{"id":61859,"date":"2025-04-28T08:10:29","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T14:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=61859"},"modified":"2025-05-10T08:25:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-10T14:25:06","slug":"mount-white-yukon-territory-canada-9-1-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=61859","title":{"rendered":"Mount White, Yukon Territory, Canada (9-1-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 40 & 41 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-31-23, 9:06 AM, Kluane National Park & Reserve<\/em> – Lupe arrived nearly an hour before the Thechal Dahl visitor centre opened.\u00a0 Not a soul was around.\u00a0 However, like yesterday, by the time the park rangers showed up, a small crowd had already gathered.\u00a0 No buses this morning, though.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the Thechal Dahl visitor centre flags<\/strong> in the Slims River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP was pumped!<\/p>\n

Wait here in the RAV4, Loopster.\u00a0 I’ll be back as soon as I’ve had a chance to chat with one of the rangers.\u00a0 Just want to make certain that we ought to be able to cross Bullion Creek safely.\u00a0 If it’s a go, I’ll check out one of the clumsy bear-proof canisters, and we’ll be on our way to the Kaskawulsh Glacier and Observation Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,824 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

How long will we be gone, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

At least 3 days, more likely 4, Loop.\u00a0 It’s a bit of a march.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds totally awesome, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, it will be, Looper!\u00a0 You can count on it!\u00a0 There’s a reason this has been on your list of possibilities for so many years.<\/em><\/p>\n

8-31-23, 10:47 AM, Kluane National Park & Reserve<\/em> – SPHP was back.<\/p>\n

Where’s the bear-proof canister, SPHP?\u00a0 Did you forget it?<\/em><\/p>\n

We aren’t going, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

What!\u00a0 Why not?\u00a0 That couple we met on the way to the Bullion Plateau yesterday said the rangers told them it was possible to cross Bullion Creek, if they just went downstream from where the Slims West trail reaches it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, that’s true.\u00a0 Still kind of a tough crossing from what I understand, but that’s not the problem, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

What is then, SPHP?\u00a0 Are they out of bear-proof canisters?<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t think so.\u00a0 The problem is Canada Creek, the last creek before the Kaskawulsh Glacier.\u00a0 It’s been captured by the Alsek River, too!\u00a0 Canada Creek used to have a braided delta, so crossing it was no big deal back in 2016, but since then it has carved a channel concentrating all its flow in one fast-moving, frigid torrent.<\/em><\/p>\n

We can’t cross it?\u00a0 How deep is Canada Creek, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

They tell me it’s waist deep!\u00a0 On me!\u00a0 We’re free to attempt it, if we want to, Loop, but at our own risk.\u00a0 The rangers strongly advise against it.\u00a0 Large groups that can help each other are having some success getting across Canada Creek, but most loners like us end up turning back.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hate to miss out on the Kaskawulsh Glacier, SPHP, but I prefer adventures where I get to live to tell the tale.<\/em><\/p>\n

Kind of how I feel about it, too, Sweet Puppy.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Canada Creek news had come out of the blue.\u00a0 Nothing to be done about it.\u00a0 Time for Plan B!\u00a0 Less than 15 minutes later, Lupe was enjoying a brief romp along the S shore of Kluane Lake.\u00a0 Evidently this would be her last opportunity to see the big lake on this Dingo Vacation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Paw deep in Kluane Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of setting off on a grand adventure, this became a positioning day, which meant a long drive.\u00a0 In Whitehorse, SPHP purchased orange juice, a roasted chicken, doughnuts, and other supplies, then fueled up the RAV4.\u00a0 Other stops were few and far between.\u00a0 SE of Whitehorse, Lupe got to escape the RAV4 for a few minutes at the Alaska Highway bridge over the Yukon River, but that was about it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Alaska Highway bridge<\/strong> over the Yukon River<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-31-23, 4:25 PM, 2 km from Jake’s Corner – <\/em>The American Dingo stood on the pavement near the start of Atlin Highway No. 7.\u00a0 A mountain she’d been by many times was in sight.<\/p>\n

