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Base Camp
Up
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: July 25, 1998
- Miles Hiked: 8.0
- Elevation Gain: 2,155'
- Hiking Partner(s): Brendon Chaney, Casey
Freise, Jason Thompson
- Description:
- Lake Darling and Mount Pend Oreille are
two highlights of this loop that is also located up Trestle Creek. Jason
had just purchased a 350 Power Stroke Ford Diesel and offered to drive the four of us to the trailhead
which is actually only 2 miles away from Lake Darling.
- We decided to take the road less
traveled and began climbing in the opposite direction of the lake. The
trail was rather relentless for 2 to 3 miles until we reached a ridge and
then hiked to a saddle below Mount Pend Oreille. From here we had to climb
again for about fifteen to twenty minutes before we got to the top. There
were excellent views in every direction, including Lake Pend Oreille, the
Cabinet Mountain Range, and of course Lake Darling below us.
- We had our lunch on the peak next to
the litter of an abandoned lookout tower, and then took some photos. After
that, we descended back down to the saddle forking off in the direction of the
lake. Once at Lake Darling, Casey disappeared for an 1 1/2 hours fishing the stream that
fed into the Lake. As Casey was becoming one with nature, Brendon, Jason and
myself stripped down to our unmentionables and jumped in the lake to relieve
ourselves from the heat.
- When Casey finally returned, we packed
up and finished the 2 mile hike back to the vehicle and headed
home. I would encourage anyone looking for a short day hike to simply hike
into Lake Darling and back out. Anyone wanting to make the full loop could
either do it as a long day hike like us, or spend the night at the lake.
- Maps:
- The first 2D map is a general
overview of the surrounding area. In the second 2D map I zoomed in
closer for more detail
- Click here to view a 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Click here to view a
second 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
- This picture was taken from across the
saddle towards the top of Mount Pend Oreille.
- We finally got to eat our lunch
on the peak. Jason is on the left, Brendon has his back towards the
camera, and I am on the right with the old green external frame pack.
- Here are the four
hikers from left to right, Jim, Casey, Jason, and Brendon. We were
trying to get Lake Darling in between us, but it didn't work out too well.
It kind of looks like I am trying to lean over and kiss Casey.
- And finally, here is a shot of Mount
Pend Oreille from Lake Darling after we hiked back down.
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