{"id":62666,"date":"2025-05-16T08:10:19","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T14:10:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=62666"},"modified":"2025-06-03T12:25:35","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T18:25:35","slug":"mount-mye-anvil-range-yukon-territory-canada-part-1-on-off-the-moose-trail-to-base-camp-9-8-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=62666","title":{"rendered":"Mount Mye, Anvil Range, Yukon Territory, Canada – Part 1: On & Off the Moose Trail to Base Camp (9-8-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 2 of Day 44 & Days 45 thru 48 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-4-23, 5:35 PM<\/em> – For a 4th evening on this Dingo Vacation, the RAV4 was once again parked along the ridge with a view of the N end of Atlin Lake, flanked on the L by Black Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,738 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Hitchcock<\/span><\/a> (5,886 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and on the R by Mount Minto<\/span><\/a> (6,913 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Drinking the last grape Powerade purchased in Tok, Alaska what seemed like ages ago, it was a view for which SPHP had new found respect.\u00a0 Crumbs falling on her pink blanket, Lupe finished chomping on a cracker.<\/p>\n

Any more summer sausage and Ritz crackers, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope, that’s all we had left, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog heaved a big sigh, put her head down, and closed her eyes.<\/p>\n

After more than 34 sleepless hours, even SPHP’s painfully throbbing shin and toes couldn’t keep the sandman away.<\/p>\n

9-5-23, 7:10 AM, 45\u00baF<\/em> –\u00a0 A nearly 14 hour snooze definitely helped.\u00a0 The sky was overcast, when Lupe woke with a little cough.<\/p>\n

You alright, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s nothing, SPHP.\u00a0 How’s your shin?<\/em><\/p>\n

Got a big knot on it, and part of my L paw is all purple, Looper, but at least my shin isn’t throbbing any more.\u00a0 Doesn’t hurt, as long as I don’t touch it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we going to Whitehorse for supplies today, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 We still have things we can eat, Sweet Puppy.\u00a0 Just going to hang out here.\u00a0 You can relax, while I catch up the trip journal.<\/em><\/p>\n

Salmon for breakfast, baked beans for lunch, chicken and dumplings for dinner.\u00a0 Lupe participated in two out of the three.\u00a0 Other than eating and taking it easy on her pink blanket, the American Dingo enjoyed 3 romps in her favorite woods, visiting the newly cleaned up abandoned camp each time, and roaming farther than she’d ever been before.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A lazy afternoon on the pink blanket<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Waiting for chicken and dumplings<\/strong> to heat up. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
An evening romp in Lupe’s favorite woods<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Happy times!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (R), Atlin Lake<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Black Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Mount Hitchcock<\/strong> (L), Atlin Lake<\/strong> (Center), Mount Minto<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All in all, it had been a pleasant and much needed rest day.<\/p>\n

9-6-23, 7:10 AM, 47\u00baF<\/em> – A beautiful morning!\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed a final romp in her favorite woods.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog felt so wonderful that on the way back to the RAV4, the dastardly were-puppy attacked SPHP.<\/p>\n

9-6-23, 2:38 PM, 64\u00baF<\/em> – Having spent most of the morning fueling up and resupplying in Whitehorse, the “Welcome to Carmacks” sign along North Klondike Hwy No. 2 was the next stop.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The spiffy welcome sign<\/strong> along North Klondike Hwy No. 2 on the way into Carmacks<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Carmacks Landing history<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Carmacks!\u00a0 Isn’t that on the way to\u00a0Dawson City, SPHP?\u00a0 Are we going back to the Dempster Highway<\/strong><\/span><\/a> again?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes to your first question, and no to the last, Looper.\u00a0 We’re crossing the Yukon River here, then heading E on Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4, SPHP?\u00a0 Funny, but I can’t seem to remember a thing about it!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s because we’ve never been on it before, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, awesome, SPHP!\u00a0 All new adventures in all new territory coming up?<\/em><\/p>\n

