A bike ride to Loon Lake, then a steep hike to Victor Peak.
- September 8, 2013
- Team: solo
- Loon Lake each way: 5 mile, 1 hour
- Summit: 8718' From Loon Lake: 2800' climb, 7 miles RT, 3 hours
- 5 hours c-c
Note: click images to see a larger version in a new window
Victor Peak is sort of tucked away so that it's hard to see and hard to find. But from Loon Lake, it stands up proud. That's not the actual summit, but the high point is only about 20 yards and 20' behind the high point here. I had admired that view several times after riding into Loon Lake. So this time I rode in, ditched my bike, put on my boots, and started walking. But I have to mention I ran into my old friend Geno on the trail; the only person I saw. I followed the route described in Idaho: A Climbing Guide. That's what you will want to do, too. |
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The walking allowed me some time to reflect on fire behavior. In some places, the fire had burned hot and left virtually nothing to step over. In others, it had killed the trees but left them standing, as on the right. The worst is where the fire had killed the trees and then they had fallen as a group across the path I wanted to walk. Trust me, it wasn't pretty. |
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But when it gets crappy, just keep pushing forward. Fire skips around a lot and so will the conditions. |
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The sun had been playing hide-n-seek, so when I got to the summit it was hiding. But finally there was a breeze to cool me off. I hung out for about half an hour for lunch and photos. |
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Here's looking up Loon Creek with North and South Loon on the left. |
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| On the right you can see Peak 8808. Here it is zoomed in. |  |
Here's Storm Peak. |
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| And Victor Lake. |  |
On the way home, I played tag with this big boy. I'd put the camera away, then he would appear near me running through the woods. This is the best I could do, sorry. I had a great ride home, but it was a tired day. |
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