{"id":62117,"date":"2025-05-10T08:10:40","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T14:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=62117"},"modified":"2025-05-16T18:58:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-17T00:58:43","slug":"mount-hitchcock-british-columbia-canada-9-3-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=62117","title":{"rendered":"Mount Hitchcock, British Columbia, Canada (9-3-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 42 thru 44 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-2-23, 8:25 AM, 54\u00baF –<\/em> A rest and recuperation day.\u00a0 Lupe was back at the ridge with the big view of Mount Minto<\/span><\/a> (6,913 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and the N end of Atlin Lake, enjoying a romp through her favorite woods.\u00a0 Keeping an eye out for the strange, abandoned camp the Carolina Dog had discovered in these woods last year, SPHP spotted it again.\u00a0 The old camp was still a terrible mess.<\/p>\n

Parked along the S edge of the ridge, the RAV4 was fully exposed to a 20 mph SSW wind.\u00a0 Lupe spent the rest of the morning inside, snoozing on her pink blanket while an endless procession of big clouds sailed by.\u00a0 In the afternoon, she was more alert.\u00a0 SPHP provided a Busy Rib Hide<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to munch on.\u00a0 Every now and then, Lupe dashed out to bark at a squirrel before returning a few minutes later.\u00a0 Still the wind blew!<\/p>\n

And then rather suddenly, late in the afternoon, it completely died away.<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 How about another romp in the woods?<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, Lupe was all for it, but this time SPHP had an ulterior motive.\u00a0 While Lupe roamed as she pleased, SPHP searched for the abandoned camp again.\u00a0 Didn’t take long to find it.<\/p>\n

Here again, SPHP?\u00a0 Do you have some kind of strange fascination with this place?<\/em><\/p>\n

In a way, yes, I do, Loop.\u00a0 It’s a travesty what a mess this joint is, and in the middle of your favorite woods, too!\u00a0 We’re going to clean it up.<\/em><\/p>\n

Half a dozen tarps had evidently been used to construct a makeshift shelter with long sticks serving as the framework.\u00a0 Most of these tarps were in an advanced state of disintegration.\u00a0 However, finding a couple that were still in relatively decent condition, SPHP began piling as much trash on them as possible.\u00a0 Plastic bottles, metal cans, an old burn barrel, sections of pipe used as a flue, the disintegrating tarps, and more.<\/p>\n

Once that was done, SPHP organized the fallen framework poles in a neat stack.<\/p>\n

There!\u00a0 All tidied up.\u00a0 What’ya think, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

98% better, SPHP, if we could make all this junk on the tarps disappear.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fully intend to, Looper.\u00a0 Let’s get started!<\/em><\/p>\n

The weather was changing.\u00a0 Completely overcast now, it began to rain as Lupe followed SPHP during multiple trips lugging the junk-laden tarps to the road where the trash could be stuffed into the RAV4, then back to the abandoned camp again for more.<\/p>\n

There was a rest area 4.5 miles S along Atlin Highway No. 7.\u00a0 Removing all of the accumulated debris required several trips in the RAV4.\u00a0 It was raining hard, and a couple of rest area trash bins were stuffed full by the time the project was over and done with, but the terrible mess in Lupe’s favorite woods was history.<\/p>\n

9-3-23, 7:28 AM, 32\u00baF<\/em> – Listening to the rain late into the night, SPHP had grown despondent over what it meant for the American Dingo’s chances of climbing a mountain today, but morning brought both another change of fortune, and an unexpected shock.\u00a0 Except for a big cloud billowing up from Atlin Lake, the sky was clear!\u00a0 And that wasn’t all.<\/p>\n

New snow on the mountains, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
New snow on Mount Minto<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow!\u00a0 So there is, Looper.\u00a0 No wonder my paws got cold last night.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP got out to heat up a can of chili for breakfast.\u00a0 Sure enough, last night’s rain was frozen on the RAV4.\u00a0 A lovely, crisp, early September morning!\u00a0 Probably going to warm up nicely.<\/p>\n

This is going to be a great day, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Can we go on another sniff in the woods after breakfast, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, sure!\u00a0 Then it’s on to Mount Hitchcock<\/span><\/a> (5,886 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