That’s Mount White<\/span><\/a> (5,016 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount White<\/strong> from near the start of Atlin Highway No. 7<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Indeed it is, Loopster, or at least part of it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we finally going to climb Mount White, SPHP?\u00a0 Is that why we’re here?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s the plan, Looper.\u00a0 Tomorrow, weather permitting!<\/em><\/p>\n

Going to happen then, SPHP!\u00a0 The weather is beautiful here in the Yukon.<\/em><\/p>\n

8-31-23, 4:56 PM<\/em> – SPHP had driven right on by Mount White all the way to a favorite spot, a ridge with a view of the N end of Atlin Lake flanked by Mount Hitchcock<\/span><\/a> (5,886 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Minto<\/span><\/a> (6,913 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Between them, both Birch Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,765 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Atlin Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,722 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were also in sight at the far end of the lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end of Atlin Lake<\/strong> (Center) with Black Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (L) and Mount Minto<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How about a romp through your favorite woods, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog was all for it!\u00a0 Excited and happy to be here, Lupe raced through the woods sniffing everything.\u00a0 SPHP kept an eye out for the strange, abandoned camp she’d found last year, but didn’t see it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring Lupe’s favorite woods<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe roamed farther N in these woods than she’d ever been before.\u00a0 She had a great time, arriving back at the RAV4 famished.\u00a0 Roasted chicken with a Busy Rib Hide for dessert!\u00a0 It doesn’t get much better than that!<\/p>\n

A cool S wind was blowing, and the sky began clouding up as the sun sank toward the mountains.<\/p>\n

9-1-23, the wee hours<\/em> – The S breeze blew all night.\u00a0 Every time Lupe wanted out, clouds were sweeping past a waning, but still nearly full moon.\u00a0 SPHP found the moon reassuring.\u00a0 No drastic changes.\u00a0 The weather was going to be alright.<\/p>\n

9-1-23, 7:17 AM<\/em> – A gorgeous morning!\u00a0 Only a light breeze now.\u00a0 As Lupe enjoyed an early morning stretch, sunlight spread over Mount Minto.\u00a0 According to the Tlingit sign, they called it Kiyan.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Morning at the viewpoint ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the old Taku River Tlingit sign<\/strong>. Kiyan<\/strong> (Center).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Minto<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Any roasted chicken left, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, some.\u00a0 It’s what’s for breakfast, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog was fine with that.\u00a0 SPHP guzzled some orange juice, too, then got the pack ready.<\/p>\n

9-1-23, 9:03 AM, Atlin Highway No. 7<\/em> – Driving back N, SPHP turned R off the highway at the White Mountain sign.\u00a0 Lupe cooperated in a photo op at the sign, then hopped back into the RAV4.\u00a0 A short drive on a gravel side road quickly led to an empty trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the White Mountain sign<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before hitting the trail, SPHP paused for a look at the dilapidated plaque on display.\u00a0 It took a moment to sink in.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The dilapidated plaque<\/strong> on display at the trailhead.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Oh, good grief!\u00a0 Back into the RAV4, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why?\u00a0 What’s wrong, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ve always just assumed from that sign out by the highway that this was the trailhead for the trail up Mount White.\u00a0 It isn’t!\u00a0 This trail is just an abandoned stretch of the old highway.\u00a0 It doesn’t go up the mountain.\u00a0 We’re at the wrong place, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you know where the trailhead we’re looking for is, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not exactly, but we can’t be too far from it, Loop.\u00a0 I remember now that the trail is supposed to leave a highway maintenance gravel yard from behind a generator.\u00a0 Can’t be too many places that would fit that description.<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to Atlin Highway No. 7, SPHP drove slowly N, watching for side roads toward the mountain.\u00a0 Right after passing a driveway for the Little Atlin Lodge on the L, another side road appeared on the R, directly opposite from an unofficial-looking Km 6 sign.\u00a0 A yellow metal gate 100 feet in on this wide gravel side road was closed, but there was plenty of room to park the RAV4 near the highway.<\/p>\n

