Two early-season hikes for which you may want snowshoes.
- March 20, 2016
- Team: Julie
- Peak: Horsethief Point, 5460'
- LOJ
- RT: Class 2, 3.8 miles, 600' gain, 1:45 hours car-to-car
- Twin Sister Point, 5300'
- LOJ
- RT: Class 2, 0.5 miles, 320' gain, 0:35 hours car-to-car
Note: click images to see a larger version in a new window
The backcountry in Valley County hasn't really opened up yet, but there are a few places one can get into if one wants to hike or snowshoe. Julie knew Horsethief Revservoir because as a youth she used to fish there with her Dad. And the road into the reservoir is sort of plowed. Time to go for an explore! We parked on the east side at the junction and followed a road west. The snow was firm enough to walk on, so carrying snowshoes was just for the training value. |
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| The road winds around the north side of the mountain, affording a view into the gorge formed by Big Creek. Lots of cool rock formations. |  |
After finally getting near the ridgetop on the west side, we did a short cross-country stretch to gain the summit. |
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After plodding up a road, it was fun to see that we had to do a short rock climb to tag the top. |
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Filtered views from the summit. Peaking through the trees, we could see Tripod, West Mountain, and the area near Big Creek Summit. We took a more direct line back to the car. It was only noon, so more to explore.... |
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Map North side is long, easy road walk (with views). South side is direct, but an enclosed drainage and somewhat steep. |
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I was interested in a peak above the South Fork but wondered about conditions. So we drove down to take a look. Twin Sisters Point sits between Twin Creek and Sisters Creek. |
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This is all part of one of several huge burns that have happened in the South Fork over the last 30 or so years. As it turns out, this is really good tick country. |
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| I tried to keep the bushwacking to a minimum, but it's either that or downfall. You choose. |  |
Looking north (downstream) you can see that we were at the lower end of the snow zone. |
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Great view of Thunderbolt Mountain. |
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Map Choose your poison: south side with brush, north side with deadfall. |
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