{"id":46568,"date":"2023-05-23T08:10:22","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T14:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=46568"},"modified":"2023-05-28T09:40:45","modified_gmt":"2023-05-28T15:40:45","slug":"imnavait-mountain-north-slope-alaska-8-26-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=46568","title":{"rendered":"Imnavait Mountain, North Slope, Alaska (8-26-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 28 & Part 1 of Day 29 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-26-22, 9:25 AM, 53\u00baF, Dalton Highway<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, roughly MP 291<\/em> –\u00a0 Uh-oh!\u00a0 The pilot car was slowing down and pulling over.<\/p>\n

You can’t walk here!\u00a0 This is an active construction zone.\u00a0 You can walk on the tundra.\u00a0 Get off the highway!<\/em><\/p>\n

No problem!\u00a0 Intended to leave it in just a couple more minutes, but we’ll get off it right now.<\/em><\/p>\n

Where do you think you’re going, anyway?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP waved a pole N.\u00a0 Imnavait!<\/p>\n

Evidently surprised, the pilot car lady smiled.<\/p>\n

Oh!\u00a0 Well, have fun!<\/em><\/p>\n

We will!\u00a0 Our car is parked 100 feet off the highway along the side road back on that last hill.\u00a0 Is it OK to leave it there?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s fine!<\/em><\/p>\n

Pilot car lady smiled again, waving as she drove off.\u00a0 Lupe left the N side of the Dalton Highway as the line of cars and huge trucks following the pilot car began streaming by.<\/p>\n

Down on the tundra, SPHP consulted the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> again.\u00a0 Scarcely any contours at all on it for a long way, but SPHP was 99% certain Lupe was in the right place.<\/p>\n

Well, shucks, Loop.\u00a0 Hoped we wouldn’t have to leave the Dalton until we got to the next rise, but this will do.\u00a0 At least we got E of the river before getting kicked off.\u00a0 Shouldn’t have to ford anything now.<\/em><\/p>\n

So we head N from here to the big hill we saw from the highway, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Pretty much it, Loopster.\u00a0 Only 0.5 mile to HP2810<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Imnavait ought to be in sight from there again.\u00a0 This is either going to be awesome or ghastly.\u00a0 Should know which soon enough.\u00a0 If it’s too bad, we’ll cut our losses and retreat.\u00a0 Sure hope we don’t have to do that, though.\u00a0 Been waiting for this moment for 5 years, ever since you climbed Slope Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,010 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

After starting a GPS track, it was Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-26-22, earlier at the Galbraith Lake Campground<\/em> – The morning had started out a little iffy.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog woke to a uniformly overcast sky, and rain on the RAV4.\u00a0 Didn’t amount to much, though.\u00a0 Hardly even got the ground wet before it was over and done with.\u00a0 Uncertain what was going to happen, SPHP got the pack ready, just in case.<\/p>\n

8-26-22, 8:03 AM, 50\u00baF<\/em> – Lupe was on her way.\u00a0 Things were looking up!\u00a0 Off to the SE, the sun was trying to break through the clouds, and a big patch of blue sky was to the N.\u00a0 Returning to the Dalton Highway, SPHP turned N.\u00a0 After going up the first big hill, sunlight was on the tundra by Lake 2892<\/span><\/strong> at the edge of the North Slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lake 2892<\/span><\/strong> N of the Brooks Range at the edge of the North Slope<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Dalton Highway turned E at Toolik Lake.\u00a0 A few miles later, SPHP ran into road construction.\u00a0 16 miles of it!\u00a0 Loopster didn’t need to go anywhere near that far.\u00a0 Imnavait Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,702 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was already in sight.\u00a0 The best place to start for it was only 3 or 4 miles farther, from a ridge in Section 21 between a tributary of the Kuparuk River to the W, and the Toolik River to the E.<\/p>\n

