A local McCall hike, the complicated rock formations make following this one a puzzle.
- May 5, 2013
- Team: solo
- Hike: 1400' gain, 2.4 miles RT
- 2 hours c-c
Note: click images to see a larger version in a new window
I was looking for an early-season hike with some elevation gain. Art pointed out that this hillside usually melts out before anything else in the area due to its southern exposure and plentiful rock. So on April 5, we hiked the first portion, about 800' gain to what I call the balcony. Things in early April were bare but damp, and the plentiful moss and lichen made the rock extremely slippery. Extremely. This day, the rock was dry as a bone so I was able to walk or scramble with impunity. But this report shows photos from both days. Here's the start. Walk across the road. Start scrambling. |
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The slabs come in waves, with flat dirt terraces between. Here's the second wave in April, looking pretty green. |
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| Much of the rock is just steep enough to be impossible when wet. Note the improving views. |  |
| But on a dry day, you can go all over the place. Lots of fun. As a reminder to be careful: there are still a few trickles and the moss/gravel/debris can be slippery. |  |
| More rock. |  |
In addition to the slabs, there are a variety of boulders and cliffs. |
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As you move up, the views just keep getting better. |
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Above the balcony, the trail disappears and you are left with a choice of nasty alders or really nasty logging slash. If you are looking at this mess, I recommend heading off to climber's left (west). |
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The high point of this hike is too forested to offer a great view, but there are great viewpoints just a bit lower. The picture below is from high on the route. That closest water is Little Payette Lake and you can see the balcony off to the left. |
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| This map shows the entire hike. The best part is the lower 800'. |  |
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