major improvement.\u00a0 The ridge went N, angling slightly back toward the E again.\u00a0 Lupe finally got up to where she could see what lay ahead.<\/p>\n

5:50 PM, Diamond Peak, S slope<\/em> – Ugh!\u00a0 The view was distressing.\u00a0 A vast, barren, rocky slope, devoid of life except for small, scattered stands of stunted pines, stretched endlessly skyward toward an impossibly distant rocky high point at the far end.<\/p>\n

Holy smokers, SPHP!\u00a0 It’s another 1,000 feet, easy!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the long slope, heading higher. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The situation was starting to look hopeless.\u00a0 Running out of time!\u00a0 Another couple of hours, and the sun would be down.\u00a0 Sure would be nice to get to the summit with enough daylight to spare in order to be able to enjoy it.\u00a0 No telling, though, what might still be ahead.<\/p>\n

Lupe was high enough now to see a new threat, too.\u00a0 All day long, the sky had been blue.\u00a0 Not crystal clear, but decent.\u00a0 Unfortunately, thick smoke was now pouring in from the W.\u00a0 Views were rapidly disappearing.<\/p>\n

No choice.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had already come so far, she had to keep going.\u00a0 Maybe it would all work out?<\/p>\n

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

Nothing technically difficult about it, just a long, steep trudge higher.\u00a0 Loose sand and scree generally meant slippage with each step, although some stretches were firmer.\u00a0 Still a braided trail situation, so choose your favorite route!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking somewhat more feasible after a considerable climb. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Wildfire smoke pouring in from out of the W. Cowhorn Mountain<\/strong> (L) and part of Summit Lake<\/strong> still in sight. Photo looks, SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Already tired, short breathers, and a few longer breaks had to be taken.\u00a0 During one of them a small bird landed on top of a nearby tree.<\/p>\n

Hey, Loop!\u00a0 Look at that!\u00a0 These must be whitebark pines.\u00a0 That’s a Clark’s nutcracker!\u00a0 Saw a picture of one yesterday on one of the displays on the way up Paulina Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,984 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A real, live Clark’s nutcracker! True friend of the whitebark pines!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Clark’s Nutcracker – Whitebark’s Best Friend<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s cool, SPHP!\u00a0 Glad to see that there really are some still around.\u00a0 Gives me hope!\u00a0 By the way, have you seen any diamonds yet?\u00a0 I haven’t seen a one.<\/em><\/p>\n

Diamonds?\u00a0 No, not yet, Loop, but I haven’t been paying close attention.\u00a0 Just trying to keep moving.\u00a0 Most diamonds are tiny.\u00a0 Think we’d have to look pretty closely to find them, study each little rock on the ground.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shouldn’t diamonds sparkle, though, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe, but probably not all that much until they’ve been cut.\u00a0 To tell you the truth, Loopster, in my whole life, I’ve found shockingly few diamonds laying about.\u00a0 Not entirely sure what a diamond in the rough looks like.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, all I can say is Diamond Peak is an impressive mountain, SPHP, but it’s not nearly as much glitter, bling, and sparkle as I thought it would be.<\/em><\/p>\n

The climb went on.\u00a0 Bit by bit, step by step, progress.\u00a0 Even so, gazing back down the mountain, what had been accomplished didn’t look like any great shakes.\u00a0 Took a while for the hill above to start looking like that, like maybe sometime soon Lupe would actually be there.<\/p>\n

Diamond Peak was dry as a bone.\u00a0 A gentle breeze was enough to stir up the loose dust from every step.\u00a0 Breathing an unhealthy mix of dust and whatever smoke was already here, the trudge higher continued.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On a particularly rocky stretch. Still more to go. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
We’ll get there, SPHP! Follow me!<\/em> Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Diamond Peak’s S slope<\/strong> as smoke obliterates the views. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At last, Lupe was close to the end of the long climb!\u00a0 The smoke situation wasn’t good, but at least the sun remained well above the horizon.\u00a0 Still some time left.\u00a0 What was ahead?\u00a0 Loopster would know in a moment.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Just below the top of the long slog. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6:38 PM, HP8421<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0(Diamond Peak’s S summit)<\/em> – Streaked with shades of gray and rust running down its flanks, Diamond Peak was beautiful!\u00a0 For the first time, the true summit, still 300+ feet higher, was now in sight 0.33 mile N.\u00a0 The more distant part of the ridge leading to it didn’t look bad at all.\u00a0 Cake!<\/p>\n

