Duck Peak and East Corral Peak

With gorgeous weather but a somewhat lazy attitude, we decided to try these two peaks. I had scoped them out earlier in the week, so I know (or thought so, anyaway) that they would be a good adventure without being too extreme.

So right away, the bushwacking was pretty agreeable. And just pretty.

We quickly made our way across a couple meadows, jumped a creek or two, and had us a view. Outstanding.

Of course, that is about when the gain kicked in.

We worked our way up onto the ridge, where the feel was becoming more alpine.

Looking back down our ridge.

And up was looking pretty alpine, too.

Summit.

Too bad the weather wasn't better.

There was lots to look at in every direction. However, we were especially focused on our second peak of the day, East Corral.

But first we had to get off the north ridge of Duck. Being north-facing, there was snow. And it was too early for us to descend the snow safely. Otis tried, but even with claws he failed. After he came to a stop, it seemed pretty funny.

There's Duck Lake, the source for the peak name. Very pretty.

My father refers to this lake as "Other Ducker" in reference to the Duck Lake on Lick Creek Summit, the one with the trail.

But we were traversing the upper end of East Corral Creek, thus the name for peak #2.

We found twisty ramps that wound through the more cliffy areas, hardly ever requiring hands. But folowing a ridge, big views on both sides. Then a long, fairly flat ridge top.

Julie was starting to woner just how long the ridge might be.

There was even some sort of grassy areas. Actually not grassy- all that green is wildflowers, about to erupt in color.... the next couple weeks should be outstanding!

After we finished our hike, we drove to Fisher Creek summit, using 4-wheel to punch through the last couple drifts of the season. It's good to go, now!

Map

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