This might be it, Looper.\u00a0 Let’s have a look.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atlin Highway No. 7<\/strong> (R), Yellow metal gate<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-1-23, 9:27 AM, 56\u00baF<\/em> – Walking past the yellow gate, machinery could be heard as Lupe followed the broad side road on an uphill curve to the L (E).\u00a0 Around this first corner, the road immediately entered a large, flat gravel yard.\u00a0 No one was around.\u00a0 The sound was coming from over by a large white shed sitting up on a slightly elevated area off to the L (N).<\/p>\n

That must be where the generator is, Looper<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Sure looks like we must be in the right place now, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the gravel yard<\/strong> with Mount White<\/strong> beyond the generator shed<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Venturing up to the shed, at first, SPHP didn’t see any sign of a trail.\u00a0 A more careful look then revealed a 4 foot tall metal post down the slope behind the shed right along the edge of the gravel yard.\u00a0 No sign was on the post, but a trail disappeared down into the trees right next to it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe standing right in front of the metal post<\/strong> down the slope behind the generator. The Mount White trail<\/strong> starts in the trees right beside her. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’re in business, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

The Mount White trail started off dipping 15 feet down into the forest, where it immediately crossed a small stream.\u00a0 A 3″ diameter electrical cable sheathed in pink insulation was suspended over the creek.\u00a0 The American Dingo helped herself to a drink, then, passing right under the overhanging cable, began following the trail N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down by the tiny stream<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the stream, the pink cable ran right along the ground.\u00a0 The trail never strayed far from it during a long, aggressive climb directly up a ridge with virtually no switchbacks.\u00a0 Early on, Lupe traveled through a stretch of aspens, but most of the time she was in a spruce forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up among the aspens<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, there were no views, or only tree-broken glimpses.\u00a0 Lupe gained hundreds of feet of elevation before reaching the first open area.\u00a0 From here, she already had a terrific view of Little Atlin Lake, and the gravel yard far below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
First view of Little Atlin Lake<\/strong>. Mount Minto<\/strong> (Center). Gravel yard<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading back into the forest, the steep climb continued.\u00a0 After gaining 800 or 900 feet of elevation, Lupe came to another opening.\u00a0 The views were even better here.\u00a0 At the upper end of this clearing, Lupe faced a 10 to 15 foot near-vertical, rocky scramble.\u00a0 She was up it in a flash without any assistance from SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Following the pink electrical cable<\/strong> higher. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Steep clearing<\/strong> reached after gaining 800 to 900 feet of elevation. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying the short, near-vertical scramble<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> from above the scramble. Mount Minto<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After gaining roughly 1,200 feet of elevation, the forest began to thin out.\u00a0 Lupe came to more and more rocky open spots with grand views.\u00a0 By now, the trail’s aggressive rate of climb was beginning to diminish.\u00a0 The microwave tower powered by the generator via the pink electrical cable eventually appeared up ahead.\u00a0 It was still quite a bit higher, but the Carolina Dog was making good progress toward it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> from one of the many superb viewpoints. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the microwave tower<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just before reaching the microwave tower, Lupe came to a flat region with a sweeping view of Little Atlin Lake.\u00a0 Virtually the entire lake was now in sight!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S end of Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> from just below the microwave tower. Mount Minto<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the N end of Little Atlin Lake, the American Dingo could even see the S end of Marsh Lake.<\/p>\n

Marsh Lake is the source of the Yukon River, isn’t it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 That’s right, Loopster.\u00a0 The Tagish River is the main one flowing into Marsh Lake.\u00a0 It’s officially the Yukon River leaving Marsh Lake.\u00a0 See that highest peak beyond Marsh Lake?\u00a0 You’ve been there!<\/em><\/p>\n

