{"id":47467,"date":"2023-06-22T08:10:27","date_gmt":"2023-06-22T14:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=47467"},"modified":"2023-07-04T12:10:51","modified_gmt":"2023-07-04T18:10:51","slug":"the-pinnell-mountain-national-recreation-trail-part-1-eagle-summit-to-porcupine-dome-alaska-9-2-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=47467","title":{"rendered":"The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail, Alaska – Part 1: Eagle Summit to Porcupine Dome (9-2-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 1 of Day 35 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8:08 AM, 50\u00baF<\/em> – Traveling ENE up the Chatanika River valley, the Steese Highway was beautiful, all paved and striped.\u00a0 The river was seldom in sight, both sides of the valley flanked by heavily-forested, rounded hills.<\/p>\n

Leaves were just beginning to turn yellow, quite a switch after coming from the Brooks Range where fall was already well advanced.\u00a0 Although patches of blue existed, the sky was 95% overcast.<\/p>\n

Sure don’t make sunny days like they used to, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I don’t know what’s up with this, Loop.\u00a0 The forecast was for full sun in Fairbanks today.\u00a0 Maybe it will clear off at some point?<\/em><\/p>\n

Scarcely any traffic, and less and less as the road wound along the base of the hills.\u00a0 After passing MP 81, everything changed.\u00a0 The pavement ended, as the Steese Highway turned to hard-packed dirt and gravel.\u00a0 A steady climb out of the valley was underway.\u00a0 Dark clouds, fog, mist, and mud greeted Lupe at Twelvemile Summit.<\/p>\n

We’re not in Fairbanks anymore, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Evidently not, Looper.\u00a0 Starting to shake my faith in this entire endeavor.\u00a0 We’ve come so far already, though, that we might as well keep going.\u00a0 See what develops.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond Twelvemile Summit, the Steese Highway dropped below the clouds again and dried out quite a bit.\u00a0 Another valley was in sight, along with some of the hills around it.\u00a0 The American Dingo started catching glimpses of higher hills whose summits were above treeline, and the highway began to climb again.<\/p>\n

9:21 AM, 41\u00baF, Steese Highway MP 107, Eagle Summit<\/em> – A chilly breeze swept over a barren landscape.\u00a0 No trees at all, and scarcely any bushes worth mentioning.\u00a0 The summit of the big hill beyond Lupe was partially obscured by fog.\u00a0 Moments later, the entire hill vanished.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Eagle Summit<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short access road led to a huge, completely empty, wet parking lot.\u00a0 An outhouse stood along one edge, and a nice sign for the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a> along another.<\/p>\n

You might as well snooze, Loop.\u00a0 I’m just going to work on the trip journal for a while.\u00a0 We aren’t going anywhere if conditions don’t improve.<\/em><\/p>\n

Dark, dreary, breezy, damp, and cold!\u00a0 Amid thick fog and mist, it was impossible to see from one end of the parking lot to the other.<\/p>\n

10:20 AM, 41\u00baF, MP107, Eagle Summit Wayside<\/em> – Suddenly brighter again.<\/p>\n

Blue sky to the NE, SPHP!\u00a0 The clouds are breaking up!<\/em><\/p>\n

Now or never then, Looper!\u00a0 Pinnell Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,934 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is 9 miles one way, and we’re getting a late start.\u00a0 Need to get there today, too, if we want to have a shot at seeing anything from there.\u00a0 Weather is supposed to be lousy tomorrow.\u00a0 This is the good day!<\/em><\/p>\n

Onward, SPHP!\u00a0 Let’s go!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Suddenly clearing skies from the Eagle Summit parking lot<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Start of the Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail<\/strong>. HP3900<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail began with a nature trail loop with a few displays along it.\u00a0 Leaving the parking lot, Lupe took the path angling to the R, which was the long way, but not much of a detour.\u00a0 SPHP paused to read each display, which didn’t take long at all.<\/p>\n

Lupe soon reached the spot where the main trail began switchbacking W up HP3900<\/span><\/strong>, the first big hill.<\/p>\n