Precisely, Sweet Puppy.<\/em><\/p>\n

The turn onto Hwy No. 4 came a mile after crossing the Yukon River.\u00a0 Lupe was soon enjoying a terrific view of the fabled river from a high bluff overlooking it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The mighty Yukon River.<\/strong> Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The highway followed the Yukon River E for a while, before eventually angling NE up the Little Salmon River valley.\u00a0 The Little Salmon River was seldom, if ever, in view.\u00a0 No big deal, but SPHP was disappointed when Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4 reached Little Salmon Lake, and there were no pullouts with views.\u00a0 Trees lining the highway permitted only occasional glimpses of the huge lake.<\/p>\n

Taking a chance on a side road named Snowcap View Road, it went by several private cabins before getting Lupe down to Little Salmon Lake.\u00a0 Better yet, Snowcap Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,800 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was actually in sight directly across the impressive lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snowcap Mountain<\/strong> (Center) across Little Salmon Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Little Salmon Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
If this is Little Salmon Lake<\/strong>, Big Salmon Lake<\/strong> must practically be an ocean!<\/em> Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At least, Lupe had gotten a chance to see Little Salmon Lake.\u00a0 Returning to Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4, the drive continued.\u00a0 Approaching the E end of Little Salmon Lake, SPHP slowed down, constantly peering up at the mountains to the NE.<\/p>\n

What’s up?\u00a0 Looking for anything in particular, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 I’m looking for Truitt Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,850 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the next mountain on your list of possibilities, Looper.\u00a0 Think I see it, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP soon had Lupe spending quite a bit of time sniffing around various spots that might serve as a place to stash the RAV4 during an attempt on Truitt Peak.\u00a0 She had some success, coming up with a couple of choices.<\/p>\n

With a place to park, we can climb Truitt Peak tomorrow, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but I don’t know, Looper.\u00a0 Looks like a real long bushwhack to get to the alpine.\u00a0 Not sure my shin is ready yet to force our way through dense forest and bushes again.\u00a0 Hurts when anything touches my big knot.<\/em><\/p>\n

Wanting get another look at Truitt Peak, SPHP found one at the empty Drury Creek campground<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0 While SPHP pondered the view of Truitt Peak’s distant summit, Lupe explored Little Salmon Lake’s shoreline.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
E end of Little Salmon Lake<\/strong> from the Drury Creek campground<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Evening at Little Salmon Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Truitt Peak<\/strong> (Center) from the Drury Creek campground<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-6-23, 7:05 PM, Drury Creek campground on Little Salmon Lake<\/em> –<\/p>\n

So, come to any enlightened conclusions yet, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, afraid so, Loop.\u00a0 Hate to skip out on Truitt Peak when we’re in already in position for it, but due to my wounded shin, we’re going to.<\/em><\/p>\n

Too bad, SPHP, but I understand.\u00a0 Where to, then?<\/em><\/p>\n

Faro.\u00a0 I suspect there’s a trail at least partway to Mount Mye<\/span><\/a> (6,763 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Faro was still close to an hour’s drive E.\u00a0 On this gorgeous evening, the slanting rays of the sinking sun highlighted all the fall colors.\u00a0 Faro was 10 km N of Robert Campbell Hwy No. 4 along Mitchell Road, and after making the L turn, this short drive was even more spectacular.\u00a0 Mitchell Road wound downhill, eventually bottoming out at a beautiful bridge over the Pelly River.<\/p>\n

9-6-23, 8:09 PM – There’s an access road going down to the river on the L, SPHP!\u00a0 Please take it.\u00a0 We gotta see this!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pelly River bridge<\/strong> to Faro<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo was so right!\u00a0 The Pelly River bridge was certainly worth a stop.\u00a0 After admiring the scenic river from the S bank, Lupe and SPHP piled back into the RAV4.\u00a0 Driving across the red and light green bridge, Mitchell Road wound uphill a couple more km to Faro.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the Pelly River bridge<\/strong> to Faro<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Faro, Mitchell Road reached an intersection.\u00a0 A turn R on Campbell Street led into the village of Faro itself.\u00a0 Going straight, Mitchell Road continued uphill, now as the Faro Mine Access Road.<\/p>\n