I have?\u00a0 What peak is it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s Mount Lorne<\/span><\/a> (6,629 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mount Lorne<\/strong><\/span><\/a>!\u00a0 Where we met Greg and Svetlana.\u00a0 They were so nice!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, they were.\u00a0 It’s also where we got lost in the bushes on the way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end of Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> (Center), Marsh Lake<\/strong> & Mount Lorne<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Going on up to the microwave tower, Lupe spent a few minutes sniffing around.\u00a0 Two bins made of logs were near the tower.\u00a0 These bins were connected to each other, and full of huge rocks.<\/p>\n

Strange!\u00a0 What are these bins for, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Maybe ballast holding in place some underground support structure for the tower?<\/em><\/p>\n

A helicopter pad was nearby, too.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog ventured up onto it, but no helicopters came to whisk her away to Mount White’s summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Just below the microwave tower<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The helicopter pad<\/strong> view. Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> and Mount Minto<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Waiting for a free ride to the summit! Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sorry, Loopster.\u00a0 We’re going to have to walk.<\/em><\/p>\n

That was no longer such a big deal.\u00a0 Lupe had already gained nearly 2,000 feet of elevation, and had less than another 500 feet to go.\u00a0 The Mount White trail continued beyond the microwave tower, still quite steep for a few hundred more feet, before getting easier as it wound through a shallow valley among bushes and stunted trees bordered by large outcroppings of light gray rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing beyond the microwave tower<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the shallow valley<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Making a final short ascent, the trail climbed out of the valley.\u00a0 Lupe reached smooth bedrock.\u00a0 Directly ahead, a cluster of white stones sat atop a highpoint.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Mount White’s premier viewpoint<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-1-23, 11:52 AM, 52\u00baF<\/em> – Although the sun was shining, a 10 mph SW breeze felt chilly as Lupe reached Mount White’s premier viewpoint.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Mount White’s far W viewpoint<\/strong>. N end of Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> (L), Marsh Lake<\/strong> (R) with Mount Lorne<\/strong> (R) beyond. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loop!\u00a0 You’ve reached Mount White’s most scenic spot!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you, SPHP, but “most scenic spot”?\u00a0 That’s terrific news, but are you implying that we have more mountain to climb?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.<\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 If you only knew, Sweet Puppy.\u00a0 Yeah, we’ve got a long way to go yet.\u00a0 Mount White<\/span><\/a> (5,016 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is gigantic!\u00a0 See that high point 0.25 km off to the E?\u00a0 It’s clearly higher than we are here, and that’s just Mount White’s SW subpeak.\u00a0 The true summit is somewhere way off to the NE.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount White SW Peak<\/strong> (R). Survey marker<\/strong> (L) at the tip of Lupe’s tail. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Survey marker<\/strong> at Mount White’s premier far W viewpoint<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like how far NE do you mean, SPHP?\u00a0 I don’t even see it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Like nearly 5 km NE of that SW summit as the crow flies, Looper.\u00a0 Longer the way we’ll have to go.\u00a0 It’s not that much higher, only a couple hundred feet.\u00a0 I can’t tell which hill out there is it yet, either.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5540<\/strong> (L). Although SPHP didn’t realize it at the time, the hill in the distance by the R edge<\/strong> is Mount White’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More than 5 km?\u00a0 We’ll be needing extra energy to do all that, SPHP.\u00a0 Break out the chocolate coconut bar!<\/em><\/p>\n

Only brought one, Loop, and we’re saving it for the true summit.\u00a0 How about a Cliff cool mint bar, instead?<\/em><\/p>\n

The cool mint bar was an acceptable substitute.\u00a0 When it was gone, SPHP shared beef jerky and water with Lupe, then sat munching on peanuts while admiring the tremendous views.\u00a0 In addition to Marsh Lake and the N end of Atlin Lake, both the N and S ends of Little Atlin Lake were in sight, although some of the middle wasn’t.\u00a0 Mount Lorne was easily identifiable off to the NW.<\/p>\n

Nares Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,833 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Montana Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,233 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, two other peaks Lupe had been to before, may have been in view far to the SW, but even if they were, SPHP didn’t recognize them.<\/p>\n