The road construction messed up that plan.\u00a0 When a side road appeared on the R (S) at a ridge 0.75 mile W of the intended starting point, SPHP had abandoned the pilot car queue.\u00a0 The RAV4 could stay here, as later confirmed by the pilot car lady.\u00a0 And that was how Lupe had wound up trotting E along a forbidden stretch of the Dalton Highway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (R) from the Dalton Highway<\/strong>. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Parked along the side road in the SE corner of Section 20. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-26-22, 9:55 AM<\/em> – Imnavait Mountain came back into sight well before Lupe reached HP2810<\/span><\/strong>, which was scarcely identifiable as any particular point out on the vast tundra plain.\u00a0 Lupe’s first objective, the Alaska oil pipeline, was in view, too, much closer than Imnavait.\u00a0 Looking back S, big trucks rumbled along the highway in the region originally intended for the Carolina Dog’s departure.\u00a0 They’d soon be left far behind.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP2901<\/span><\/strong> (L) and Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (R) come back into view. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glimpse back at trucks on the Dalton Highway<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Important information had been already been gleaned during the initial short trek since leaving the highway.\u00a0 As expected, the tundra was nearly all tussocky, which made for rather slow going.\u00a0 On the bright side, these tussocks weren’t as big as feared.\u00a0 Better yet, the holes surrounding them were usually relatively dry, instead of full of stagnant water.\u00a0 Happily, no bugs to speak of, a situation perhaps aided by the S breeze.<\/p>\n

Grassy and green areas were to be avoided.\u00a0 That was a sign of water.\u00a0 Lupe had already passed several miniature swamps.\u00a0 Reaching another one, SPHP pointed toward a long ridge off to the NE.<\/p>\n

See the high point toward the R end of that big ridge, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course!\u00a0 We aren’t going way over there, are we, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Already did, Loopster.\u00a0 That’s Slope Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,010 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!\u00a0 For 5 years now, it’s been the peak farthest N of any significant size that you’ve ever climbed.\u00a0 If we get to Imnavait Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,702 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> today, you’ll set a new personal record!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Slope Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance from a water hole. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Imnavait can’t be much farther N than Slope Mountain, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

No, it isn’t, Looper.\u00a0 Only 1.5 miles.\u00a0 Not as high, either.\u00a0 On the other paw, getting to Imnavait is a much more daring enterprise.\u00a0 Slope Mountain is a mere day hike, but the journey to Imnavait is 8 or 9 miles one way from the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 That’s no day hike!\u00a0 At least, not for us among all these tussocks.<\/em><\/p>\n

So we’re staying out overnight at Imnavait Mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, I’ve got your tiny house with us.<\/em><\/p>\n

Camping out overnight on a mountain N of the Brooks Range way out on the North Slope of Alaska?\u00a0 That sounds awesome, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I’m excited, Loopster!\u00a0 Who knows what we’ll see?\u00a0 If it weren’t for our new iPhone and the Peakbagger.com<\/strong><\/span><\/a> app allowing us to record a GPS track, we probably wouldn’t even dare attempt this.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why is that, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You’ve seen how foggy this territory can be, Loop.\u00a0 Fog might sweep in and stay for days out here.\u00a0 Would be so easy to wind up hopelessly lost on the trackless tundra with virtually no significant landmarks for miles on end.<\/em><\/p>\n

8-26-22, 10:18 AM, 52\u00baF –<\/em> Reaching the Alaska oil pipeline, the GPS track said that Lupe had traveled 1.2 miles since leaving the Dalton Highway.\u00a0 Following the pipeline E to the top of a very broad, gently rounded ridge, it was time for a short break.\u00a0 So far, the only wildlife Lupe had seen was a flight of 9 gray birds with white wings she’d accidentally scared up.<\/p>\n

Pondering the vast distance still remaining between the pipeline and Imnavait Mountain, SPHP wondered what else might be out here?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from the Alaska oil pipeline<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the Alaska oil pipeline<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Keep your ears, eyes, and nose alert, Loop!\u00a0 Might see caribou or musk ox!<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe a polar bear, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure polar bears stray this far S of the ocean, Looper, but who knows?<\/em><\/p>\n