However, the part of the ridge already close at paw was another matter.\u00a0 Rugged volcanic rock formations capped much of the ridgeline.<\/p>\n

Hoo, girl!\u00a0 Let’s hope this doesn’t get technical, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At HP8421<\/span><\/strong>, Diamond Peak’s false S summit<\/strong>. True summit<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of it really wasn’t bad at all.\u00a0 One of the first formations was among the hardest to get past.\u00a0 Staying up top was impossible.\u00a0 The W side of the ridge was too steep.\u00a0 Braided use trails along the E side were only a little better.<\/p>\n

Trying to stay too high, SPHP wound up crawling along a narrow pumice ridge with exposure, Lupe right behind.\u00a0 Once past that one, none of the other gendarmes were as bad, but getting by them was still chewing up a bunch of time.\u00a0 Occasionally, the W side of the ridge was best, but staying E was usually better.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View along the E side of the ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same spot. True summit<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the E side ledges<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Successfully past the gnarliest gendarme. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
More fun ahead! True summit<\/strong> (L of Center), Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Right up on the ridgeline again. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another stretch along the Dingo-recommended E side<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Difficulties behind her, evening sunlight streamed over the mountain as Lupe followed an easy, winding path toward the summit.\u00a0 Near the end, the path went through a gap filled with a jumble of rocks, but nothing to it, really.\u00a0 An eerie orange alpenglow influenced by smoke hung over the mountain as the Carolina Dog approached the true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Suddenly looking like a win! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Last Dingo of the day on Diamond Peak<\/strong>!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Going through the gap. Rocky, but short. No problemo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Almost there! In the orange alpenglow. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7:30 PM, 60\u00baF, Diamond Peak<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> (8,744<\/strong><\/span> ft.)<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em> No diamonds sparkled in the alpenglow as Lupe reached the true summit, a flat, barren hilltop 20 feet in diameter covered with small, reddish-brown volcanic stones.<\/p>\n

Three ridges radiated from the top – NE, NW, plus the S ridge Lupe had come up.\u00a0 The NE ridge was long, and led to impressive, wild-looking subpeaks.\u00a0 A small glacier lay hidden from the sun on the NE side of the much shorter NW ridge.\u00a0 Between these ridges were huge expanses of much lower territory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The NE ridge<\/strong>. HP8629<\/span><\/strong> (beyond Lupe). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
NW ridge<\/strong>. HP8306<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A better look at the NW ridge glacier<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S Ridge<\/strong>. HP8421<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And that was about it as far as what Lupe could see from Diamond Peak.\u00a0 The mountain was surrounded by smoke that seemed to top out at about the same level.\u00a0 To the S, only the tips of Cowhorn Mountain, Sawtooth Mountain, and the spiky summit of Mount Thielsen were visible floating on a white sea.\u00a0 No other distant views except straight up, where the sky still looked blue.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cowhorn Mountain<\/strong> (L), Sawtooth Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center), and Mount Thielsen<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the summit itself, Diamond Peak offered little of interest.\u00a0 No registry, no survey benchmark, not even a cairn.<\/p>\n

Not a single diamond, either, SPHP!\u00a0 \u00a0Might want to mention that!<\/em><\/p>\n