To the E, the terrain consisted of rumpled highlands, only a bit lower, with a line of silver cliffs visible far to the ENE.\u00a0 SPHP wondered if the high point above them might be the true summit of Mount White?\u00a0 Hopefully, not.\u00a0 It seemed incredibly far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The silver cliffs<\/strong> (L), Mount White SW Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best view of all was the one to the S, where Mount Minto<\/span><\/a> (6,913 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> rose beyond the S end of Little Atlin Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
S end of Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> (L), Mount Minto<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mount Minto!\u00a0 That’s another one that’s been on your list of possibilities for years, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know!\u00a0 Are we ever going to climb Kiyan, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

You speak Tlingit now, too, Loop?\u00a0 I’d love to, but rather doubt it.\u00a0 We’d need an affordable way to get across the N end of Atlin Lake.\u00a0 Haven’t found one yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

40 minutes had already flown at this viewpoint, and Mount White was on today’s agenda, not Mount Minto.\u00a0 If Lupe was ever going to get to the true summit, she’d better be on her way.<\/p>\n

Mount White SW Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,790 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is next, Loop.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

The territory leading to the SW peak was a rolling landscape of grass, tundra, low bushes, and light gray rock outcroppings, a beautiful, easy romp.\u00a0 On the way there, Lupe came across a bright red patch of alpine bearberries.<\/p>\n

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Among the alpine bearberries<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-1-23, 12:45 PM,<\/em> Mount White SW Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,790 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Next to a cairn, Lupe stood at the top of a small, stony highpoint.\u00a0 It had taken her only 10 minutes to get here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount White SW Peak summit<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Good job, Loop!\u00a0 What do you see up there?\u00a0 Any sign of Mount White’s true summit?<\/em><\/p>\n

I see a lot of territory, SPHP.\u00a0 No obvious true summit, though.\u00a0 Come on up, and see for yourself.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP did.\u00a0 Looking NE along the sharp edge of the massive Mount White plateau, an undramatic hill way over at the far end appeared to be at least a little higher than anywhere else on the plateau.<\/p>\n

That hill must be it, Looper.\u00a0 At least, that’s what it looks like from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Doesn’t look like much, SPHP.\u00a0 Not even very rocky.\u00a0 Sure is a long way off, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, the true summit is either there, or way over by those silvery cliffs, which are even farther away.\u00a0 In any case, we better keep going, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5540<\/strong> (L). Mount White true summit<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After spending only a few minutes at the SW peak, the American Dingo left it again, heading SE while slowly losing elevation along a ridge.\u00a0 To the E, a very interesting region was in view.\u00a0 Beyond a valley that Lupe was going to have to cross, she saw many low hills of light gray rock.\u00a0 A somewhat lower region toward the S was dotted with trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount White’s true summit<\/strong> (L), silvery cliffs<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Low gray hills<\/strong> (L), tree-dotted region<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So pretty!\u00a0 That looks like such fun territory to explore, doesn’t it, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

We’ll have a blast, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Wrong!\u00a0 Well, not completely.<\/p>\n

It started out well.\u00a0 Losing 200 feet of elevation during a steeper descent from the ridge into the valley, instead of heading for the gray hills, which would have been by far the better choice, SPHP led Lupe toward the somewhat lower region dotted with trees.\u00a0 At first, it wasn’t bad, but as the Carolina Dog pressed on toward the E, more and more dense thickets of bigger and bigger bushes appeared.<\/p>\n