After breakfast, Lupe did get her favorite woods romp.\u00a0 Returning to the old camp, it looked so much better than before.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the abandoned camp<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-3-23, 10:32 AM, 42\u00baF<\/em> – Although just a dusting, the season’s first new snow added a dramatic touch to the mountains as Lupe set out.\u00a0 SPHP had parked the RAV4 0.5 km S of a sign for Pat Creek at a wide flat area across Atlin Highway No. 7 from a couple of side roads.\u00a0 Since the closest side road was only 500 feet S, that’s the way the Carolina Dog went.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snow on Black Mountain<\/strong> (R) from Atlin Highway No. 7<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the S side road<\/strong> (R). N end of Atlin Lake<\/strong> (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The side road quickly brought Lupe to a large, pancake flat gravel yard.\u00a0 SPHP was a little surprised to see that the N side road led up here, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the gravel yard<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First Mount White, and now Mount Hitchcock.\u00a0 Does a mountain have to have a highway maintenance gravel yard to use as a trailhead before we’ll climb it now, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely, Sweet Puppy!\u00a0 It’s our new policy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Marvelous!\u00a0 So where does the trail start, SPHP?\u00a0 Just like at Mount White, I’m not seeing it.\u00a0 This time we seem to be fresh out of generator sheds for it to be hidden behind, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

No trail that I’m aware of, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

No trail?\u00a0 Mountains with trails would be a better new policy, SPHP.\u00a0 You’re telling me that Mount Hitchcock is going to be a total bushwhack?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not entirely.\u00a0 Once we get above bush line, it won’t be.\u00a0 As far as where to start, choose any spot you like, Looper, and we’ll see how it goes.<\/em><\/p>\n

Crossing the gravel yard, Lupe plunged SE into the trees.<\/p>\n

After passing through a dense band of alders, the American Dingo found herself in a jungle that looked like the forest primeval.\u00a0 Big spruce trees towered among moss-covered boulders and a variety of bushes.\u00a0 Thick moss also carpeted the entire floor of this wilderness.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the forest primeval<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What now, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Beats me, Loopster.\u00a0 Just start climbing, I guess.<\/em><\/p>\n

The jungle trek was very slow going as Lupe explored her way higher through a dank forest choked with trees, bushes with long horizontal branches, and mossy boulders.\u00a0 Within 15 minutes, despite not getting far at all, she reached the first of a series of small bedrock benches.\u00a0 These benches ran along walls ranging from only a few to 15 feet tall.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the mossy jungle<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On one of the first benches<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Most of the benches slanted down toward the S or SW, serving as useful ramps higher.\u00a0 Along each ramp, Lupe had to keep looking for a way to scramble up to the next ramp above.\u00a0 It usually wasn’t hard to find one.\u00a0 The benches and ramps kept getting both taller and wider as Lupe kept climbing.\u00a0 With so much exposed bedrock around, the forest thinned out, making travel easier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A bench with a slant<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On a large ramp<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Scrambling among the ramps and benches was fun, rather like exploring a maze.\u00a0 Some provided views of Atlin Lake.\u00a0 If Mount Minto hadn’t been hidden among clouds, Lupe would have seen it, too.\u00a0 Fortunately, even as the rock walls grew in size, she was always able to find a route higher.<\/p>\n

By the time Lupe reached the end of the benches, she’d already gained hundreds of feet of elevation.\u00a0 Ahead, the sun was just peeping over a much higher ridge, shining down a steep, 200 foot tall rock slide.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the rock slide<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gads!\u00a0 Let’s avoid all this steep talus, if we can, Looper.\u00a0 This next hill or ridge, or whatever it is, looks highest toward the S, so try angling NE.<\/em><\/p>\n

After scrambling across part of the rock slide, Lupe managed to get N of it, and back into the forest.\u00a0 Climbing somewhat more steeply again, she headed E, soon encountering one of the largest mushrooms growing out of a rotting stump that SPHP had ever seen.\u00a0 In fact, there were several big mushrooms, all of which looked incredibly healthy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back in the mossy forest<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the magnificent mushrooms<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A huge specimen<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first, the rockslide-evading maneuver seemed to work, but soon the terrain began steepening further.\u00a0 Apparently Lupe was now on the S side of a deep valley.\u00a0 Attempting to continue E while gradually gaining elevation, the slope kept getting steeper, repeatedly forcing the Carolina Dog higher.<\/p>\n

You’re doing wonderful, Looper, but this traverse is getting to be next to impossible for me.\u00a0 I’ve got to get above it!\u00a0 Looks to me like there’s better terrain not all that much higher than where we’re at.<\/em><\/p>\n

