westy
Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2016
- Messages
- 223
A much anticipated loop from Elkhart to Elkhart. I've wanted to visit the Alpine/Brown Cliffs lakes for a long time and this was it. Weather started out boring for the first 4-5 days, but then got some clouds for more interesting light. I LOVE the forested rolling domes of the pole creek area ! Some of the most enchanting forest I have ever trekked thru. Creek crossings were very mild here, no searching up n' down stream for a rocky path to hop across. Less wildflowers, and still no wildlife but birds n' bugs. And an eclipse ! Viewed from near the top of the pass to Brown Cliffs from NF Bull Creek side. Very cool. I was so busy just experiencing it I didn't even attempt a photo. Was so proud of myself ! Rugged back there, it was exhausting working thru the boulders down to the lower BC lakes from the pass. But no matter how strenuous and frustrating it gets, once I hit easier terrain (or even if I don't, and it is still just stunning to look around me and see where I am) it is all worth while and more. I came off the trail with blisters and a swollen ankle, minus 1/3 of a trekking pole due to an unplanned cornice collapse, 3 toe nails black and gonna fall off eventually, and a stuffy head due to allergies. And still I cried (figuratively) at the thought of having to come home after 2 months of hiking, visiting friends and family, and backpacking. I need to figure out some get rich quick scam so I can do what I want, when I want, and not have to worry about money.
Day 1 to Island Lake -
Day 2 to Shangri La -
Day 3 day hike NF Bull Creek -
Day 4 to Brown Cliffs lakes -
Day 5 to Upper Golden lake -
Day 6 to lower Pole Creek -
Day 7 to Elkhart Park -
Day 1 to Island Lake -
Day 2 to Shangri La -
Day 3 day hike NF Bull Creek -
Day 4 to Brown Cliffs lakes -
Day 5 to Upper Golden lake -
Day 6 to lower Pole Creek -
Day 7 to Elkhart Park -