This was beautiful country, but one that became an increasingly difficult struggle to move through efficiently.\u00a0 It didn’t help at all that the 100 foot contours on the topo map hid a lot of up and down along the way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At a decent spot in the bush and tree region<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A second significant valley had to be crossed as Lupe made her way E.\u00a0 She managed to reach the bottom a little N of the narrow valley’s high point, finding the valley itself nearly bush-free.\u00a0 However, after going S to the saddle and turning E again, another difficult bushwhack ensued while trying to get to the top of the next ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the bottom of the second valley<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Persistence paid off.\u00a0 Lupe managed to reach the ridge line.\u00a0 Instead of chest high on SPHP, the bushes were much shorter up here, only a foot or two high, with firm tundra in some areas between them.\u00a0 To the N, a series of slightly higher small hills was ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A quick glance back. Mount White SW Peak<\/strong> (L of center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Finally up on the ridge<\/strong> with small hills<\/strong> ahead. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sheesh!\u00a0 When am I ever going to learn, Looper?\u00a0 In the far N, it’s almost always best to avoid vegetation.\u00a0 Bushes, tussocks, Devil’s club, hidden bogs, spongy tundra, it’s always some tale of woe!\u00a0 We should have come through those rocky gray hills.\u00a0 We will on the way back.\u00a0 I can guarantee you that!<\/em><\/p>\n

You live, yet never learn, SPHP.\u00a0 I’ve had to get used to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Happily, while Lupe still had quite a way to go yet, the difficult part of the journey was over.\u00a0 All that was necessary now was to stay on the high ground, avoiding any tall bushes.<\/p>\n

Heading N along the hilly ridge crest, the true summit of Mount White, which had been out of sight for a long time, came back into view.\u00a0 By now, SPHP was certain the hill to the NE was it.\u00a0 Thankfully, it wasn’t clear over by the silvery cliffs, which were still impossibly far away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting to close in on Mount White’s true summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trek N was fun!\u00a0 Low bushes, and scattered patches of taller ones, did little to impede progress.\u00a0 Much of the time, Lupe was racing across firm tundra, running and sniffing to her heart’s delight.\u00a0 At one point she clearly sniffed something interesting off to the W, repeatedly raising her nose to the air, then staring off that way.\u00a0 However, nothing appeared, and the scenic journey continued.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A scenic journey. Mount Minto<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting closer. Mount White true summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sniffing something. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
It’s over that way, SPHP!<\/em> Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Saving time, Lupe didn’t hit all the high points while crossing the vast rolling plateau, but stayed high enough to avoid any serious vegetation.\u00a0 Turning E, a final gradual descent to a broad saddle got her to only a moderately steep climb up a long tundra slope.\u00a0 Cake all the way!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On final approach. Mount White true summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-1-23, 4:21 PM, 50\u00baF, Mount White<\/a><\/span> (5,016 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Next to a white rock, Lupe sat in a chilly 15-20 mph SW wind.\u00a0 That foot high rock, situated on a fairly flat region of tundra with other white rocks scattered about, was the true summit of Mount White.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At Mount White’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw.<\/p>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 We made it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you, SPHP.\u00a0 Now about that chocolate coconut bar.\u00a0 Seems long overdue!<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine!\u00a0 But let’s get out of this cold wind, first.<\/em><\/p>\n

Although the best views were S and W, SPHP retreated a little down the NE slope before taking a seat on the tundra.\u00a0 After sharing the one and only chocolate coconut bar, beef jerky, and water with Lupe, she curled up on SPHP’s lap.<\/p>\n

Facing NE away from wind, conditions were reasonably pleasant.\u00a0 Lupe was very interested in the beautiful Yukon scene stretched out before her.\u00a0 Looking down a long tundra slope, she scanned a broad region of highlands on Mount White’s NE flank for signs of movement.\u00a0 SPHP’s gaze was drawn more toward lines of nameless dark blue mountains on the horizon.\u00a0 Looking E, the silvery cliffs were still 6 km away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the highlands along Mount White’s NE flank<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The silvery cliffs<\/strong>. Photo looks E with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP drank a vanilla Equate, polished off the peanuts, then worked on the trail mix.\u00a0 Not to be outdone, Lupe gobbled up the rest of her Taste of the Wild, and had more water.\u00a0 Then for a long while, it felt good sitting there together, simply staring out into space, enjoying the Yukon.<\/p>\n