SPHP drove right on by Faro.<\/p>\n

We’re going to the mine, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope.\u00a0 I believe this road is part of the W half of a loop that will get us to Vangorda Creek, Looper.\u00a0 On the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, it looks like there’s some kind of a trail a little E of the creek that heads up to the alpine S of Mount Mye.\u00a0 Let’s see if we can find it before it gets dark.<\/em><\/p>\n

Passing a place called “Fingers” on the L after a few km, the road, which was now a very wide gravel road in good condition, climbed steeply NE for roughly 10 km before coming to a fork where there was an electric power substation.\u00a0 SPHP had been looking for a turn to the R, but upon making it, immediately became concerned.\u00a0 Signs warned that this was a restricted area, and said to stop by the guardhouse.<\/p>\n

Well, Dingo feathers!\u00a0 We were doing so well, too, Loop.\u00a0 Vangorda Creek is only another 6 km.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going SE on this new road despite the signs, the guardhouse appeared on the L 3 km in.\u00a0 It was dusk by now, and the guardhouse was dark.\u00a0 A huge fence with a formidable closed gate blocked the road.<\/p>\n

Figures.\u00a0 We’ve struck out going this way, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

There was another turn to the R a few hundred feet back, SPHP.\u00a0 I saw a bunch of pickup trucks over by some buildings.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Might as well try it, Loop.\u00a0 Worst they can do is throw us out.<\/em><\/p>\n

The buildings proved to be some kind of a work camp.\u00a0 Although it was already almost dark, a few people were milling around outside.\u00a0 No one knew anything at all about Mount Mye.\u00a0 What they did know was that this region was part of the former Faro mining operation.\u00a0 Most of the territory around here was restricted access.<\/p>\n

Back to Truitt Peak, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Possibly.\u00a0 Not yet, though, Loopster.\u00a0 Tomorrow we’ll check out the E side of the loop.\u00a0 Maybe we can still get to Vangorda Creek that way?<\/em><\/p>\n

Discouraged, SPHP drove back down the mountain, deciding to turn in at the Fingers place before getting all the way to Faro.\u00a0 Fingers turned out to be a wildlife viewing and nature interpretive site.\u00a0 Using the flashlight to examine a posted map of the area, it contained excellent news.<\/p>\n

9-7-23, 9:03 AM, 46\u00baF, Fingers Interpretive Site<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Been barking at squirrels, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s a great way to start the day, SPHP.\u00a0 I like this place!\u00a0 Ready to go, yet?<\/em><\/p>\n

Almost, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s have a look at the view, then get a photo of that map<\/em>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View<\/strong> from the Fingers Interpretive Site<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Posted map<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alright, got it, Loopster.\u00a0 No. 5 on this map is the trail to Mount Mye.\u00a0 It’s right where I thought it would be, E of Vangorda Creek.\u00a0 Must be access to it from the E side of the loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Terrific, SPHP!\u00a0 Let’s go find the trailhead.<\/em><\/p>\n

That was the plan until SPHP drove into Faro.<\/p>\n

Hey, there’s a visitor centre, Looper.\u00a0 Let’s find out what they can tell us.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Campbell Region Interpretive Centre<\/strong> in Faro.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A note on the door said that the Campbell Region Interpretive Centre<\/strong><\/span><\/a> didn’t open until 10:00 AM.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Not that long from now, Loop.\u00a0 Let’s wait.<\/em><\/p>\n