Whatever you like, SPHP.\u00a0 Go for it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 Easier said than done!\u00a0 SPHP didn’t actually like this scramble at all.\u00a0 The worst of it wasn’t all that tall, maybe a 20 or 30 foot high section spent desperately clinging to small trees, and whatever bits of bedrock were available to prevent a fall, yet SPHP made it up in one piece.\u00a0 By means of some black Dingo magic SPHP never saw in operation, Lupe made it up unassisted, too.<\/p>\n

Above the short, scary scramble, the American Dingo kept climbing in open forest on more manageable terrain, eventually reaching a rocky spot with an encouraging view.<\/p>\n

Thar she blows, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Is that the top of Mount Hitchcock<\/span><\/a> (5,886 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP?\u00a0 It’s still a long way!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 We’re just getting started, Sweet Puppy.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Top of Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The climb went on.\u00a0 Another rock provided a view of Black Mountain, where last night’s snow was starting to melt away.\u00a0 Finally reaching a relatively level spot with a view of the N end of Atlin Lake, both Lupe and SPHP were ready for a break.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break. Atlin Lake<\/strong> below. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As slowly as things had gone so far, the break had to be a short one.\u00a0 Lupe was soon climbing SE again.\u00a0 She was definitely making progress, as evidenced by the constantly improving view of Mount Hitchcock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Making progress toward Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The still snowy NW face<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-3-23, 2:28 PM<\/em> – Lupe was still making decent progress when she came to a local high point.\u00a0 Despite the view of Mount Hitchcock being better than ever here, SPHP was immediately concerned.\u00a0 A cliff was directly ahead, blocking further advance.\u00a0 Peering into an 80 foot deep valley filled with yellow aspens, the drop was obviously impassable where the Carolina Dog had reached it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (R of Center) from the first local high point<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’ll have to find a way around this drop, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s try going S.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sniffing her way S, Lupe steadily lost elevation, quickly coming to the best view yet of a big section of Atlin Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atlin Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We can turn E here, SPHP.\u00a0 We’re past the cliff.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going E down an easily manageable slope of young yellow aspens, Lupe lost only another 40 or 50 feet of elevation before reaching a saddle full of moss.\u00a0 Starting back up again after crossing it, she soon arrived at the bottom of a nearly 200 foot high cliff.<\/p>\n

Scooching N along the base of the cliff, the American Dingo succeeded in getting beyond it, and up onto a long ridge of bedrock with a second high point near its N end.\u00a0 Looking W from here, the first high point was back in sight again, only marginally lower, and not all that far away.\u00a0 A terrific view of Mount Minto<\/span><\/a> (6,913 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the mossy saddle<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the bedrock ridge<\/strong>, the second local high point<\/strong>. First high point<\/strong> (R), Mount Minto<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Minto<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WNW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fact that this bedrock ridge even had a N end was not good news.<\/p>\n

Dang, Loop!\u00a0 I was hoping this ridge would connect to something.\u00a0 It’s a dead end with another cliff, and another little valley in our way!<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s not a straight drop.\u00a0 I think we can get down there, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

A quick search revealed a spot where Lupe was right.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog had no problem getting down the slope.\u00a0 By clinging to small trees, SPHP also managed to get down safely.\u00a0 The entire descent was only around 65 feet.\u00a0 At the bottom, Lupe found herself in a narrow valley full of spruce and moss.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down in the narrow valley.<\/strong> Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbing E out of this valley, Lupe promptly reached a third high point.\u00a0 Happily, the 65 foot descent beyond this one wasn’t steep enough to be an issue.\u00a0 Coming a fourth high point, only a minor dip was beyond it.\u00a0 A gradual rise now led to a flat, dripping wet forest featuring a maze of open lanes of melting snow.\u00a0 No views at all here, except trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the flat forest<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We can make some tracks now, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, we better, too!\u00a0 I honestly had no idea how complex this terrain would be.\u00a0 We’ve chewed up a lot of time, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do we keep heading E here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 We should come to a big lake, Loop.\u00a0 The plan is to head E for about a km along its S shore, then turn S to a ridge that will eventually lead us up the back side of Mount Hitchcock from the E or SE.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure sounds like the long way around, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

It is, Loopster, but according to the topo map, it ought to be the easiest way up.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe was crossing an enormous saddle between Mount Hitchcock and Black Mountain.\u00a0 Continuing E, the terrain eventually sloped downhill.\u00a0 The forest was even denser and wetter here, yet aided by gravity and the American Dingo’s route finding skills, progress remained quite good.<\/p>\n

