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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: July 10, 1999
- Miles Hiked: 7.0
- Elevation Gain: 3,730'
- Hiking Partner(s): Greg Schmiesing, Payton
- Description:
- Scotchman Peak was by far the most
difficult hike I have done to date. The trailhead is only a few miles
northeast of Clark Fork, ID, and the trail wasted little time in heading
relentlessly uphill. I think that it is reasonably fair to compare this
hike with the hike to Mount Borah, which is the tallest mountain in Idaho.
Mount Borah ends at over 12,000' and gains approximately 1,500 more feet in the
same distance (3.5 miles), but this is one of the closest comparisons you will find
to it in
northern Idaho.
- The trail started off at a steep grade
and then slowly worked its way into some gradual switchbacks for the middle of
the hike. As we reached the top (or what we thought was the peak) we did
run into some snow and some more difficult route finding. After breaking a
crest that we thought was going to be the summit (using mountaineering terms
makes the story more interesting) we actually saw our first glimpse of Scotchman
Peak which was still a half an hour away. Although a little disappointed
that we weren't done climbing yet, our spirits were lifted when we spotted some
mountain goats on the rocks above us. We were fortunate to get them on
film and then continued onward.
- Our bodies were getting weary, but they
were acclimatizing well. We also risked not using oxygen or sherpas to
carry our gear, and the gamble paid off. A short time
later, we passed a small wind hut built from stones by other hikers and then
finally made it
to the top.
- Greg came prepared with only a granola bar
and apple, so I decided to be nice and make him some Ramen Noodles.
Surprisingly, he noted that this was the first time he had ever had them, and
because of this, I question whether he actually did go to college. We
finished our meal, snapped some photos, and began back down the steep trail.
- Maps:
- Click here to view a 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Click here to view a
3D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
- This is Scotchman
Peak on the left. I don't know why my wildlife pictures don't turn out
well, but if you look closely, you can see one mountain goat on the snow and
another above the snow.
- Payton is
checking out the views from 7,009'.
- Here is Greg on the left and Lake
Pend Oreille in the background. Wouldn't this make a great Christmas
card?
- This is a photo of myself
in front of the rock wind hut built by previous hikers.
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