After a short driving tour of Faro, the interpretive centre was open.<\/p>\n

I’ll be back soon, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

It was too bad they didn’t allow Dingoes.\u00a0 There was some fine sniffing to be done in the interpretive centre for a keen nose.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Campbell Region Interpretive Centre display room<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-7-23, 10:30 AM, Campbell Region Interpretive Centre –<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure took your sweet time about it, SPHP.\u00a0 Learn anything?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah.\u00a0 Glad we stopped in, Looper.\u00a0 Talked to a lady named Sabine.\u00a0 First thing she told me was that due to a bridge that washed out, it’s no longer possible to drive to the Mount Mye trailhead near Vangorda Creek.\u00a0 She had no idea how far it was to the trailhead from the bridge.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s bad, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup, a real downer, Loop.\u00a0 However, Sabine also said that it’s possible to get to Mount Mye from the Moose Trail, which starts 16 km up the Faro Mine Access Road.\u00a0 Instead of turning R at the fork, we go L, looking for a moose sign.\u00a0 Sabine provided me with a set of written instructions on how to find the trail, and navigate the first part of it, which is evidently a bit confusing.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s good, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, except that the instructions seem mighty vague, too, Looper.\u00a0 When I asked questions, Sabine couldn’t clarify anything.\u00a0 She’s never been on the Moose Trail herself.\u00a0 All she could really tell me was to look for a moose sign along the R side of the road.\u00a0 The directions, which I find confusing enough, have a cryptic message scribbled on them saying “Moose sign 50 m back.”\u00a0 50 meters back from where?\u00a0 Sabine had no more clue than I did.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not so hot, SPHP, but how hard can it be to spot a moose sign?<\/em><\/p>\n

Who knows, Loopster?\u00a0 In any case, Sabine also gave me vague directions on how to find the trailhead for both Rose Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,513 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Faro Mountain (5,467 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, too.\u00a0 They are out W past the Faro Mine.\u00a0 Supposed to rain this afternoon, so maybe we can at least find the trailheads today?<\/em><\/p>\n

Rain wouldn’t be surprising, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s awfully cloudy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, and by the way, Sabine gave me 2 little Milk-Bones for you.<\/em><\/p>\n

Now you’re talking, SPHP!\u00a0 That was nice of her.<\/em><\/p>\n

Intent upon finding the Moose Trail, SPHP drove back up the Faro Mine Access Road while Lupe munched on the Milk-Bones.\u00a0 This time, SPHP took the L branch of the road when it forked, then began slowing down after a couple more km, the better to watch for a moose sign on the R.<\/p>\n

Nothing!\u00a0 SPHP drove all the way to the Faro Mine main gate without seeing a moose sign.<\/p>\n

Now what, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Seems strange that we didn’t see the Moose Trail, Looper.\u00a0 I was driving super slow.\u00a0 The Rose and Faro Mountain trailhead is supposed to be at the end of a side road 3 miles W of here.\u00a0 Let’s see if we can find that before making another Moose Trail pass.<\/em><\/p>\n

A side road did leave the Faro Mine Access Road heading W, just before reaching the Faro Mine main gate.\u00a0 Taking it, 2 live moose, a mama and calf, soon crossed right in front of the RAV4.<\/p>\n

What luck!\u00a0 No doubt they’re on the Moose Trail, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but not the Moose Trail we’re looking for, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

The side road ended after 2+ miles.\u00a0 A deserted gravel yard was on the R, and another road headed into the trees on the L.\u00a0 It was blocked by a red and black trailer.\u00a0 An ATV, a bigger white trailer, and a small table with camp chairs were all nearby.\u00a0 No signs about any trails were evident, but Rose Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,513 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rose Mountain<\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No one was around.\u00a0 The whole setup seemed odd.\u00a0 Exploring the gravel road beyond the red and black trailer, within 200 feet it turned to grass as it headed S through a region full of bushes.\u00a0 Trotting S along this jeep trail, for it was no more than that, Lupe crossed most of the valley before it suddenly ended at Rose Creek, which was big enough to be a river.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 Nothing seems much like the way Sabine described it, Loopster.\u00a0 Might as well head back.<\/em><\/p>\n

Back at the RAV4, SPHP had just started the engine, and was about to drive off, when a pickup truck with a man and woman in it pulled up.\u00a0 The woman said that they were moose hunters, and that this was their camp.\u00a0 They had only left temporarily on some errand.<\/p>\n