275 feet of elevation gain would get Lupe to the top, but the trail divided shortly before getting there.\u00a0 The main trail went R, beginning a gradual descent.\u00a0 Naturally, the peakbagging Dingo took the spur trail going L to the summit.\u00a0 She was there in no time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Eagle Summit<\/strong> (Center) and the Steese Highway<\/strong> from HP3900<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11:30 AM<\/em>\u00a0– The top of HP3900<\/span><\/strong> was a roomy, almost flat region of small rocks and scant vegetation.\u00a0 A survey benchmark fastened to a pipe stood 6″ above the rest of the plain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The HP3900<\/span> survey benchmark<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Happily, conditions were continuing to improve.\u00a0 Not much of a breeze at all now, and while most of the sky remained very cloudy, all the mist and fog were gone, revealing a vast landscape of enormous, barren hills and ridges.<\/p>\n

Hey, Loop!\u00a0 See that hill to the SE?\u00a0 Bet that’s Mastodon Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,418 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (Center) from the HP3900<\/span> survey benchmark<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mastodon Dome?\u00a0 We ought to go there, SPHP!\u00a0 Seeing a mastodon would be even better than the musk oxen along the Dalton Highway!<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s on you list of possibilities, Looper.\u00a0 Looks easy to get there, too.\u00a0 We’ll visit Mastodon Dome in a couple of days, if the weather’s decent after we get back from Pinnell Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I hope so, SPHP!\u00a0 Ought to be a cinch spotting a mastodon up here!\u00a0 How awesome would that be?<\/em><\/p>\n

Literally unbelievably awesome, Loop!\u00a0 In fact, look around.\u00a0 I’m thinking this entire Pinnell Mountain trail is going to be awesome, too.\u00a0 Started out in the tundra above tree line, and it looks like it’s going to be that way along the whole route.\u00a0 Amazing Alaskan views every step of the way!<\/em><\/p>\n

Reminds me a little of a cross between the N side of the Brooks Range, and the North Slope, SPHP.\u00a0 We’ll have a blast up here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, we will!\u00a0 I suppose we better keep going, but let me have a look at the\u00a0map first, Loop.\u00a0 OK.\u00a0 I get it.\u00a0 See that distant big hill off to NW?<\/em><\/p>\n

You mean the one that’s still in the clouds, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 That must be our first objective, Porcupine Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,915 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> (L), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (Center), HP4351<\/span><\/strong> (R) from HP3900<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Porcupine Dome!\u00a0 Sounds dangerous, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, we’d be better off running into mastodons than porcupines, Looper.\u00a0 This doesn’t really look much like porcupine territory, if you ask me, but if you do happen to see any, stay far away from them.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking down on the enormous region leading NW to Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong>, a dark track scarred the tundra.\u00a0 The Pinnell Mountain trail was down there, too, but harder to pick out.\u00a0 Leaving HP3900<\/span><\/strong>, Lupe returned to the main trail.\u00a0 Following it down the NW slope, she soon came to a double plank boardwalk.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
NW of HP3900<\/span><\/strong> back on the Pinnell Mountain trail<\/strong>. Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bottoming out, the trail began a slow climb, crossing the dark track Lupe had seen from HP3900<\/span><\/strong>, which turned out to be a muddy ATV route.\u00a0 In addition to the two plank boardwalk, the Pinnell Mountain trail featured sections of plastic grid.\u00a0 At first they were filled with gravel, but later on the grid spaces were empty, forcing Lupe to stay on the tundra instead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at HP3900<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Both the boardwalks and grids appeared to be relatively new.\u00a0 Stacks of\u00a0 lumber and other supplies for trail improvement sat wrapped in plastic strung out along the tundra.<\/p>\n

There seemed to be an awful lot of other human made distractions along this part of the trail, too.\u00a0 Wooden stakes and strings roped off vegetation restoration areas.\u00a0 Frequent brown “No Motor Vehicle” wands were right along the trail, and bright yellow wands stood in parallel lines 40 feet from each side.\u00a0 Orange plastic webbed fencing served as barriers.<\/p>\n

In addition to all this new stuff, there were older, less offensive trail markers, too.\u00a0 Every so often Lupe passed cairns featuring either a tall narrow stone standing on end, or a wooden pole with peeling paint.<\/p>\n