Everything had gone well thus far, although what blue sky there’d been at the start was gone now.\u00a0 However, the uniform gray clouds didn’t look at all threatening.\u00a0 As long as the wind stayed out of the S, SPHP didn’t anticipate much of a change.<\/p>\n

Well, guess this is it, Loop!\u00a0 Ready to leave this last vestige of civilization, and continue N?<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo apparently had no qualms about it, setting off N across the tundra again.<\/p>\n

8-26-22, 11:43 AM, 1 mile SSE of HP2626<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – 2.9 miles in, according to the GPS track, Lupe came to a caribou skull with antlers at the top of a small rise.\u00a0 It looked very old, and almost seemed as if it had been deliberately placed here as a landmark.<\/p>\n

Since leaving the Alaska oil pipeline, the entire trek N had become a game of trying to avoid the worst of the tussocks, with mixed success.<\/p>\n

Lupe didn’t like the tussocks, and had just plodded along behind SPHP much of the way.\u00a0 Unsurprisingly, parts of the tundra were wet.\u00a0 SPHP’s boots and socks were soaked through now, both unavoidable and to be expected.\u00a0 Lately there had been some slightly higher, drier ground.\u00a0 Brilliant red alpine bearberries often marked the best terrain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the alpine bearberries. Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the ancient caribou skull<\/strong>. Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the caribou skull, progress was good on firm ground for a little way, but Lupe soon came to more tussocky territory again.\u00a0 The tussocks weren’t terrible, and eventually, after passing a tiny pond, the American Dingo reached “Cherry Butte”.\u00a0 This 10 foot high hill was grassy on top, and richly cloaked with bright red alpine bearberries on its sides.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At a tiny pond. HP2626<\/span><\/strong> (Center) with Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Cherry Butte<\/strong>. Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (L), HP2626<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
W end of the Slope Mountain region<\/strong> (Center) from Cherry Butte<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

HP2626<\/span><\/strong> was only a short distance beyond Cherry Butte.\u00a0 Several small ridges provided firm support in this area.\u00a0 Glad to be rid of the tussocks, Lupe took off racing across the tundra, sniffing and exploring with great enthusiasm.\u00a0 Didn’t last long, though.\u00a0 After passing HP2626<\/span><\/strong>,<\/span> a gradual downhill march led right back to a vast, golden plain of tussocks flecked with red that seemingly extended clear to Imnavait Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Brooks Range<\/strong> (on the horizon) from HP2626<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> from the endless tussock plain N of HP2626<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-26-22, 12:53 PM, at a boulder<\/em> – Scattered isolated boulders were about the only feature of the endless plain.\u00a0 Weary of the tussocks, Lupe was trying to doze next to one.\u00a0 Per the GPS track, she was 4.3 miles in now, about halfway to the base of Imnavait Mountain.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo hadn’t seen any more wildlife, just bits and pieces of caribou bones and antlers that were so old, it was almost as if caribou were now extinct. Once in a while a bird would twitter, but none were flying.\u00a0 Sort of disappointing that there wasn’t any more than that this far from the highway.<\/p>\n

So far, no real change in the weather.\u00a0 A few drops of rain had fallen, but that was it.\u00a0 Except way back S near the Brooks Range, the sky remained completely overcast.<\/p>\n

8-26-22, 1:50 PM, 5.4 miles in, Split Rock<\/em> – No avoiding the tussocks.\u00a0 They were everywhere!\u00a0 Crossing a long flat stretch, a 3 foot high boulder had been visible from quite a distance.\u00a0 Upon arrival, Lupe found it cracked in two, earning this readily identifiable boulder the nickname Split Rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Split Rock<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The S breeze was diminishing, the sky brighter now.\u00a0 Definitely getting closer to Imnavait Mountain.\u00a0 Beneath the clouds, the mountain was dark gray, with bands of tan toward its steeper E end.\u00a0 Lower and middle slopes appeared dark red, a maroon color that must be vegetation.<\/p>\n

8-26-22, 2:46 PM, 6.6 miles in, Gnat Rock<\/em> –\u00a0 Lupe stood atop another lone boulder that had been visible from a long way off as she’d started up a gradual slope.\u00a0 Still nothing but tussocks and spongy tundra all this way.<\/p>\n