The moose hunters cheered up considerably when SPHP explained that Lupe was not here to hunt moose, but merely looking for the Moose Trail, and\/or the trailhead for Rose and Faro Mountains.\u00a0 They advised heading back toward Faro as far as an electric power substation.\u00a0 Look for the Moose Trail there!<\/p>\n

9-7-23, 2:03 PM<\/em> – The substation was easy to find.\u00a0 It was at same the fork in the road where SPHP had turned R on the way to the guardhouse and locked gate last night.\u00a0 Sure enough, 150 feet beyond this substation, a wood post bearing a tiny moose sign and an arrow pointing L stood at the start of an ATV trail angling off into the bushes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the start of the Moose Trail<\/strong> (L). Totally obvious Moose Trail sign<\/strong> (Center). Road to guardhouse<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Moose Trail sign<\/strong> with appropriate magnification.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’re in business!\u00a0 Let’s check it out, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Eager to escape the RAV4 for a while, the American Dingo explored the first 1.4 miles of the Moose Trail, at which point the ATV route entered a giant mudhole, which seemed an excellent spot to turn around.\u00a0 It was starting to rain, anyway.<\/p>\n

Despite this reconnaisance mission, SPHP remained mystified.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
1.4 miles in along the Moose Trail<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Huh.\u00a0 I don’t get it, Loop.\u00a0 We saw the teeny weeny Moose Trail sign, and this route did cross the mine haul road, but nothing else at all matches up with the directions Sabine gave me.<\/em><\/p>\n

How many Moose Trails can there be around Faro, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m starting to wonder that myself, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

9-8-23, 10:48 AM, 47\u00baF – <\/em>Right or wrong, and it did seem like it had to be right, since there actually was that Moose Trail sign, and the ATV route did head in the general direction of Mount Mye, Lupe was back.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the start of the Moose Trail<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alrighty, Loopster!\u00a0 Pack’s ready.\u00a0 Think we’re all set.<\/em><\/p>\n

Did you remember to bring the tiny house, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

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

The Moose Trail began perfectly flat, running E along a corridor between tall bushes and a few trees.\u00a0 This easy stretch didn’t last long.\u00a0 The trail soon curved L up a steep, rocky slope.\u00a0 After a quick climb, the ATV route nearly flattened out shortly before reaching more Moose Trail signs on a post next to the Faro Mine haul road mentioned in Sabine’s directions.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out on the super easy first stretch<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The short, rocky climb<\/strong> at the first curve. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Moose Trail signs<\/strong> (R) along the edge of the Faro Mine haul road<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the haul road<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A few tens of feet after crossing the haul road, another Moose Trail sign was leaning over among the bushes on the R at the top of a skinny pole.\u00a0 This sign was different from the others, and proved to be the last official indication that the Carolina Dog was going the right way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Moose Trail sign<\/strong> seen on the R shortly after crossing the haul road.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the haul road, the Moose Trail was more like an old jeep trail than an ATV route.\u00a0 The road climbed gradually as Lupe followed it NE.\u00a0 Much of the road was in great shape, but the mud puddle the American Dingo had made it to yesterday wasn’t the first one she’d encountered.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A nice stretch of road<\/strong> early on. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the first big mud puddle<\/strong> with a mucky stretch<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These first mud puddles were generally easy enough to go around.\u00a0 The Moose Trail improved again.\u00a0 After passing through a forested area, the road climbed onto a small ridge where a big stream was visible off to the L (W).\u00a0 Lupe briefly left the road to get a better look.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the stream<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A bit farther on, with a better view of the stream<\/strong> (Center). Photo look NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-8-23, 11:53 AM, along the Moose Trail <\/em>– Other than the occasional mud puddle and mucky stretch exceptions, the road was firm and dry nearly the entire way back to the giant mud puddle reached yesterday.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing along the firm, dry jeep trail<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Back at the same mud puddle<\/strong> Lupe reached yesterday. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What came next wasn’t much fun.\u00a0 From here on, the Moose Trail was mostly a sea of standing water and thick black mud, really more of a Moose Bog than a trail.\u00a0 A black-pawed Dingo usually traipsed right on through the mess without giving it a second thought, but SPHP made a valiant attempt to avoid getting boots and socks full of muck.<\/p>\n