Of course, that could only last so long.<\/p>\n

Nearly picture time, Loopster.\u00a0 We better have a look at some of these other magnificent views while we’ve got the chance.<\/em><\/p>\n

30 feet N of the true summit, quite a few white rocks were over near 4 short wooden stakes that formed a rectangle.\u00a0 An old survey pin was among them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Michie<\/strong> (L) beyond the 4 wood stakes<\/strong>. Peak 5540<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The survey pin<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Little Atlin Lake couldn’t be seen from here, but Marsh Lake was in view to the NW.\u00a0 Lupe could still see Mount Lorne, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the 4 wood stakes<\/strong>. Mount Lorne<\/strong> (far L), Marsh Lake<\/strong> (Center & R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Almost due W, the Alaska Highway was 2,500 feet below.\u00a0 Jake’s Corner at the junction with Tagish Road, which goes to Carcross, was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Alaska Highway<\/strong> (R) with the S end of Marsh Lake<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Little Atlin Lake wasn’t in view, both Mount Minto<\/span><\/a> (6,913 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Hitchcock<\/span><\/a> (5,886 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were, with the N end of Atlin Lake sandwiched between them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (L), Mount Minto<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kiyan is still my favorite view from Mount White, SPHP.\u00a0 We’ve had a lot of fun in the Atlin Lake region over the years!<\/em><\/p>\n

Mount Minto is my favorite, too, Loopster.\u00a0 And guess what?\u00a0 If all goes well, we’ve got other big adventures coming up down that way.<\/em><\/p>\n

On this Dingo Vacation, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yep!\u00a0 You’ll see!<\/em><\/p>\n

While Mount Minto may have been the unanimous favorite, another view was rapidly becoming the most pertinent.\u00a0 Off to the SW, Jubilee Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,951 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, among the closest peaks on the far side of unseen Little Atlin Lake, stood out beyond Mount White’s SW Peak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Jubilee Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center), Mount White SW Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hate to say it, Loop …<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I know, SPHP!\u00a0 It’s a long way back, and getting to be about that time.<\/em><\/p>\n

9-1-23, 5:11 PM<\/em> – 50 minutes after arriving, the American Dingo sat alone in the wind, enjoying her final moments at Mount White’s true summit.\u00a0 Glancing back to the NW, she saw SPHP give the signal to come.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments at Mount White’s true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first part of the return was so much fun!\u00a0 Encouraged by SPHP, Lupe hit some of the high points skipped during the ascent.\u00a0 As a result, she journeyed mostly along tundra, making travel fast and easy.\u00a0 Once back to the region where she’d sniffed something out there, the Carolina Dog began raising her nose in the air, and staring off to the W again.<\/p>\n

She knew!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back. Jubilee Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), Mount White SW Peak<\/strong> (R of Center), N end of Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe never saw them, but, this time, SPHP did.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Two mountain goats<\/strong>!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of the color-coordinated white mountain goats <\/strong>of Mount White<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Progress slowed once the descent into the region of bushes began.\u00a0 On the way down to the narrow bush-free valley, Lupe succeeded in finding more open routes, making the bushwhack easier than before.\u00a0 Trying to climb NW back out of the valley was another matter, though.<\/p>\n

On a steep slope, an incredibly dense thicket of bushes taller than SPHP was such a struggle to push through.\u00a0 At a particularly difficult point, SPHP gave a mighty shove, attempting to squeeze by.\u00a0 The bushes gave an even mightier shove back, sending SPHP into an uncontrolled fall backwards.<\/p>\n

SPHP!\u00a0 Are you all right?<\/em><\/p>\n

Didn’t hurt.\u00a0 Not at all, because SPHP never hit the ground.\u00a0 Cushioned by the bushes below, SPHP was left hanging upside down with the pack wedged in among them, thrashing around like a beetle or turtle that had been flipped over, unable to regain its feet.<\/p>\n

Yes, of course, I’m alright, Loop.\u00a0 Couldn’t hurt myself here, if i tried, but I can’t get up!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, you look ridiculous, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

