Pot Peak

NOAA said 50% chance of rain or snow (and thunderstorms) after noon. But as we left the trailhead with no one else around, and in the sun, it looked like a good day regardless.

There was lots of water around, but the trail had been cleared. Nice hiking. Time to enjoy friends.

The clouds were moving in as we progressed up the valley.

And as with previous June visits, Box Lake was still frozen over.

But we had our sights set on higher sites: the little bump in the background is Pot Peak.

Ice.
On the summer solstice.

Summit.

We were sort of perched on the summit rocks, and Ruby didn't like it.

Lots to look at. This is looking south toward Lake Fork Creek with Snowslide's big face in the center.

Zoomed way in, Jughandle still looks skiable.

Getting ready to head down. Zoom in to see Ruby.

It was spitting snow, so we opted not to have a picnic on the summit so that we could descend the summit boulders while they were still dry-ish.

At our lunch stop, we noticed that fresh snow in the evergreens. And icicles!

Also note the roiling mass of clouds heading our way.

Time to head out. The snow ends abruptly as you drop down the valley, making for a quick descent. But we paused here to make some photos.

On the way down, we passed several dispersed couples on their way up. One couple looked a little surprised when we explained that their backpack to Box Lake was going to involve snow camping.

Back at the trailhead, a large group of visiting FS employees was preparing to hike in. We advised that their running shoes were not going to seem pleasant after wading through the wet areas on the trail. As we departed, we left behind seven cars at the trailhead. And then it started to hail.....

Map

Dave's excellent photos

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