The topo map showed open ground W of the lake Lupe was heading for.\u00a0 For some reason, SPHP had visions of firm, grassy terrain leading to a pebbled shore, and an open, dry forest similar to her favorite one back at the ridge with the view of Mount Minto and Atlin Lake, permitting a fun romp along the lake’s S shore.\u00a0 Just get to the lake, and everything would be fine!<\/p>\n

The gradual descent through the wet forest seemed much longer than it should have been.\u00a0 When it finally came to an end, the scene ahead was not at all what SPHP had envisioned.\u00a0 The open ground W of the lake turned out to be a vast region of tussocks and waist high bushes, dotted with spindly, boreal spruce.<\/p>\n

Oh, my gosh, Loop!\u00a0 It’s just a big bog!\u00a0 If I had any sense, I would have known it would be.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5677<\/strong> (L), Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (R) from the start of the bog<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe persevered, splish-splashing through the tussocks and bushes all the way to the W end of the lake.\u00a0 The closer she got to it, the wetter and more full of tussocks the ground became.\u00a0 A well-defined shoreline was merely an illusion.\u00a0 The whole region near the lake was standing water.\u00a0 SPHP’s boots and socks were full of muck and completely water-logged.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The unnamed lake<\/strong> between Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> and Black Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe<\/strong> near the lake<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Directly S, Mount Hitchcock loomed above all, so close now, yet suddenly seeming a nearly impossible objective.\u00a0 It had taken 6 hours just to get this far.\u00a0 SPHP stood in the swamp frozen with indecision and doubt.<\/p>\n

We made it to the lake, SPHP!\u00a0 \u00a0What are you doing?<\/em><\/p>\n

Having a mid-adventure crisis, I guess.\u00a0 This really isn’t going very well.\u00a0 Seems like I’ve seriously underestimated Mount Hitchcock, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Meaning what, exactly?\u00a0 Are you thinking of turning back, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m not far from it, Loopster.\u00a0 There’s no way we’re going to slog through another km of this bog along the S shore of this lake, and then circle all the way around to come up at Mount Hitchcock from the SE.\u00a0 At this rate, it will be dark before we even get there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Too steep and too much talus to go straight up the N face, SPHP.\u00a0 Want to call it, or try the NW ridge?<\/em><\/p>\n

Plenty of talus there, too, but let’s try the NW ridge, Loopster.\u00a0 It’s so much shorter than my original plan, and really doesn’t look that bad from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Turning SW, Lupe left the lake, heading for the deep green forest beyond the bog, the sky starting to cloud up a bit in that direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for Mount Hitchcock’s NW ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This next part of the forest proved snowy and wet, with the additional charm of being full of deadfall.\u00a0 One obnoxious obstacle after another!\u00a0 Not terrible, but tiresome work.\u00a0 Yet Lupe kept at it, finally managing to reach the lower end of Mount Hitchcock’s NW ridge.\u00a0 Her ascent began immediately, climbing SE amid a mix of trees, bushes, and boulders.<\/p>\n

With snow making some of the rocks slippery, SPHP worried that Lupe might get injured due to a slip or missed jump.\u00a0 She never did.\u00a0 As usual, the American Dingo climbed with confidence, scrambling circles around SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting the ascent<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Snow<\/strong> made some spots slick. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A 1,400 foot ascent soon turned into a mostly talus rock hop.\u00a0 Lupe only needed a single boost from SPHP, and that was merely to save time.\u00a0 She could have easily found a way around that difficult spot on her own.<\/p>\n

The ascent wasn’t all talus.\u00a0 Halfway up, Mount Hitchcock’s NW ridge rose in a series of big humps, with relatively flat regions of tundra and low bushes between much steeper talus climbs.\u00a0 These regions provided opportunities for short breaks to rest and admire the incredible views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A big easy stretch<\/strong> between talus climbs. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break. N end of Atlin Lake<\/strong> (L), Black Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the top of a lane of tundra<\/strong> during a steep talus climb<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still a long way to go<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-3-23, 7:18 PM<\/em> – The sunny, comfortably warm conditions down at the lake were but a memory now.\u00a0 From out of the WSW, a chill breeze was stirring, dropping the temperature fast as it spread high-floating clouds across the sky.<\/p>\n

Although the ascent of Mount Hitchcock’s NW ridge had otherwise been going smoothly, as usual SPHP had been dreadfully slow, not only due to the talus, but also due to a certain weariness setting in.\u00a0 Scrambling up one talus field after another, only to have others keep appearing above, even Lupe was feeling it.<\/p>\n