No doubt.\u00a0 My brainpower may be increasing, though.\u00a0 All my blood is pooling in my head.<\/em><\/p>\n

After repeated failures, SPHP finally did manage to escape the bushes’ grasp, and that was about the end of the worst of it.\u00a0 The terrible struggle didn’t go on much farther.\u00a0 Lupe managed to find an open lane leading above and beyond the tallest bushes.<\/p>\n

Although the sun was in SPHP’s eyes, making it almost impossible to see, the journey became easier when the American Dingo reached tundra on the way to the gray hills along the 4,700 foot ridge E of Mount White’s SW Peak.\u00a0 Once there, the rocky terrain made for easy travel.<\/p>\n

Lupe tagged Mount White SW Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,790 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> again, but lingered only a few minutes.\u00a0 The sun was sinking into the clouds as she hurried on.<\/p>\n

9-1-23, 8:42 PM<\/em> – Back at Mount White’s premier viewpoint, the evening views were even more amazing.\u00a0 A golden glow was in the clouds, while the big lakes below were a shimmering silver among a darkening land.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at Mount White’s premier viewpoint<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We should stay and watch the sunset, SPHP.\u00a0 Might be truly amazing!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’d love to, Loopster, but don’t want to take on the steep descent in the dark.\u00a0 That one near-vertical scramble in particular worries me.\u00a0 Besides, there are a lot of clouds around.\u00a0 Chances are the sun will just sink into them, and be lost from view without producing much of a sunset.\u00a0 This may be as good as it gets.<\/em><\/p>\n

Several more minutes appreciating the awesome views, and Lupe was reluctantly on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Evening view of Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (Center) beyond the S end of Little Atlin Lake<\/strong>. Mount Minto<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A fair amount of light was still in the sky as Lupe reached the microwave tower again, but it faded quickly during the subsequent steep descent.\u00a0 As usual, SPHP was as slow as molasses on the steepest sections.\u00a0 The growing gloom of twilight made the descent seem faintly dangerous.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Returning to the microwave tower<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It turned out that SPHP’s concerns about the short, vertical scramble in the dark were not justified.\u00a0 Exploring a bit E, Lupe managed to avoid the whole thing without difficulty.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog was already below the scramble when she stopped and looked.<\/p>\n

Told you, SPHP!\u00a0 We should have stayed up on Mount White!<\/em><\/p>\n

Off to the NW, beyond the N end of Little Atlin Lake, beyond Marsh Lake, even beyond Mount Lorne<\/span><\/a> (6,629 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, a scene of rapidly fading glory!\u00a0 The sky was on fire.\u00a0 Awestruck, both Lupe and SPHP stood watching.<\/p>\n

Moments later it was gone.\u00a0 Nothing remained, other than the steep, dark descent through the black forest.\u00a0 (End 10:38 PM, 55\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> while descending Mount White<\/strong>, Yukon Territory, Canada 9-1-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s GPS Track (Ascent)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Tracks: (Ascent)<\/a><\/span> (Descent)<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mount Lorne, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-11-19)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Birch Mountain, Skagway Ranges, British Columbia, Canada – Part 1: Across Atlin Lake to Teresa Island! (8-12-22)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/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":"

Days 40 & 41 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 8-31-23, 9:06 AM, Kluane National Park & Reserve – Lupe arrived nearly an hour before the Thechal Dahl visitor centre opened.\u00a0 Not a soul was around.\u00a0 However, like yesterday, by the time the park rangers showed up, a small … Continue reading Mount White, Yukon Territory, Canada (9-1-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":61818,"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":[1659],"tags":[105,30,106,26,1767,104,1765,1766,708,774],"class_list":["post-61859","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-kiyan","tag-lupe","tag-mount-white","tag-white-mountain","tag-yukon","tag-yukon-territory"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_2726-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\/61859","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=61859"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61859\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64355,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61859\/revisions\/64355"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/61818"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=61859"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=61859"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=61859"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}