{"id":45598,"date":"2023-04-18T08:10:39","date_gmt":"2023-04-18T14:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=45598"},"modified":"2024-07-29T23:35:27","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T05:35:27","slug":"beaver-slide-mountain-the-arctic-circle-and-the-arctic-interagency-visitor-center-alaska-8-19-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=45598","title":{"rendered":"Beaver Slide Mountain, the Arctic Circle, and the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center, Alaska (8-19-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 21 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

10:11 AM, 47\u00baF<\/em> – After leaving Finger Mountain<\/span><\/a> (2,202 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the Dalton Highway gradually descended to the Kanuti River, crossed it, and began to climb again.<\/p>\n

Hey, Loop!\u00a0 Skies are pretty cloudy up ahead, and the last forecast we had said 70% chance of rain in Coldfoot today, so I don’t think there’s any big rush to get there.\u00a0 We’re coming to a big hill that I’d more or less forgotten about since the last time we were here in 2017.\u00a0 Should be an easy climb.\u00a0 Are you interested?<\/em><\/p>\n

Will we still get to the Arctic Circle today, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah!\u00a0 No sweat!\u00a0 We’re practically to it already, Looper.\u00a0 In fact, we’re so close that I’m thinking of naming this hill Subarctic Peak, since it’s only about 5 miles S of the Arctic Circle.<\/em><\/p>\n

Subarctic Peak, SPHP?\u00a0 I like it!\u00a0 Sounds like a cool name for my first new Alaskan peak in 3 years.\u00a0 Let’s do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

11:26 AM, 49\u00baF, near MP110<\/em> – The Dalton Highway went right on up and over Subarctic Peak’s E shoulder.\u00a0 Parking the RAV4 alongside an Alaska oil pipeline access road conveniently close to the high point, SPHP then shared a light lunch of cheese and Ritz crackers with the Carolina Dog.<\/p>\n

Well, that ought to be about enough, Looper.\u00a0 You were urpy this morning, remember?\u00a0 Ready for a romp up Subarctic Peak?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but I’m even more ready for more cheese and crackers, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, but let’s not overdue it.\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out for Subarctic Peak<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Trotting a short distance NW to the Dalton Highway’s high point, Lupe came to a sign.<\/p>\n

What does it say, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Says “Beaver Slide”, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beaver Slide?\u00a0 Odd, what’s that supposed to mean, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

It means I was wrong, Loopster.\u00a0 I just assumed this hill didn’t have a name, but it does.\u00a0 Beaver Slide is a name assigned by the truckers who first drove the Dalton Highway during its construction.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, it’s a funny name, SPHP.\u00a0 You mean to tell me that the first new peak I’m climbing in Alaska is actually Beaver Slide?\u00a0 Subarctic Peak sounded way more daunting, maybe even dangerous!<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe so, Loop, but it is what it is.\u00a0 Besides, maybe Beaver “Slide” actually does imply some real danger to a trucker on the long approaches during icy conditions?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, well then, that’s different, SPHP!\u00a0 Beaver Slide Mountain<\/span><\/a> (2,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, or bust!<\/em><\/p>\n

Going a little beyond the crest of the Dalton Highway prior to crossing over to the W side, the ditch was full of water.\u00a0 Backtracking to the high point, the ditch was drier.\u00a0 Lupe was reluctant to follow SPHP through thick vegetation toward a line of tall bushes until discovering a faint path that got her past them.<\/p>\n

Emerging from the tall bushes, the path continued up a mixed slope of tundra and much lower bushes.\u00a0 A couple of sizable rock outcroppings were ahead.\u00a0 Beyond them a series of high points were in sight along Beaver Slide Mountain’s N ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The path went W up a shallow drainage that was wet in spots.\u00a0 Only a few days past mid-August, but the tundra was already sporting amazing autumn colors.\u00a0 Brilliant reds of the alpine bearberries were the most dazzling of all.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On a dazzling carpet of alpine bearberries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Alpine bearberries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Passing between the 2 rock outcroppings, the path turned NW along the back side of the larger one.\u00a0 Lupe left the trail here to scramble up onto a small stony ridge.\u00a0 Gazing ESE back toward the start, the RAV4 was only a blue dot down by the Dalton Highway and the Alaska oil pipeline.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dalton Highway<\/strong> and Alaska oil pipeline<\/strong> from the first stony ridge. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the W, an easy tundra slope led up to a saddle between the 2 high points farthest N along Beaver Slide Mountain’s N ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The saddle<\/strong> (L of Center) on Beaver Slide Mountain’s N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the gorgeous trek up to the saddle, Lupe passed a few more wet spots, but the tundra was dry by the time she reached it.\u00a0 Several rocky high points were now visible off to the S, the most distant one being the apparent summit.\u00a0 Another high spot was only a short distance N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beaver Slide Mountain summit<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Northernmost high point<\/strong> (R of Center) along the N ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I know it’s the lowest one, but want to check out the N high point, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!\u00a0 Why not, Loop?\u00a0 We’re almost there already.<\/em><\/p>\n