Up to this point, SPHP had seen only 3 mosquitoes, but the S breeze had now completely faded away.\u00a0 The air was calm, and there were lots more mosquitoes here.\u00a0 They weren’t the worst of it, though.\u00a0 Annoying clouds of gnats prevented Lupe from staying here more than a few minutes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Gnat Rock<\/strong>. Hills of the Itigaknit Mountain<\/strong> group beyond. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-26-22, 3:13 PM<\/em> – After leaving Gnat Rock, the gradual slope Lupe had been climbing eventually topped out.\u00a0 The ground was drier, rockier, and tussock-free for a little way.\u00a0 A second caribou skull and antlers sat at a high point facing S, lending credence to SPHP’s theory that these caribou skulls had been deliberately placed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> from the 2nd caribou skull and antlers<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after passing this 2nd caribou skull and antlers, a small lake S of Imnavait Mountain came into view.\u00a0 The low point of the entire trek was a wet, bushy drainage that had to be crossed W of the lake.<\/p>\n

After successfully crossing the drainage, the tussocks encountered as the Carolina Dog started up the long slope leading to the base of Imnavait Mountain were the biggest and most difficult to deal with yet.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the lake<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
W end of the Slope Mountain region<\/strong> (L) from W of the lake<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-26-22, 4:16 PM, 8.8 miles in, base of Imnavait Mountain<\/em> – After trudging partway up the lower S slope, SPHP was happy to finally dump the pack.\u00a0 Still cloudy and calm.\u00a0 Gnats were an annoyance here, too, but nowhere near as bad as they’d been at Gnat Rock.<\/p>\n

Lupe was only a little way up Imnavait Mountain’s S slope, but the scene back to the S was stunning!\u00a0 The gently rolling tundra plain was all gold, green, and brown.\u00a0 Splotches of yellow were in the distance along the Kuparuk River valley.\u00a0 On the far horizon, the Brooks Range formed a jagged blue line below the pale gray sky.<\/p>\n

The lower slopes of Imnavait Mountain were the most colorful of all!\u00a0 Lupe stood on a flat spot brightly decorated in red, orange, and green.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Brooks Range<\/strong> (horizon), Kuparuk River valley<\/strong> (Center & R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow!\u00a0 Looks like we’ve come a long way now, doesn’t it, Loopster?\u00a0 Made it to Imnavait Mountain, though!\u00a0 I can hardly believe it.\u00a0 Beef jerky?<\/em><\/p>\n

Thought the tussocks would never end, SPHP!\u00a0 And yes, to that last thing.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the break spot on the lower S slope of Imnavait Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The beef jerky was tasty, but suffered from a depressingly short half life.<\/p>\n

Feels good resting here, but I suppose we ought to keep going, Loop.\u00a0 Still a long way to the summit, and we better get there this evening while we can see something.\u00a0 Might easily wake up to fog tomorrow.\u00a0 Would be tragic to come all this way, and not get to see the North Slope from the top.<\/em><\/p>\n

Onward then, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading N, then NNE, the climb up Imnavait Mountain’s S slope was only moderately steep.\u00a0 No tussocks, but there was some spongy tundra to deal with on the lower slopes.\u00a0 As Lupe got higher, the ground became firmer and rockier.\u00a0 Tremendous beauty was everywhere!\u00a0 Imnavait Mountain was all decked out in brilliant fall colors.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Imnavait Mountain’s beautiful S slope<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering rockier terrain. Not as steep here. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a red and green Christmas carpet<\/strong> leading higher. Photo looks NNE.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The initial climb was the steepest.\u00a0 After gaining 500 feet of elevation, the rate of climb diminished.\u00a0 Vegetation began thinning out, too.\u00a0 Eventually Lupe came to slope that was all rock.\u00a0 Scrambling up it, she reached an almost level plain.\u00a0 Superimposed on this plain, a 30 foot high platform of rock was immediately ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking S again as the rate of climb diminishes. Kind of hazy out there now.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the rocky slope. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An easy scramble higher. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the upper S ridge plain<\/strong>. 30 foot high platform<\/strong> (L), N ridge<\/strong> and true summit<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let’s have a look around from up on that platform, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-26-22, 5:36 PM, Imnavait Mountain, W high point of the S ridge – <\/em>A quick, easy scramble got Lupe up onto a flat patch of grass on top of the 30 foot tall platform.\u00a0 Beyond the grass, a long rocky slope descended gradually W.\u00a0 That was the way to HP2901<\/span><\/strong>, if the Carolina Dog wound up being ambitious enough to explore way over to it at some point.<\/p>\n