Or blueberry fig bar, which was starting to sound mighty good.<\/p>\n

Lupe was tired, or perhaps disappointed.\u00a0 Reluctantly, she posed for a few photos, then laid down to rest.\u00a0 A good idea, actually, since the time remaining before sunset was short.\u00a0 Loopster willingly split a chocolate coconut bar with SPHP, then had some Taste of the Wild and water, but displayed little enthusiasm when SPHP shook her paw to congratulate her on the successful ascent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing on Diamond Peak<\/strong>. HP8629<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Good thing the American Dingo hadn’t started out any later, or taken any of the possible side trips to Diamond Rockpile or the lakes!\u00a0 Time was short enough as it was.\u00a0 Refusing to budge, Loop rested as long as she could, enjoying the fading alpenglow on the ridges while the sun sank toward the smoke.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
NE ridge<\/strong> as the alpenglow fades. HP8629<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Too tired to search for diamonds, Lupe refused to budge from her gritty resting place.\u00a0 25 precious minutes on Diamond Peak ticked away.\u00a0 The sun was now on the smoke horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Smokeset beyond the NW ridge<\/strong>. HP8306<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hate to say it, Loopster, but we better get back to HP8421<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Not too keen on creeping along exposed ledges in the dark.<\/em><\/p>\n

Can we at least stay until the sun is gone, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, sure, Loop!\u00a0 That’ll be fine.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Smokeset from Diamond Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

A few minutes more, and sadly, already time to go.\u00a0 HP8421<\/span><\/strong> appeared to be above most of the smoke, as Lupe started back.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to leave the summit. HP8421<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Took a while, but the return to HP8421<\/span><\/strong> went well.\u00a0 Cake all the way down to the saddle.\u00a0 Then staying lower on the E side of the ridge this time, SPHP managed to avoid the exposed ledge crawl.\u00a0 Still very steep, and rather slow, but a bit of caution was all that was required.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Returning to HP8421<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Moon<\/strong> (Center) from HP8421<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe often wanted to rest during the rocky descent of Diamond Peak’s long S slope.\u00a0 SPHP often obliged her.\u00a0 No smoke above, a million stars glittered in the night sky.\u00a0 The little flashlight’s beam was very weak and acting weird, sometimes going into strobe mode.\u00a0 Changing the batteries helped tremendously.<\/p>\n

The dark descent into the black void seemed endless, but at long last the cairn with the candy cane ribbon appeared.<\/p>\n

Back at the Pacific Crest Trail, a longer rest in the shadows beneath the tall spruce trees worked wonders.\u00a0 Or maybe Lupe was just glad to be out of all the rock, and back on smooth trail again?<\/p>\n

Taking the lead, but always careful to make sure SPHP was still coming, the Carolina Dog no longer wanted to rest.\u00a0 Every time SPHP shined the flashlight on her, Lupe stared back with a big smile, eyes sparkling like diamonds.\u00a0 Miles to go, but even toward the end, back on Diamond Peak Trail No. 3699, she leapt over all the deadfall without hesitation.<\/p>\n

At long last, dinner, followed by soft blankets and Dingo Dreamland at the RAV4.\u00a0 However, a rare delicacy was not on the wee hour menu.\u00a0 When Lupe had reached the junction of the PCT and Rockpile Trail No. 3632, plenty of powdered soup remained, but the coveted blueberry fig bar was already gone.\u00a0 (End 1:13 AM, 58\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Diamond Peak<\/strong>, Cascade Range, Oregon 8-28-21<\/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 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/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><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 23 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast! Another day, another decision.\u00a0 The question, of course, as always, was how best to avoid the wildfire smoke?\u00a0 Skies were surprisingly blue over Odell Lake as the RAV4 headed NW over Willamette Pass (5,128 ft.) on Hwy 58.\u00a0 Maybe staying up … Continue reading Diamond Peak, Cascade Range, Oregon (8-28-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39596,"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":[105,9,106,1515,1553,26,524],"class_list":["post-39627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cascade-range","tag-diamond-peak","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-oregon"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/IMG_2451-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\/39627","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=39627"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39627\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41223,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39627\/revisions\/41223"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/39596"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=39627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=39627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=39627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}