The Pinnell Mountain trail headed NW toward Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> along what amounted to a very broad ridge.\u00a0 Halfway there, it passed near a minor rocky high point.\u00a0 Lupe ventured over to it.\u00a0 Another gradual descent lay beyond this point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> (L), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (Center), HP4351<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The entire trek to Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> was easy.\u00a0 Near it, the trail began climbing again.\u00a0 However, Lupe wasn’t destined to get anywhere close to the top.\u00a0 Instead, the trail swept along the E side around to the N slope, topping out at a NE corner still hundreds of feet below the summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mastodon Dome<\/strong> (Center) from the lower E slope of Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP4740<\/span><\/strong> (far L), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (L), HP4351<\/span><\/strong> (R) from the Pinnell Mountain trail high point on Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Grognon Gulch<\/strong> and the Bonanza Creek valley<\/strong> from the Pinnell Mountain trail HP on Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail was level or descended gradually during most of the traverse of Peak 4350’s N slope.\u00a0 New territory came into view as it began curving N toward the huge saddle leading to HP4351<\/span><\/strong> along Porcupine Dome’s long E ridge.\u00a0 Looking WNW across the upper Ptarmigan Creek valley, Pinnell Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,934 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and a couple of other high points were in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Traversing the N slope of Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong>. Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (L), HP4740<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing the saddle leading to HP4351<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP became confused as more high points continued to appear.<\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 Wow!\u00a0 Do we really have to go all that way, Loop?\u00a0 Thought I knew which peak was Pinnell Mountain, but now I’m not so sure.\u00a0 That peak to the W looks even higher than the dome I’ve been thinking was it.<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s a long way off, SPHP.\u00a0 Is Pinnell Mountain that far from Porcupine Dome?<\/em><\/p>\n

According to the map, Pinnell is just 2.5+ miles WSW of Porcupine Dome as the crow flies, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

That peak to the W seems farther than that, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I know, but doesn’t it look like the highest one around to you, Loop?\u00a0 Pinnell Mountain is the highest point along the entire Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail.<\/em><\/p>\n

Could be an optical illusion, SPHP.\u00a0 Happens in the mountains.\u00a0 Anyway, let’s keep going.\u00a0 We’ll figure it out.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N of Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> heading for HP4351<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
HP4453<\/span><\/strong> (L), HP4721<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> R. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No matter which peak was actually Pinnell Mountain, the scenery was fantastic!\u00a0 Tremendous open vistas greeted Lupe in all directions as she trotted along the low tundra, now enhanced by the lack of most signs of human activity.\u00a0 On the way to HP4351<\/span><\/strong>, all the wands, fenced off areas, and stacks of supplies had been left behind SE of Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There were still cairns with their tall stones or wooden posts, a short two plank boardwalk, and a few more plastic grids, but these were much less intrusive.\u00a0 The world looked unspoiled here, always a good look!<\/p>\n

Beyond the last boardwalks and plastic grids, the trail dipped before starting up to HP4351<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Loopster came to a grassy wet region where boardwalks would have been helpful, but they didn’t extend this far.\u00a0 No big deal, though.\u00a0 Although the trail went right through the soggiest area, the worst of it was easily avoided by staying a bit farther E.\u00a0 Meanwhile, Lupe enjoyed helping herself to drinks from various pools of water.<\/p>\n