Both Itigaknit Lake and Toolik Lake, plus quite a few smaller ones, were visible off to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Toolik Lake<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Itigaknit Lake<\/strong> (R) beyond Lupe. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Think this platform is the high point we’ve been seeing from afar, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Clearly not the true summit, though, SPHP.\u00a0 There’s higher stuff around.<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s right, Loopster.\u00a0 Imnavait Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,702 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is shaped sort of like a horseshoe, with the opening to the W.\u00a0 Two big ridges are connected by a saddle at the E end.\u00a0 The true summit is another 350 feet higher over on the N ridge.\u00a0 We’re just at the W high point on the S ridge.\u00a0 The S ridge summit is that bare hill 0.5 mile E.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit of Imnavait Mountain’s S ridge<\/strong> (R of Center) from the 30 foot high platform<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So are we going to go over to the S ridge summit before continuing on to the true summit, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Might as well, Loop.\u00a0 It’s actually right on the way to the saddle connecting to the N ridge.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments up on the 30 foot platform<\/strong> before continuing on to the S ridge summit. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The S ridge was very wide.\u00a0 Most of it was an almost level plain of scree as Lupe headed E.\u00a0 However, less than halfway to the S ridge summit, the American Dingo came to a region of much larger rocks where she lost 40 feet of elevation.\u00a0 The rest of the way to the S ridge summit was an easy grind higher on small scree.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit of the S ridge<\/strong> (L of Center) from the edge of the 40 foot descent<\/strong>. Slope Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-26-22, 5:59 PM, 10.0 miles in, Imnavait Mountain, S ridge summit<\/em> – The S ridge summit was a huge flat area devoid of vegetation, entirely covered with small stones.\u00a0 SPHP was surprised to see a very broad lower bench sweeping all around the S and E sides.\u00a0 This high point was toward the SE end of the entire mountain, but not near any sharp edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the S ridge summit<\/strong>. Slope Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Brooks Range<\/strong> from the S ridge summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Well, shucks!\u00a0 There goes my dream of pitching your tiny house right up at the true summit of Imnavait Mountain, Loop.\u00a0 Too rocky here.\u00a0 Presume it will be there, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

If we find a soft spot anywhere along the way, we ought to take it, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds like good advice, Loop.\u00a0 Hoping we’ll see some nice, flat tundra down in the saddle leading to the N ridge.<\/em><\/p>\n

Back to the W, the 30 foot high platform was still in sight with hills of the Itigaknit Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,293 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> group visible beyond it.\u00a0 However, at the moment, Imnavait Mountain’s N ridge was of more immediate interest.\u00a0 The N ridge looked mostly gray or tan from here, with large patches of yellow vegetation fringed with red.\u00a0 Still 300 feet higher, it had a layered look about it, with the layers gradually rising to the E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
30 foot high platform<\/strong> (L) from the S ridge summit<\/strong>. HP2901<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The N ridge<\/strong>, site of Imnavait Mountain’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading NNE, Lupe left the S ridge summit in a 10 mph W breeze and light rain, ultimately losing 250 feet of elevation on the way down to the saddle leading to the N ridge.\u00a0 The scenic descent was a mix of tundra, and steeper, rocky slopes.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog enjoyed beautiful views of Slope Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,010 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> E of the Toolik River valley, and a collection of small lakes to the NE out on the North Slope.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down to the saddle<\/strong> (R). Imnavait Mountain N ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Slope Mountain<\/strong> (Center) beyond the Toolik River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lake 2372<\/span><\/strong> (L) in the foreground. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on the saddle<\/strong> (R). N ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The route the American Dingo would be taking from the saddle NW to the true summit was in view the whole way.\u00a0 Looked like an easy climb up a series of benches.\u00a0 The biggest bench halfway up would involve a fairly steep scramble, but SPHP was confident Lupe wouldn’t have any trouble with it.<\/p>\n