Reaching tundra again at the top of yet another hump, a glance off to the W spoke of a growing concern.\u00a0 Hovering in the gray sky over by Mount Minto, the sun was no longer all that far from the horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Minto<\/strong> (L of Center) beyond Atlin Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N end of Atlin Lake<\/strong>. Mount Minto<\/strong> (L edge). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sheesh!\u00a0 We’re running out of time, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

I know, SPHP, but we’ll get there.\u00a0 I’m feeling mighty tired, though.\u00a0 Can we please take another break?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure, but only a short one.\u00a0 <\/em>How about some beef jerky, Loop?\u00a0 Should give us an energy boost.<\/em><\/p>\n

A short break, and the ascent continued.\u00a0 Couldn’t be that much farther!\u00a0 The swampy lake Lupe had visited began coming into view.\u00a0 Going over to an edge offering a better look, the lake filled nearly the entire valley between Mount Hitchcock and Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,738 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Still climbing<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N end of Atlin Lake<\/strong> (L), Black Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
NE end of the lake<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nearly the entire lake<\/strong>. Black Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quite a view, Loop.\u00a0 Still some more up to go, but it’s beginning to look like we’re actually getting somewhere.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s finish it, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Still took a while, but the talus fields were no longer as steep, making life easier.\u00a0 Lupe finally reached a patch of tundra where it looked like the summit couldn’t be much higher.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Almost there, Loop.\u00a0 Terrific job, Sweet Puppy!<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m expecting great things, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the NE end of Mount Hitchcock’s summit ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-3-23, 8:49 PM, 38\u00baF, Mount Hitchcock<\/span><\/a> (5,886 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – In fading light, and a chilly, 10 mph WSW breeze, Lupe stood on the highest rocks near the NE end of a rocky summit ridge.\u00a0 She wasn’t quite at the true summit yet, but not far from it.\u00a0 A visibly higher point was a short distance SW along the ridgeline.<\/p>\n

After all this effort, Mount Hitchcock didn’t disappoint.\u00a0 The views were spectacular!<\/p>\n

Let’s tag the true summit, Loop, then have a look around.<\/em><\/p>\n

The 250 foot long ridge ran NE\/SW.\u00a0 Reaching the apparent true summit, an even higher dark spire was now visible clear over at the far SW end.<\/p>\n

Take a picture, SPHP!\u00a0 We’re at the natural true summit.\u00a0 That spire is just a cairn.<\/em><\/p>\n

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

Although the views were incredible from any point along the summit ridge, the completely unexpected 6 or 7 foot tall cairn at the SW end was clearly sitting at Mount Hitchcock’s premier viewpoint.\u00a0 That was the place to be!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atlin Lake<\/strong> from the cairn<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon arriving at the cairn, desperately tired, Lupe promptly laid down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Resting by the cairn<\/strong>. Mount Minto<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?\u00a0 Mount Hitchcock!\u00a0 I can scarcely believe we’re here.\u00a0 Never dreamed it would take us so long.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe shook paws with SPHP.<\/p>\n

A chocolate coconut bar would sure help about now, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

In a few minutes, Looper.\u00a0 Let’s get some photos while we’ve still got light.<\/em><\/p>\n

Due N, over at Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,738 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, last night’s snow appeared to have entirely melted away.\u00a0 Nearly 1,900 feet below, only the swampy W end of the lake N of Mount Hitchcock was visible from the cairn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Mountain<\/strong> (L). Mount Hitchcock’s true summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 5677<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Hitchcock’s somewhat lower twin, was 2 km due E.\u00a0 Lowlands and mostly smaller mountains were beyond it.\u00a0 Looking SE, Mount Carter<\/span><\/a> (5,827 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> stood out well beyond the ridge connecting Peak 5677<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Hitchcock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5677<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ridge connecting Peak 5677 and Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (Center) in foreground, with Mount Carter<\/strong> (Center) beyond. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most indisputably stupendous views of all, though, were of Atlin Lake and the mountains around it.\u00a0 Incredibly long, Atlin Lake stretched from Birch Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,765 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Atlin Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,722 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to the S, all the way to it’s N end well beyond Black Mountain.\u00a0 The S end of Little Atlin Lake, and Mount White<\/span><\/a> (5,016 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which Lupe had been to only 2 days ago, were in sight even farther N.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atlin Lake<\/strong> from Mount Hitchcock<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Atlin Lake<\/strong> (L), Little Atlin Lake<\/strong> (Center), Black Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Minto<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was thrilled when SPHP finally sat down facing E, away from the cold wind.\u00a0 After sharing the promised chocolate coconut bar, a Cliff cool mint bar, and beef jerky, she immediately curled up on SPHP’s lap and closed her eyes.\u00a0 Already wearing all layers brought along, SPHP hugged the weary Carolina Dog to warm her up while gazing out at the world from Mount Hitchcock.<\/p>\n