At the N high point, a knob of rock made a terrific Dingo perch offering some great views.\u00a0 The Dalton Highway and Alaska oil pipeline were off to the E and N.\u00a0 The 3 high points the American Dingo would head for next were due S.\u00a0 Perhaps the most intriguing view was of a big dome 7 miles WNW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the N high point<\/strong>. Summit<\/strong> (R of Center) in the middle. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beaver Slide Mountain’s N high point<\/strong>. Lupe started from the side road (L) linking the Dalton Highway<\/strong> and the Alaska oil pipeline<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dalton Highway<\/strong> heading off to the N. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The intriguing dome<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s a cool dome, SPHP!\u00a0 Looks like it wouldn’t be hard to get to, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe someday, Miss Ambitious, but we’re not going that far today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Does it have a name, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nanuk Benchmark (2,688 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Looper.\u00a0 Or Nanuk Dome, if you prefer.<\/em><\/p>\n

If we’re not going there today, SPHP, at least put it on my list of future possibilities.<\/em><\/p>\n

I will, Loopster!\u00a0 Ready to continue on to the next high point?<\/em><\/p>\n

Might as well hit ’em all, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Following the broad ridge S to the next high point, Lupe was soon there.\u00a0 Like the N high point, this one featured a rocky Dingo perch, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the next high point<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the 2nd high point<\/strong>. 1st (N) high point<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Two higher points were still farther S.\u00a0 Lupe passed a smaller crag on the way to the third high point, which was capped with a ridge of boulders.\u00a0 Getting up onto the third high point required a little bit of a scramble, but nothing the Carolina Dog wasn’t up to.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit<\/strong> (Center), and the 3rd high point<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the 3rd high point<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
3rd high point<\/strong> (L), 1st high point<\/strong> (Center), 2nd high point<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the 3rd high point<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Beaver Slide Mountain summit<\/strong> (L) from the 3rd high point<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only one more high point to go!\u00a0 From the 3rd high point, it still looked like the true summit of Beaver Slide Mountain, too, although there might possibly be something a little higher still unseen beyond it.<\/p>\n

The S end of the 3rd high point was so precipitous that Loopster had to scramble down to the E before continuing her trek S.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Beaver Slide Mountain summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting the scramble down off the 3rd high point<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Passing a couple of minor ridges on the way to the summit. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:07 PM, 52\u00baF, Beaver Slide Mountain<\/span><\/a> (2,600 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The slope leading to the true summit was both gentler and longer than any of the other high points had been.\u00a0 The summit region was much more spacious, and less rugged, too.\u00a0 Lupe arrived to find a metal rod jutting up from the rocks, but that was it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up to the true summit. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit of Beaver Slide Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, SPHP!\u00a0 Talk about easy!\u00a0 Beaver Slide Mountain is cake!\u00a0 Nothing dangerous about it at all.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, I kind of figured this one wasn’t too tough, Loopster, but look at these views!\u00a0 Worthwhile, wouldn’t you say?\u00a0 Personally, I think they’re marvelous!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I most definitely agree, SPHP.\u00a0 Glad we came!\u00a0 Naturally, I’d appreciate these views even more, if you happen to have a chocolate coconut bar.<\/em><\/p>\n

Luck of the Dingo, I do!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sitting down together in a 10 mph NW breeze, the chocolate coconut bar quickly vanished without a trace.\u00a0 For nearly half an hour, Lupe stayed on SPHP’s lap surveying the magnificent views in all directions.\u00a0 Beneath mostly cloudy skies, Beaver Slide Mountain itself never seemed to be in sunshine, but patches of sunlight could be seen drifting across a vast empty land of rolling hills and valleys.<\/p>\n

The Dalton Highway and Alaska oil pipeline were still in sight to the E.\u00a0 A tiny blip was identifiable as the top of Finger Mountain<\/span><\/a> (2,202 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> far to the SE only because the Dalton Highway went right by it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dalton Highway<\/strong> and Alaska oil pipeline<\/strong> (Center & R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly due S, Caribou Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,179 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was 7 miles away.\u00a0 Lupe had been there 5 years ago.\u00a0 Seeing it again from here produced a wistful, funny feeling.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Caribou Mountain<\/strong> (Center) on the horizon. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7 miles WNW,\u00a0 Nanuk Dome (2,688 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> continued to entice.\u00a0 A few miles closer, and Lupe would have set out for it today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nanuk Dome<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nanuk Dome<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But it was the view more directly W here, where unspoiled hills and ridges extended seemingly to the end of the world somewhere beyond vision, that felt most compelling.\u00a0 Lupe could roam there forever!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An unspoiled world! Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:49 PM, Beaver Slide Mountain<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Getting sunnier, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s wonderful here, but if we aren’t going to go any farther, maybe we should head back?\u00a0 I still want to visit the Arctic Circle today, and if we get far enough N afterwards, maybe we can be ready to do something in the Brooks Range tomorrow?<\/em><\/p>\n