Upon reaching the saddle leading to the N ridge, Lupe turned N.\u00a0 The enormous saddle was a mix of tundra and rocky terrain that sloped W.\u00a0 Approaching the N ridge, SPHP dropped the pack at a spot where there was plenty of tundra.\u00a0 Sort of lumpy, but soft enough.\u00a0 It would do.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the saddle leading to the N ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-26-22, 6:50 PM, 10.8 miles in, Imnavait Mountain, near the N end of the saddle between the N and S ridges –<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re not even going to set up the tiny house, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not yet, Loop.\u00a0 Just going to leave it here for now, since I don’t think there’s any reason to cart it clear up to the true summit and back.\u00a0 So cloudy out that we better keep going while we can still see something.<\/em><\/p>\n

Abandoning the sleeping bags and the tiny house, Lupe started up the N ridge.<\/p>\n

A little over 700 feet to the top from the saddle, the ascent went about as anticipated.\u00a0 Lupe had to circle around the E side a bit on the way up the biggest bench, but after that each rocky bench was smaller.\u00a0 Soon the trek was getting easier and easier as the terrain gradually leveled out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up the benches. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-26-22, 7:16 PM, 45\u00baF, Imnavait Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,702 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – As expected the enormous summit plain was covered with rocks.\u00a0 They were bigger here than on the S ridge summit, but none of them were very large.\u00a0 Off to the NW, a couple of antennas were visible along the N edge about where the topo map showed the true summit should be.<\/p>\n

It only took a few minutes to get there.\u00a0 The antennas had several solar panels and boxes containing electronic equipment associated with them, but there didn’t seem to be a cairn, or even any readily identifiable exact high point.<\/p>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?\u00a0 We’re here!\u00a0 Imnavait Mountain!\u00a0 Isn’t it splendid?<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe extended her paw.\u00a0 A moment later, formalities were complete.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain summit plain<\/strong>. True summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Human stuff!\u00a0 Not all that much of it, but I’m in no mood for it, Loopster.\u00a0 Didn’t come all the way to Imnavait for this.\u00a0 Looks like some more ground every bit as high, or close to it, farther on.\u00a0 Want to keep going?<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine, if it’s not too far, SPHP.\u00a0 I’m ready for a chocolate coconut bar.<\/em><\/p>\n

Continuing more than another 0.25 mile NW, Lupe went a little beyond the highest ground, far enough to lose 50 feet of elevation and for the top of HP2901<\/span><\/strong> to come into view, before SPHP called a halt near the N edge.<\/p>\n

8-26-22, 7:30 PM, 11.9 miles in, Imnavait Mountain NW viewpoint<\/em> –<\/p>\n

This is good, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s stay here.\u00a0 This is what we came to see.<\/em><\/p>\n

The SW breeze was chilly, the sun too low to have any punch.\u00a0 SPHP sat facing NW.\u00a0 With nothing but rocks here, Lupe curled up on SPHP’s lap for comfort, providing and receiving warmth.<\/p>\n

A good place to brood!\u00a0 The sky was nearly all gray, but there were a few distant holes where sunlight was on the tundra.\u00a0 Off to the NW, a big rain shower slowly drifted NE.\u00a0 For a while it was sunlit, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the NW viewpoint<\/strong>. Rain shower<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From this height, the vast tundra plain below stretching away to the N was a dull brown, flecked with gold.\u00a0 Two groups of small, silvery lakes were NNW.\u00a0 Beyond them the Kuparuk River flowed into a bigger lake.\u00a0 Farther still, a dark blue ridge was on the horizon at the edge of vision.\u00a0 It wasn’t very high, just big enough to be seen from Imnavait Mountain.<\/p>\n