From the low point of the dip, the Carolina Dog had to gain more than 650 feet of elevation to get up to HP4351<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The trail was in great shape, though, and much firmer here.\u00a0 Two sets of switchbacks separated by a fairly level stretch made the climb even easier than it looked.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the relatively flat stretch between the switchbacks. HP4351<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (L) from the upper switchbacks. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The top of HP4351<\/span><\/strong> was a big flat region of sparse tundra strewn with rocks.\u00a0 The actual high point was over by the NW end where 3 distinct rock outcroppings 10 or 20 feet higher than the rest of the plateau stood lined up along the NE edge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On HP4351<\/span><\/strong>. Summit<\/strong> (L) beyond Lupe. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although no difference in elevation compared to Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> should have been discernable, looking back, SPHP had the impression that HP4351<\/span><\/strong> was definitely somewhat higher.\u00a0 No doubt, this was mere illusion, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glancing back at Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:56 PM, HP4351<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation trail went right past the 3 rocky high points.\u00a0 Naturally, the Carolina Dog scrambled up onto the middle one, which was clearly highest, for a look around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (L) from the top of HP4351<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It had turned into a really nice day.\u00a0 Still lots of clouds around, but plenty of blue sky, too.\u00a0 All the mountains were beneath the clouds now.\u00a0 Lupe could see many miles in all directions.\u00a0 To the W, both Pinnell Mountain candidates were visible well past Porcupine Dome.\u00a0 SPHP still wasn’t sure which was the real Pinnell Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP4721<\/span><\/strong> (L), Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), and Porcupine Dome<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view to the NE was interesting, too.\u00a0 A line of dark blue mountains was in sight well beyond red and green hills.\u00a0 Those distant peaks were the Crazy Mountains.\u00a0 They looked to be similar in elevation, but were actually lower than the domes and ridges around here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Crazy Mountains<\/strong> on the horizon. Bonanza Creek valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although getting to HP4351<\/span><\/strong> hadn’t been hard at all, Lupe was miles from the start now, and there had been a fair amount of up and down along the way, even if net elevation gain thus far was still less than 750 feet.\u00a0 SPHP proposed a short rest break, which seemed like a great idea to the American Dingo, too.<\/p>\n

This is really a terrific trail, SPHP!\u00a0 Love how we got to start out way up on the open tundra.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah!\u00a0 Would be fun to do the entire trail sometime, Loop.\u00a0 Bet it’s like this the whole way.\u00a0 It stays up on these big ridges hitting quite a few peaks.<\/em><\/p>\n

The trail doesn’t end at Pinnell Mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, no!\u00a0 That’s just how far I’m hoping we can get on our one day of decent weather.\u00a0 The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation trail is 27 miles long, the W end being clear over at Twelvemile Summit, which we passed on the Steese Highway on the way here.\u00a0 We’re only going to be doing about a third of the entire trail, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Too bad it’s supposed to rain, SPHP.\u00a0 We could do the whole thing now!<\/em><\/p>\n

That would be awesome, Loopster, but we aren’t prepared for that.\u00a0 Had no idea ahead of time that this would be so cool!\u00a0 I was actually expecting an endless traipse through a forest, hoping we might eventually catch some views from the summits.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, this is pretty unique, SPHP.\u00a0 We could roam these big ridges and domes forever!<\/em><\/p>\n

Makes one want to do that, doesn’t it?\u00a0 Well, we’re here now, and have all day!\u00a0 C’mon!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

From HP4351<\/span><\/strong>, the Pinnell Mountain trail continued NW, starting another gradual descent.\u00a0 Following a broad ridge, it curved W directly toward Porcupine Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,915 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The trail bottomed at a big grassy region.\u00a0 After crossing it, Lupe began regaining elevation again.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Porcupine Dome<\/strong> from the grassy region. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An easy romp up to 4,400 feet got Lupe nearly to the base of Porcupine Dome, but instead of continuing up it, the trail veered SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E face of Porcupine Dome<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Pinnell Mountain trail doesn’t go to the top, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not of Porcupine Dome, Loop.\u00a0 It swings around the S side over to the W end, then just keeps going.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, we’re going to climb Porcupine Dome, aren’t we?\u00a0 Doesn’t look that hard.\u00a0 How much higher is it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Only another 500+ feet.\u00a0 Of course, we’re going to climb Porcupine, Looper, but this is the steepest side.\u00a0 According to the topo map, looks like we’d be better off going up from the SW or W.\u00a0 Shouldn’t be quite as steep there.\u00a0 I’m sure we could tackle it from here, but I’m carrying a fairly heavy pack.\u00a0 Mind if we just stick with the trail a little farther?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s fine, SPHP, as long as we get to the summit!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Pinnell Mountain trail dipped a bit as Lupe started around the S side of Porcupine Dome.\u00a0 She soon reached a rocky region where large, flat stones had been arranged to make the route easier.\u00a0 Many of these rocks hadn’t been braced at all, and were a bit tippy.\u00a0 Nothing to worry about, as long as one was prepared for it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Traversing the SE side of Porcupine Dome<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the frequently tippy flat rock section. Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After an initial descent, the trail began regaining elevation.\u00a0 By the time Lupe made it to the SW side of the mountain, she was already at 4,500 feet.\u00a0 Porcupine Dome was grassier here, and the view to the W finally dispelled any doubt as to which peak was actually Pinnell Mountain.<\/p>\n