Alrighty, Looper.\u00a0 Hate to leave, but I guess that makes sense.\u00a0 If it’s sunny in the Brooks Range tomorrow, you’re right!\u00a0 We won’t want to miss out.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on Beaver Slide Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The return was a super easy, scenic romp across the beautiful tundra.\u00a0 Lupe went by all the high points she’d visited during her ascent, but did not climb any of them again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the 3rd high point<\/strong> (Center) on the way back. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Leaving an enchanted land! 3rd high point<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once back to the RAV4 (3:00 PM, 59\u00baF)<\/em>, the Arctic Circle was only another 5 miles N.\u00a0 Didn’t take long to get there, but so many people were coming and going that Lupe had to wait quite a while for her turn in front of the big sign.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Arctic Circle!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was back!\u00a0 On this happy day, Lupe reached the true Arctic again for the 5th time!<\/p>\n

3 years ago, the Arctic Circle<\/strong><\/span><\/a> was as far N as the American Dingo made it.\u00a0 She’d arrived along the Dempster Highway<\/strong><\/span><\/a> in Yukon Territory in a miserable cold rain on the verge of becoming a snowstorm that might easily have stranded the old G6.\u00a0 Through the gloom, Lupe had seen new snow on the Richardson Mountains before SPHP felt obliged to beat a hasty retreat.<\/p>\n

She hadn’t been this far N since.<\/p>\n

6:00 PM, Coldfoot, MP175<\/em> – No stopping Looper today, though!\u00a0 60 miles N of the Arctic Circle at Coldfoot Camp in the Brooks Range, she waited in the RAV4 while SPHP gorged on the evening buffet.\u00a0 The only choice available from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the buffet was $27.95, tax included.<\/p>\n

So, was it worth it?\u00a0 You should have seen the Carolina Dog’s eyes light up when SPHP produced a big barbecued beef rib with plenty of savory meat attached.\u00a0 Munching and crunching away, Lupe devoured it, bone and all!\u00a0 So deliciously satisfying!<\/p>\n

Gasoline was a mere $7.499 per gallon.\u00a0 The Brooks Range is no place to get stingy!\u00a0 SPHP let the RAV4 quench its thirst.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Coldfoot Camp<\/strong>. One operational gas pump. Better get it while the getting’s good!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center<\/strong><\/span><\/a> right across the Dalton Highway from Coldfoot Camp was open until 9:00 PM, giving SPHP a chance to play tourist after dinner while Lupe relaxed in the RAV4.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sign at the turn off the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The visitor center proved to have lots of free brochures, some really nice displays, and a friendly, helpful staff.\u00a0 SPHP liked the dioramas best, and even attended a 40 minute long ranger talk held just before closing time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Top of the world display.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Diorama with a stuffed grizzly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A wolverine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mountain sheep.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another diorama.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9:40 PM, Dalton Highway N of Coldfoot<\/em> – After crossing 2 bridges over the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River, a side road appeared on the R beyond MP195.\u00a0 After making the turn, this side road led to an enormous open space.\u00a0 Ahead stood a huge mountain, all golden in the late evening sun.\u00a0 A skiff of new snow was visible near the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Poss Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This must be the place, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

What place, SPHP?\u00a0 Are we going to climb that mountain?<\/em><\/p>\n

Weather permitting, that’s the plan, Looper.\u00a0 Think this is where Andrew Holman<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and Abbey Collins<\/span><\/strong><\/a> set out for Poss Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,180 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> less than a year ago.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, that’s Poss Mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Believe so, Loopster.\u00a0 Been wanting to take a stab at Poss ever since we first saw it from Sukakpak Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> back in 2016.<\/em><\/p>\n

Poss Mountain looks mighty steep, SPHP!\u00a0 Really think we can climb it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Might be beyond us.\u00a0 Shall we find out?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Beaver Slide Mountain<\/strong>, Yukon-Koyukuk Ranges, Alaska 8-19-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Lupe’s Beaver Slide Mountain GPS Track (Ascent)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Caribou Mountain, Alaska 8-16-17<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

BLM Dalton Highway Visitor Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo<\/span> Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>, 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":"

Part 2 of Day 21 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 10:11 AM, 47\u00baF – After leaving Finger Mountain (2,202 ft.), the Dalton Highway gradually descended to the Kanuti River, crossed it, and began to climb again. Hey, Loop!\u00a0 Skies are pretty cloudy up ahead, and the last forecast … Continue reading Beaver Slide Mountain, the Arctic Circle, and the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center, Alaska (8-19-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":45594,"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":[1585],"tags":[704,105,721,1625,1624,106,1626,915,26,104],"class_list":["post-45598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-arctic-circle","tag-arctic-interagency-visitor-center","tag-beaver-slide-mountain","tag-carolina-dog","tag-coldfoot","tag-dalton-highway","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_0049-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\/45598","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=45598"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45598\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54824,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45598\/revisions\/54824"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/45594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=45598"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=45598"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=45598"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}