Empty!\u00a0 All spectacularly empty.\u00a0 The world as it has been for eons.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The North Slope<\/strong>. Big lake<\/strong> (L), low ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If we had a way to resupply ourselves, we could walk all the way to the Arctic Ocean from here, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re talking some serious tussocks now, SPHP!\u00a0 Bet Alaska’s North Slope gets mighty swampy.\u00a0 And speaking of supplies, how about that chocolate coconut bar?<\/em><\/p>\n

Forgot to bring one, Loop.\u00a0 How about a chocolate chip Cliff bar instead?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’ll suffice, SPHP.\u00a0 Bring it on!<\/em><\/p>\n

Having been excited and alert much of the night last night, Lupe was having trouble staying awake.\u00a0 She dozed off and on, as SPHP pondered the magnificent, melancholy views.\u00a0 Lakes W of the Toolik River were visible NE.\u00a0 More lakes and isolated mountains were W of HP2901<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 10+ miles WSW, Itigaknit Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,293 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak 3378<\/span><\/strong> were among them.\u00a0 Itigaknit Lake was SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Brooks Range<\/strong> (R) far beyond the Toolik River valley<\/strong>. Largest on the L is Lake 2308<\/span><\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Itigaknit Mountain<\/strong> (L), HP2901<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 3378<\/span><\/strong> (L), Itigaknit Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), HP2901<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Itigaknit Lake<\/strong> (Center), Toolik Lake<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe spent more than 40 fabulous minutes at her Imnavait Mountain NW viewpoint while the North Slope filled SPHP’s mind with strange, mystical thoughts of going on forever from here with the Carolina Dog, but it was getting late.\u00a0 Reality intervened.\u00a0 An hour after arriving, Lupe was back at true summit and twin antennas again as light rain returned.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the antennas. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the rain, on the way back to the saddle, Lupe paused at the SE end of the summit plain for a last look at Imnavait Mountain’s S ridge and Slope Mountain.\u00a0 For 5 long years, these views had been ahead, part of the uncertain future.\u00a0 Now the Carolina Dog was actually here, likely already seeing them for the last time from Imnavait’s N ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Brooks Range<\/strong> beyond Imnavait Mountain’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Slope Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) beyond the Toolik River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lake 2372<\/span><\/strong> (L) in the foreground. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Maybe not.<\/p>\n

Quite a view, isn’t it, Loop?\u00a0 Here we are, actually seeing the world from Imnavait Mountain after dreaming about this day for years.<\/em><\/p>\n

Farthest N we’ve ever been on a mountain, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah!\u00a0 Amazing!\u00a0 Tell ya what, Looper.\u00a0 If it’s sunny in the morning, we’ll come back up for another look.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Brooks Range<\/strong> beyond Imnavait’s S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Brooks Range<\/strong> from Imnavait Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-26-22, 9:14 PM, saddle between Imnavait Mountain’s N and S ridges –\u00a0<\/em> A fantastic, but long day.\u00a0 Weary and damp, both Lupe and SPHP crawled inside the tiny house.\u00a0 The American Dingo enjoyed dinner curled up on her red sleeping bag with part of it pulled over her.\u00a0 Satisfied, snug and warm, Lupe was off in Dingo Dreamland in nothing flat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S ridge<\/strong> from the tiny house. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Outside, as an Arctic night settled over Imnavait Mountain, the light rain turned steady.\u00a0 Whatever that might imply could wait for tomorrow.<\/p>\n

8-27-22, 8:30 AM, base camp between Imnavait Mountain’s N and S ridge<\/em> –<\/p>\n

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

Unfortunately, the Carolina Dog wasn’t going to get to return to Imnavait Mountain’s summit.\u00a0 Overcast again, not a sunny day.\u00a0 Happily, not foggy, either.\u00a0 Instead of going over the S ridge again, this time Lupe left the saddle starting a gradual descent around the E end of the mountain.<\/p>\n