Staying always toward the R (E) side, which was a bit higher than the road, SPHP spent a vast majority of the time completely off the wretched Moose Trail, thrashing through dense, head-high bushes.\u00a0 Off-road, the ground was covered with thick, green moss that had absorbed water like a sponge.\u00a0 Standing water was often here, too, draining from this soggy region in a thousand tiny streams down onto the “road”.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A typical stretch of the Moose Bog<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Passing one ghastly spot after another, SPHP kept trying to return to the Moose Trail, but it was no use.\u00a0 Virtually the entire trail was nothing but muck and water.\u00a0 Rare semi-dry spots ended almost instantly, another long stretch of misery ahead.<\/p>\n

Criminitly, Loopster!\u00a0 I see now why they call it the Moose Trail.\u00a0 Only a genuine moose would enjoy a slog through a swamp like this!<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe you should have asked Sabine for directions to the Human Trail to Mount Mye, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Ahh, yes!\u00a0 The Human Trail to Mount Mye!\u00a0 Wish I’d had the presence of mind to ask for that instead, Loop, although one would think that Sabine would notice that I don’t really much resemble a moose, do I?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, now that you happen to mention it, SPHP, from the right angle, and in the right light, you …<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, no you don’t, Looper!\u00a0 Don’t even go there!<\/em><\/p>\n

The horrid, no good, excruciatingly slow bushwhack went on and on.\u00a0 Perseverance would eventually pay off, though.\u00a0 The Moose Trail was clearly heading for the lower W slopes of Peak 6400<\/span><\/strong>, where steeper ground would almost certainly put an end to the bog slog.<\/p>\n

9-8-23, 1:01 PM, Moose Trail – <\/em>Over an hour had gone by during SPHP’s soggy, 0.33 mile bushwhack, but Lupe was finally back on firm ground.\u00a0 Ahead, the Moose Trail was in vastly improved shape again as it wound up onto Peak 6400’s<\/span><\/strong> lower W slopes.\u00a0 SPHP’s boots squeaked as water squished out with every step during a steep trudge higher.<\/p>\n

At the Moose Trail’s initial high point on the slope, SPHP paused for a breather.\u00a0 A steep, 25 foot deep dip was ahead, beyond which the trail vanished into another forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Thankfully, back on terra firma<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At a local Moose Trail high point<\/strong> before a dip<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enough already!\u00a0 Aren’t you about done griping about the bushwhack yet, SPHP?\u00a0 We’re in the Yukon!\u00a0 Mount Mye is a wilderness adventure!\u00a0 What did you expect?\u00a0 You should have just stuck with the Moose Trail like I did, instead of battling the bushes.\u00a0 We would have been through the Moose Bog a lot faster.\u00a0 Your boots are completely water-logged, anyway.\u00a0 What good did all that ridiculous bushwhacking do you?<\/em><\/p>\n

My paws may be soaking wet, Loop, but at least my boots aren’t full of muck.<\/em><\/p>\n

You could have washed out the muck at the first decent stream we come to, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh.\u00a0 Maybe so, Loopster.\u00a0 Over and done with now.\u00a0 I’ll shut up about it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Beyond the steep 25 foot dip, the Moose Trail climbed again, eventually leveling out 250 feet higher than where the Moose Bog ended.\u00a0 After a pleasant flat stretch, Lake 4663<\/span><\/strong> came into view as the jeep trail began a gradual descent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An easy traverse along the lower W slopes of Peak 6400<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Lake 4663<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Is the Moose Trail going to take us to that lake, SPHP?\u00a0 Looks like it will!<\/em><\/p>\n