That more distant peak is HP4721<\/span><\/strong> out along Pinnell Mountain’s W ridge, Loop.\u00a0 Actually more than 200 feet lower!\u00a0 Amazing how one’s perspective can create such illusions.\u00a0 Cleary looked higher earlier on.<\/em><\/p>\n

So Pinnell Mountain is the next summit, or the middle one, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

The middle one.\u00a0 The closest one is HP4740<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 We’ll be visiting both, but first it’s time for Porcupine Dome!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP4721<\/span><\/strong> (L), Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), HP 4740<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From what appeared to be about the high point of the trail on the WSW side of the mountain, Lupe started up Porcupine Dome.\u00a0 Even over here, the slope was rather steep.\u00a0 Nothing too difficult, though!\u00a0 Most of the way, the Carolina Dog was able to climb on tundra, although higher up she eventually had to scramble on moderate-sized rocks covered with black lichens.<\/p>\n

After gaining 250 feet of elevation, a dark ridge appeared ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the dark ridge. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching it, Lupe discovered that this ridge was a false summit.\u00a0 Beyond a short flat area and a tiny dip, the true summit region, which was a lot bigger, was another 100 feet higher up a slope that wasn’t as steep.\u00a0 A red and white tower, and a solar panel were in sight up there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Porcupine Dome summit<\/strong> from the false summit. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:05 PM, 44\u00baF – <\/em>The top of Porcupine Dome<\/span><\/a> (4,915 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was another big flat region.\u00a0 Several hundred feet long, it sloped slightly up toward the W.\u00a0 A 5-10 mph E breeze felt surprisingly chilly, as SPHP dumped the pack by what appeared to be the highest collection of rocks near the W end.\u00a0 Sitting down, SPHP faced W, away from the breeze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the red & white tower and solar panel shed. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beef jerky, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, please!\u00a0 I’m famished, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

The beef jerky vanished in nothing flat.\u00a0 Lupe found a bit of tundra to curl up on.<\/p>\n

How far are we from Eagle Summit, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

The way the trail winds around, think we’ve gone about 6 miles, Looper.\u00a0 The Peakbagger app on the iPhone says 7.1 miles, but I don’t think it’s right.\u00a0 Seems to overestimate distances.<\/em><\/p>\n

And Pinnell Mountain is another 2.5+ miles?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s as the crow flies, Loopster.\u00a0 The trail will be more like 3 miles.<\/em><\/p>\n

There was more human stuff up here than just the tower and the shed with the solar panel.\u00a0 Several white tanks, a green thing-a-ma-jig, and a couple of big metal boxes were farther E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing by the highest rocks near the W end of the summit region. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

None of that stuff was of any real interest to Lupe or SPHP, but there was one thing that SPHP would be interested in seeing.<\/p>\n

Supposed to be a “Porky” survey benchmark up here, Loop.\u00a0 Want to help me find it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, SPHP!\u00a0 Where’s it supposed to be?<\/em><\/p>\n

Map shows it about in the middle along the N edge.<\/em><\/p>\n

Thinking it might be attached to a rock, SPHP wandered E along the N side of the summit region, while Lupe sniffed about.\u00a0 There were many rocks, though, and SPHP had no luck despite going nearly all the way to the E end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting off to find the “Porky” survey benchmark. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Porcupine Dome summit plain<\/strong> from near the E end. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another pass heading back W wasn’t any more successful.\u00a0 No cairn, no registry, no “Porky” survey benchmark, and nothing to be done about it.<\/p>\n

I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Maybe it’s gone?\u00a0 Maybe it’s up here, but I’m just not seeing it?\u00a0 Doesn’t really matter, anyway.\u00a0 Let’s just relax for a while.<\/em><\/p>\n