Despite the tremendous views, SPHP’s thoughts were troubled.\u00a0 It had taken an insane amount of time to get here, more than 10 hours!\u00a0 Night was coming on.\u00a0 Soon darkness would envelope this wild, remote land.\u00a0 The WSW wind felt cold, and was clearly driving darker clouds this way.\u00a0 Snowed last night.\u00a0 The temperature was plunging up here.\u00a0 Maybe it would snow again?\u00a0 Rain might be even worse!\u00a0 Other than SPHP’s boots, Lupe and SPHP had both dried out in the breeze on the way up Mount Hitchcock’s NW ridge.\u00a0 Getting soaking wet again now that it was cold would be awful.\u00a0 SPHP at least had the red rain jacket, but Lupe had no protection at all …<\/p>\n

Lupe!\u00a0 Poor Lupe!\u00a0 She was so tired, had been so valiant, and had earned a long rest.\u00a0 Feeling incredibly cruel, a mere 20 minutes after arriving on Mount Hitchcock, SPHP woke the exhausted American Dingo up.<\/p>\n

Loopster!\u00a0 We’ve got to get out of here!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP, I feel like I just closed my eyes!\u00a0 Is summit hour over already?\u00a0 How can it be?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m so sorry, Looper.\u00a0 Your summit hour isn’t anywhere close to over yet, but we can’t stay.\u00a0 We’ve overdone it.\u00a0 It’s all my fault, but we have to go.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe stood there in shocked disbelief after being pushed off SPHP’s lap.\u00a0 Go, yes!\u00a0 But go where?\u00a0 SPHP had a look down Mount Hitchcock’s NW ridge, back the way Lupe had come up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hitchcock’s NW ridge<\/strong> (Center & R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t look bad at all.\u00a0 SPHP considered.\u00a0 Yeah, and what about doing it all again in the dark while exhausted?\u00a0 That long talus descent, the wet forest full of deadfall, the mucky march through the bog, another dark forest, those crazy steep-sided minor high points separated by valleys, that scary little scramble, finding a way through the benches and ramps, down to the boulders and primeval forest.<\/p>\n

Oh, Loop!\u00a0 What have I gotten us into?\u00a0 Let’s have a look S.\u00a0 Maybe we can go down the SW face?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hitchcock’s S ridge<\/strong> (foreground). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I don’t know, Looper.\u00a0 Can’t really see the SW face from here, but this looks better to me.<\/em><\/p>\n

There’s a big flat area that must be tundra where the ridge starts turning toward Peak 5677<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP.\u00a0 Doesn’t look hard to get that far.\u00a0 You’re the one with the map.\u00a0 What does it say from there?<\/em><\/p>\n

Hard to know, Loopster.\u00a0 Might be a SW ridge we can follow?\u00a0 May be fine, then again, maybe not.\u00a0 In truth, once we start heading down from that flat spot you’ve pointed out, the map doesn’t look a whole lot different than the way we came up.<\/em><\/p>\n

Light was fading fast.\u00a0 Like it, or not, decision time!<\/p>\n

S, my dearest, most faithful friend!\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-3-23, 9:53 PM<\/em> – The S slope went very well.\u00a0 Now down at the broad saddle where the ridge to Peak 5677<\/span><\/strong> began curling E, Lupe stood in deepening twilight as a harvest moon rose beyond her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down at the saddle<\/strong>. Peak 5677<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So far, so good, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s have a look at the SW face.<\/em><\/p>\n

Heading over to the rounded SW side of the saddle, the news was good.\u00a0 Mostly tundra with some rocks mixed in, a huge, uniformly steep slope dropped many hundreds of feet into the gloom.\u00a0 A yawning black region lurked far below, well beyond the point where any detail could be seen.<\/p>\n