Who knows, Loopster?\u00a0 I bet you’re right, though.\u00a0 We’ll soon come to a stream that we’ll have to ford, if you want to visit the lake.\u00a0 However, we don’t need to go that way, if you’d rather not.\u00a0 Now that we’re past the W end of Peak 6400<\/span><\/strong>, we should really be turning E up the big valley N of it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s visit the lake, SPHP.\u00a0 We’re here now, and it isn’t that far, so why not?<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo soon had her answer.\u00a0 As the road descended into a region of tall yellow bushes, the Moose Trail once again deteriorated into a sea of mud.\u00a0 The stream couldn’t have been much farther, but wasn’t in sight yet when SPHP balked.<\/p>\n

Sorry, Loop, but I’ve about had it with the Moose Trail.\u00a0 Lake 4663<\/span><\/strong> isn’t happening.\u00a0 Let’s stick with our main objective and head for Mount Mye.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going back up the Moose Trail far enough to reach a mix of tundra and smaller bushes, the Carolina Dog finally abandoned the trail, heading SE up the broad valley N of Peak 6400<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving the Moose Trail. Peak 6400<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The entire valley appeared be full of yellow bushes.\u00a0 Staying fairly high along Peak 6400’s<\/span><\/strong> lower slopes in order to remain among smaller ones seemed best.\u00a0 Patches of tundra were even better, but relatively rare.<\/p>\n

Gaining 150 feet elevation, Lupe briefly enjoyed her best view yet of the S end of Lake 4663<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 However, as the Carolina Dog proceeded farther up the valley, the lake soon disappeared entirely behind Peak 6500<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Up on the S side of the valley<\/strong>. Peak 6500<\/strong> (L), Peak 6400<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A glance back at Lake 4663<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S end of Lake 4663<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe eventually needed to cross the stream in the center of the valley.\u00a0 Angling gradually toward it, the yellow bushes grew in size.\u00a0 Waist high, chest high, head high, and more on SPHP.\u00a0 Progress became difficult and slow through the dense thicket during a constant search for relatively open lanes where spurts forward were possible.<\/p>\n

However, none of this endless jungle was anywhere close to as bad as the Moose Bog had been.\u00a0 When Lupe reached the stream in the middle of the valley, it banks were firm, not marshy.\u00a0 Happily, this stream was small enough to be an easy rock hop.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the N bank of the stream<\/strong> after crossing it. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once on the N bank, the bushes soon began diminishing in size as Lupe continued up the valley.\u00a0 More open lanes appeared, even some small clearings.\u00a0 Progress improved, and would have improved even more, if not for a certain degree of weariness setting in.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An open lane<\/strong> among the yellow bushes<\/strong>. Peak 6400<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The bush ordeal effectively culminated with a trudge up to the top of a bush-free, tundra-covered rise.\u00a0 From here, 2 small tarns were now in sight, nestled in a large flat region along the base of Peak 6400<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Lupe was already well above them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The lower tarn<\/strong> (L & Center) from the tundra-covered rise<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The upper tarn<\/strong> (R). Peak 6400 summit<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-8-23, 3:56 PM<\/em> – Tired, Lupe plunked herself down on the soft tundra.<\/p>\n

This is a good, scenic spot, SPHP!\u00a0 Can we take a break?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, why not?\u00a0 It’s not that much farther to Pass 5550<\/span><\/strong>, Looper.\u00a0 1.5 km.\u00a0 It’s got to be right around this next bend.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Taking a break. Peak 6400<\/strong> (R), Pass 5550<\/strong> (L) around the corner. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP sat down, and began absent-mindedly examining the tundra.\u00a0 The tundra was always so beautiful, so intricate, delicate, yet tough.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Admiring the tundra<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pass 5550<\/span><\/strong>, is that where we’re staying tonight, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s the plan, if it isn’t too rocky, Loop, and I can still manage to drag myself up there.<\/em><\/p>\n

20 minutes shot by.\u00a0 Ought to be enough to restore some energy.\u00a0 If Loopster didn’t get going again soon, the way SPHP was feeling, she would be spending the night right here.<\/p>\n