Aren’t you forgetting something, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Like what, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

You did bring a chocolate coconut bar, didn’t you?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, of course!\u00a0 Sorry, Loopster!\u00a0 Congratulations on reaching Porcupine Dome!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s more like it, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Might I add that you’ve done a magnificent job of avoiding any marauding porcupines along the way?<\/em><\/p>\n

You may, but I’d be happier if you’d add that chocolate coconut bar, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ah, yes!\u00a0 Then without further ado, Looper, let’s split one, in accordance with long established tradition.<\/em><\/p>\n

The chocolate coconut bar came and went.\u00a0 The American Dingo insisted on another round of beef jerky, as well, before curling up again.\u00a0 SPHP then took to munching on honey roasted peanuts, and enjoyed a vanilla pudding cup, while taking in the tremendous views.<\/p>\n

Pinnell Mountain was the only higher peak anywhere nearby.\u00a0 It was only marginally higher than Porcupine Dome, but there were distant mountains in nearly every direction.\u00a0 The exceptions were to the N and E, where large regions of lowlands were in sight.\u00a0 The Yukon River was supposed to be out there somewhere, but SPHP couldn’t see it.<\/p>\n

Although there were a few notably higher peaks in the distance, they were all far away, and no real giants stuck out.\u00a0 Still, a huge expanse of unspoiled Alaska was in view, a stirring sight in itself.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
HP4721<\/span><\/strong> (L), Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), HP4740<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At what appeared to be Porcupine Dome’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Crazy Mountains<\/strong> in the distance from Porcupine Dome<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mastodon Dome<\/strong> is the dark blip beyond Lupe. Peak 4350<\/span><\/strong> (Center) in the foreground. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:50 PM, Porcupine Dome<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Hate to say it, but it’s about time to mosey on, Looper.\u00a0 You ready?<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 Is summit hour over already, SPHP?\u00a0 Seems like we just got here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, we’re cutting it a bit short, Loop.\u00a0 Only been up here 45 minutes, but I think we better make sure we get to Pinnell Mountain this evening.\u00a0 Who knows what tomorrow will bring?\u00a0 The forecast wasn’t good.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe we can hit Porcupine Dome again on the way back, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Exactly what I was thinking, too, Loopster.\u00a0 Weather permitting, of course.<\/em><\/p>\n

Somewhat reluctantly, SPHP hoisted the pack, and Lupe was on her way again, setting off back down the slope leading to the false summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head down to the false summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the dip just before the false summit, Lupe peered down Porcupine Dome’s W slope.<\/p>\n

We can skip all the rocks if we go this way, SPHP!\u00a0 A nice long descent on tundra all the way.<\/em><\/p>\n

A better route and more direct, too!\u00a0 Go for it Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Optimistic about her chances of getting to Pinnell Mountain despite how cloudy it had become again on what was supposed to have been a sunny day, the intrepid American Dingo led the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading down Porcupine Dome’s W slope<\/strong>. Pinnell Mountain<\/strong> (L), HP4740<\/span><\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At HP4351<\/span><\/strong> on the way to Porcupine Dome<\/strong>, Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail, Alaska 9-2-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail – Part 2: Porcupine Dome to Pinnell Mountain, Alaska 9-2-22<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Porcupine Dome GPS Track<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adve<\/em>ntures?\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 1 of Day 35 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 8:08 AM, 50\u00baF – Traveling ENE up the Chatanika River valley, the Steese Highway was beautiful, all paved and striped.\u00a0 The river was seldom in sight, both sides of the valley flanked by heavily-forested, rounded hills. Leaves were … Continue reading The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail, Alaska – Part 1: Eagle Summit to Porcupine Dome (9-2-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":47445,"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":[704,105,106,26,1640,104,1641,1639],"class_list":["post-47467","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-eagle-summit","tag-lupe","tag-pinnell-mountain-national-recreation-trail","tag-porcupine-dome"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/IMG_6487-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\/47467","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=47467"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47467\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49375,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47467\/revisions\/49375"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/47445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=47467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47467"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}