The descent was easy.\u00a0 Lupe didn’t begin to lose serious elevation until she got back around to where the unnamed lake S of the mountain was in sight.\u00a0 The tundra was absolutely gorgeous as she reached Imnavait’s lower slopes again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting the descent from the saddle. Slope Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The lake S of Imnavait<\/strong> comes back into view. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Christmas tundra.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Imnavait’s colorful lower slopes<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going over Imnavait’s S ridge might actually have been easier.\u00a0 Heading for the W end of the lake to avoid the outlet stream at the E end before turning S, Lupe had to cross many wet drainages.\u00a0 Actually more of a problem for SPHP than the American Dingo.<\/p>\n

During the long return S through the tussocks, Lupe revisited many of the minor landmarks she’d been to yesterday.\u00a0 Gnat Rock, Split Rock, HP2626<\/span><\/strong>, Cherry Butte, both caribou skulls and antlers!\u00a0 They helped to break the monotony of the tussocks, and provided clear indications of progress.\u00a0 The Alaska oil pipeline came back into view a little before reaching HP2626<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Among the tussocks of the North Slope<\/strong> again. Slope Mountain summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
W end of the Slope Mountain complex<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The beautiful tundra.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The day turned sort of sunny.\u00a0 60\u00baF!\u00a0 SPHP was shedding layers.\u00a0 Off to the E, a heavy dark rain shower developed over by Slope Mountain.\u00a0 SPHP kept an eye on it as it gradually extended its reach.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (R) behind. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There didn’t seem to be any big rush, though.\u00a0 The American Dingo took her time, enjoying brief stops at many of the landmarks she came to.\u00a0 At 3:23 PM, she reached an unusually large, flat boulder being reclaimed by the tundra.\u00a0 The Alaska oil pipeline was only a short distance away now.<\/p>\n

Another 1.25 miles, and Lupe would be back at the Dalton Highway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the Alaska oil pipeline<\/strong> again. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-27-22, 4:44 PM<\/em> – Back at the RAV4!\u00a0 Lupe’s grand Imnavait Mountain adventure was over.\u00a0 Anxious to settle down on her comfortable pink blanket, the American Dingo leapt in as soon as SPHP opened the door.\u00a0 Not a moment too soon, either!\u00a0 Fog swept over the land as the Slope Mountain storm arrived.<\/p>\n

As soon as SPHP had the gear loaded, Lupe munching happily on a Busy Rib Hide, and a chocolate pudding cup in hand, the RAV4 was back at the Dalton Highway waiting for a chance to follow the next pilot car E.\u00a0 One appeared out of the fog within minutes, and Lupe joined the parade as SPHP cut into the line at the earliest opportunity.<\/p>\n

We did it, Loopster!\u00a0 Imnavait Mountain!\u00a0 Your epic adventure way out on Alaska’s North Slope is a glorious big success.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sort of a different adventure, SPHP.\u00a0 More about distance than climbing, but it really was interesting.\u00a0 Where to now?\u00a0 Deadhorse?<\/em><\/p>\n

You betcha, sweet puppy!\u00a0 To the end of the Dalton Highway, or bust!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Imnavait Mountain<\/strong>, North Slope, Alaska 8-26-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Slope Mountain & Highlights of the Dalton Highway Revisited, Alaska (8-22-17 & 8-23-17)<\/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":"

Day 28 & Part 1 of Day 29 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 8-26-22, 9:25 AM, 53\u00baF, Dalton Highway, roughly MP 291 –\u00a0 Uh-oh!\u00a0 The pilot car was slowing down and pulling over. You can’t walk here!\u00a0 This is an active construction zone.\u00a0 You can walk on the … Continue reading Imnavait Mountain, North Slope, Alaska (8-26-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":46497,"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":[704,105,106,26,1634,104,919],"class_list":["post-46568","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-imnavait-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-north-slope"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/IMG_6224-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\/46568","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=46568"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46568\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48945,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46568\/revisions\/48945"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/46497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=46568"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=46568"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=46568"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}