Black Tip

October is still hiking time, especially with the weather we've been having. So after figuring out the changes to the Cougar Creek trailhead (it's now on the north side of the creek, and the pullout is barely marked) we were on our way. Up there. Starting the morning with a steep 800' gain. And surprisingly warm, even in short sleeves.

It's hunting season, and although we didn't see anyone parked nearby, we still added a bit of color to our outfits.

Note: I have a picture from 20 years ago showing the increase in brush here.

After the initial pull, the valley flattens out considerably.

And much like the change to the trailhead, the trail here has moved. This time to the far south side of the valley. But we didn't figure that out until our return, so had to do some bushwacking for a while.

But soon enough we found some cut logs and were then moving much better.

After a while, we stopped for lunch and to watch the moon set.

Note: I used Dave's fish-photography technique here to make Ruby appear much larger.

There are more steps in the valley, but for the most part it is easy walking on mellow terrain.

Eventually the trail fades out, signaling it's time to start the real climb up through the forest. We were aiming for the treed ramp onto the right-hand shoulder.

As you get onto the ramp, you get above the trees for a view from whence you came.

Near the top of the ramp, it's really fun scrambling. Except the top starts to become even more intimidating.

Again, aim for the top of the ramp, now just right of center.

Cross over the ridge and negotiate the steep, sometimes cliffy traverse. Keep going to the very far end, until you have almost fully traversed the peak. Then look up. There's your route.

If you think it looks more like rock climbing than scrambling, you have not gone far enough. It's a quick and fairly easy scramble, just barely Class 4.

And a wonderful summit view.

Finish the traverse to gain the saddle between Black Tip and Black Tip Mountain. Then head down.

Going down is not always easy.

From the saddle, it's about 1000' to the valley floor. Steep and loose. Good terrain for hiking pole usage.

Once on the valley floor, it's flat and grassy as you head back (the opposite direction of this view, but you get the idea).

Then the meadow terminates in some wooded hills leading to the next drop in elevation.

The next drop is covered in dense brush. If you are lucky, you will find the sheep trail through that mess. But then the sheep trail ends, leaving you looking at this mess. Your goal is to reach the little cluster of green trees about center in this photo. They are on the creek and on the trail.

Back on the trail again, we made good time. There's Upper Payette Lake now.... just another 800' to drop and we're done.

See Dave's excellent photos

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