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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: July 9, 2003
- Miles Hiked: 9.4
- Elevation Gain: 3,505'
- Hiking Partner(s): None
- Description:
Cache
Peak is the highest point in the Albion Range of south central Idaho at
10,339'. Mount Independence is a close neighbor to the northwest
at 9,950'. I was in the area, so I took the late afternoon and
evening to explore these two mountains. I
left Burley (ID) shortly after 2:00 pm and after making a right in
Oakley (ID), I found myself switchbacking my way up to the trailhead for
Independence Lakes. Unfortunately, I got a flat tire about 3 miles
from the start of my hike and was delayed a few minutes. After a
quick tire change (I have since replaced the rubber all the way around
my vehicle.), I was on the trail at 4:00 pm. The
trail to Independence Lakes is well traveled and and sees both human and
horse activity. As you can see from the statistics, the elevation
gain was moderate given the distance of the hike. After the second
lake, the trail becomes faint and you simply pick your way through the
rocks to the upper lakes. Between the second and third lake I
veered off to the south and reached the gully described by Tom Lopez in
"Idaho: A Climbing Guide". At the base of the
gully is where I made my first extended break in order to prepare for
the push to Independence. Gaining
the ridge wasn't too bad and the rock hopping from the saddle to the
summit of Independence was very enjoyable. The views of the chain
of Independence Lakes was great. Knowing I still had a ways to go,
I dropped back down to the saddle and began to climb the northwest ridge
of Cache. This wasn't as fun as the southwest ridge of
Independence due to the closely clumped trees and lack of views on the
way up. Anyway, I made it to the top of Cache and was surprised to
see some prayer flags blowing in the breeze on the summit block.
The view of the Castle Rocks climbing area to the south was excellent. I
snapped a few photos, had a bite to eat and decided to try and make a
short loop out of the hike. In an effort to save time (which I'm
not sure I did), I basically decided to drop off the north face of Cache
Peak towards the highest Independence Lake instead of taking the ridge
back down. I descended next to the large gully that cuts the north
face of the peak. I got hung up a couple of times, but generally
didn't have too much difficulty finding an adequately safe route.
From the lakes, I picked up the trail and headed back out. It
took me 2 hours and 5 minutes to get from the trailhead to Mount
Independence. I spent 5 minutes on
Independence and then took 50 minutes to get from there to Cache.
I spent 15 minutes on top of Cache. I made it from Cache Peak to
the trailhead in 1 hour and 40 minutes. I was basically out from
4:00-9:00 pm and back in Twin Falls way the hell too late.
- Maps:
- Click here to view a 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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