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

\"\"<\/a>
More or less ready to head for Pass 5550<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pass 5550<\/span><\/strong> was still nearly 400 feet higher.\u00a0 More bushes were along the way, including some tall ones, but open lanes almost always made it easy to avoid them.\u00a0 Overall, the bushes rapidly shrank in size as Lupe gained elevation.\u00a0 The American Dingo crossed several rock slides along the way, too, none of which presented any real difficulty.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying a tiny stream<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-8-23, 5:04 PM<\/em> – Overcast, the sky was gray, just as it had been all day, when Lupe finally reached Pass 5550<\/span><\/strong>, actually coming in a bit higher than the low point.\u00a0 For the first time, the Carolina Dog could now see 2 mountains E of the pass.\u00a0 A large, steep-sided dome was closest, only a few km NE.\u00a0 The other peak, due E, was farther away, and more like a plateau tilted skyward.\u00a0 It was hard to tell which was highest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at Pass 5550<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are either of those mountains Mount Mye<\/a><\/span> (6,763 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 Not sure which one, though, Loopster.\u00a0 Hang on, let me check the map … it’s the one on the L.<\/em><\/p>\n

The big dome is Mount Mye, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh-huh.\u00a0 That’s it, Loop!\u00a0 The other mountain must be Peak 6519<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Although it had been calm all day, a cold, gusty 10 mph E breeze sprang up almost as soon as Lupe reached Pass 5550<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Anxious to get into the tiny house ASAP, the American Dingo barked impatiently, while SPHP searched for a sufficiently soft spot to place it, then had a bit of a time getting it pitched in the wind.<\/p>\n

Once the tiny house was up, and her red sleeping bag spread out, Lupe couldn’t wait to get inside and lie down.\u00a0 She clearly had no intention of leaving it again this evening.\u00a0 SPHP was forced to take a photo of Mount Mye beyond the tiny house without her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Mye<\/strong> (L), Peak 6519<\/strong> (R) from Pass 5550<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-8-23, 6:10 PM, Pass 5550<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em> SPHP crawled into the tiny house.\u00a0 Time for dinner!\u00a0 Beef jerky for dessert.\u00a0 Lupe inhaled her share, then eyes heavy, put her head down.\u00a0 A moment later she was lost in Dingo Dreamland.\u00a0 The sun now chose to put in its only appearance of the day.\u00a0 For 15 or 20 minutes, the tiny house glowed bright.<\/p>\n

And then the light was gone again.\u00a0 Tired, but restless, SPHP left the tiny house, and saw only a distant red glow in the W.\u00a0 The E wind had been growing stronger, and now came in powerful gusts between periods of calm.\u00a0 Dusk was coming on, and a light mist began to fall.<\/p>\n

Returning to the tiny house, SPHP pulled part of the red sleeping bag over the snoozing Carolina Dog, then put on the Yukon fur trapper’s cap.\u00a0 Toasty!\u00a0 It was raining harder now.\u00a0 Snuggling into the blue sleeping bag, SPHP listened to wind and rain, wondering if it was going to snow?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snug in the tiny house at Pass 5550<\/strong>, Anvil Range, Yukon Territory, Canada 8-9-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

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

Mount Mye, Anvil Range, Yukon Territory, Canada – Base Camp to the Summit! (8-9-23)<\/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":"

Part 2 of Day 44 & Days 45 thru 48 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 9-4-23, 5:35 PM – For a 4th evening on this Dingo Vacation, the RAV4 was once again parked along the ridge with a view of the N end of Atlin Lake, flanked on … Continue reading Mount Mye, Anvil Range, Yukon Territory, Canada – Part 1: On & Off the Moose Trail to Base Camp (9-8-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":62646,"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":[105,1772,30,106,26,1771,104,1773,774],"class_list":["post-62666","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-anvil-range","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-faro","tag-lupe","tag-moose-trail","tag-yukon-territory"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_2867-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\/62666","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=62666"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62666\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65102,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62666\/revisions\/65102"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/62646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62666"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62666"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}