That must be the forest, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Well, this first part will be easy enough.\u00a0 Let’s lose as much elevation as we can, as fast as we can, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Little flashlight and poles in paw, SPHP, started down the slope, Lupe roaming at will.\u00a0 Another 500 feet of elevation was quickly and easily lost, putting the Carolina Dog 750 feet below Mount Hitchcock’s summit.\u00a0 A promising start, but midnight found her on rock slides, or thrashing lost among dense bushes chest high on SPHP, miserable due to lack of sleep, and continually begging SPHP to stop.<\/p>\n

9-4-23, the wee hours<\/em> – Weary as well, SPHP did stop, quite often, but never for long.\u00a0 Feeding Lupe the rest of her Taste of the Wild, then bits of beef jerky to keep her energy level up, the downward plunge always resumed within a few minutes.\u00a0 Even this late, a faint light was always in the N, just enough to reveal what looked like rain to the S.\u00a0 Every now and then, SPHP felt a little mist.<\/p>\n

Could have stopped longer to let Lupe rest, but fear of the weather, and a general sense that it was better to keep moving, no matter how slowly, to stay warm kept SPHP pressing on.\u00a0 No doubt hoping her continued good behavior would eventually earn her mercy and respite, the Carolina Dog was a real trooper whenever on the move, which was 90% of the time.<\/p>\n

In the dark, on the steep slopes, SPHP’s progress was dismal, ghastly.\u00a0 Even with the little flashlight, there was no way to tell which way to go.\u00a0 Appearances were deceiving, and the dizzying black void was always threatening to cliff Lupe out.\u00a0 Endless bushes made it impossible to see the ground.\u00a0 Trying to handle the flashlight while clinging to bushes, and probing each step ahead for something solid with poles that often struck only air despite being extended to maximum length, was slow work.<\/p>\n

Leaving Mount Hitchcock’s summit, SPHP had started a point to point descent GPS track.\u00a0 Rarely consulting it, because the iPhone’s battery was nearly shot, results were always almost unbelievably disappointing.\u00a0 An hour gone by, and only 100 feet lower!\u00a0 Despite continual effort, SPHP was barely creeping cautiously down the mountain.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, Lupe came to no cliffs.\u00a0 No rock formations to negotiate.\u00a0 The slope was very steep, but uniform.\u00a0 Step by step, clinging to bushes that the poles kept getting caught in, fearful of dropping and losing the flashlight, SPHP inched continually lower, Lupe lost down in the jungle right behind.<\/p>\n

9-4-23<\/em> – At 6:00 AM, the sky seemed a little lighter.\u00a0 By 7:30 AM, SPHP was able to put away the flashlight.\u00a0 Lupe was still at 4,250 feet.\u00a0 Able to see what was ahead now, and better able to use the poles and latch onto bushes for support, SPHP’s speed improved tremendously.\u00a0 Lupe was nearly down to the forest now, and soon in it.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, reaching the forest did not help the American Dingo’s cause much.\u00a0 The steep descent continued.\u00a0 Repeatedly trying to follow drainages lower, they were choked with alders with long, horizontal branches.\u00a0 Lupe needed to stay in the spruce forest, or at least along its edge, in order to get anywhere.<\/p>\n

The steepness of the slope gradually abated.\u00a0 Lupe began coming to flat spots where the spruce forest was fairly open, permitting rapid surges ahead.\u00a0 However, they always seemed to lead to another alder-choked drainage.\u00a0 SPHP was standing on a thick, horizontal alder branch in one of these drainages, when the unexpected occurred.<\/p>\n

Ow!\u00a0 Dang!\u00a0 Dang!\u00a0 Ow!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP!\u00a0 Are you alright?\u00a0 What happened?<\/em><\/p>\n

Ow!\u00a0 I’ve been better.\u00a0 Dang it all, Loopster!\u00a0 That branch I was standing on snapped, and I fell.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you hurt bad, SPHP?\u00a0 Is anything broken?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, but somehow that branch delivered a heck of a blow to my L shin when it gave way, Looper.\u00a0 Nothing’s broken, though, just bruised.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you sure, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I’m sure.\u00a0 If I had a broken leg, I wouldn’t be able to stand.\u00a0 Ow!\u00a0 Dang!\u00a0 Give me a moment, Loopster, and we’ll keep going.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP’s L shin throbbing with pain, the journey resumed.\u00a0 Heading SW through another relatively flat spruce forest, Lupe was still at nearly 4,000 feet when she came to the bedrock benches.\u00a0 From the edge of the first one, the Carolina Dog peered down on a very steep descent.<\/p>\n

Wow.\u00a0 I don’t know, SPHP.\u00a0 The rock walls between these benches are a lot taller than where we came up.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not many ramps visible, either, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might as well try it, but initial impressions were correct.\u00a0 Lupe got only 50 feet lower before cliffing out.\u00a0 A sheer drop ran all along the bench she was on.\u00a0 No even remotely feasible way down to the bench below.\u00a0 It was another crushing blow.\u00a0 Still nearly 1,000 feet lower, Atlin Highway No. 7 was only a little over a km away.<\/p>\n

Doesn’t matter how close we are to the highway, Looper.\u00a0 We can’t get to it from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Back up then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 No other choice.<\/em><\/p>\n

Regaining the lost 50 feet, SPHP checked the map.\u00a0 If Lupe was truly stuck here, it would be devastating.\u00a0 The thought of going back up and over Mount Hitchcock again was beyond the pale.<\/p>\n

There’s a big valley S of here that goes W to the highway, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s see if we can get down to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Turning SE, Lupe made excellent time through a flat, open forest, soon coming to a small, mostly dried-up, swamp.\u00a0 Circling around the muck, within minutes she reached the edge of a long, steep slope of spruce and yellow aspens.\u00a0 No benches, ramps, or rock formations.<\/p>\n

Looks doable, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-4-23, 11:36 AM – More than 25 hours after setting out from the RAV4, Lupe was snoozing on the forest floor.\u00a0 Unnoticed, a few yellow leaves fell on her whenever a momentary light breeze disturbed the aspens.\u00a0 Still at 3,100 feet, and 2 km from Atlin Highway No. 7, SPHP had called a halt here, finally convinced that getting to the highway was now merely a matter of time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In Dingo Dreamland<\/strong>, at last!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Barefoot, SPHP pulled up a pant leg.\u00a0 Scraped up a bit, a giant knot was already forming on the throbbing L shin, but nothing to be done about it.\u00a0 At times munching on trail mix, SPHP laid watching Lupe as leaves fluttered down.\u00a0 Two birds came by, other than that, just gnats and a few spiders.\u00a0 Fearing abandonment, the only times Lupe opened her eyes were when SPHP shifted position.<\/p>\n

Oh, Lupe!\u00a0 I’ll never abandon you.\u00a0 Don’t you know that?\u00a0 We’ve been through so much together.\u00a0 It’s all turned out fine again.\u00a0 How lucky we are to be here in this beautiful, remote place<\/em>.<\/p>\n

This special moment near the end of both triumph and ordeal, in a quiet place never to be seen again, went on for an hour and a half.<\/p>\n

Still quite a march back to Atlin Highway No. 7, losing hundreds of feet of elevation along the way.\u00a0 Turning W as soon as the terrain allowed, Lupe came to a big expanse of level forest, crossed it, and eventually reached a faint road.\u00a0 SPHP first thought this primitive road might be part of the old Telegraph Trail, but it wasn’t.\u00a0 The road continued down and down, finally dumping Lupe out at Atlin Highway No. 7, more than 3 miles S of the RAV4.<\/p>\n

Lupe was very happy during the hike N along the highway, leading the way, confident that the RAV4 couldn’t be much farther.\u00a0 Heading for the ditches whenever traffic appeared, it was uphill nearly all the way, the only significant downhill stretch, the last 500 feet down to the faithfully waiting bright blue RAV4.<\/p>\n

9-4-23, 3:50 PM, 57\u00baF<\/em> – Unsurprisingly, the American Dingo leapt in, curled up on her pink blanket, and closed her eyes the moment SPHP opened the door.\u00a0 29 hours and 18 minutes!\u00a0 Mount Hitchcock was a new personal record for a day hike.\u00a0 Oh, what a day it had been!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Mount Hitchcock<\/strong>, British Columbia, Canada 9-3-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong> (Ascent)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track (Ascent) & Ascent Statistics<\/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 42 thru 44 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 9-2-23, 8:25 AM, 54\u00baF – A rest and recuperation day.\u00a0 Lupe was back at the ridge with the big view of Mount Minto (6,913 ft.) and the N end of Atlin Lake, enjoying a romp through her favorite woods.\u00a0 … Continue reading Mount Hitchcock, British Columbia, Canada (9-3-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":62091,"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":[105,79,30,106,26,104,1768],"class_list":["post-62117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-mount-hitchcock"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_2809-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\/62117","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=62117"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64474,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62117\/revisions\/64474"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/62091"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}