Steelhead Lake to Pine Creek Trailhead (08.28.2010)
Another beautiful morning. It's freezing cold though - my water froze overnight. Feels like fall.
Moon over Merriam Peak
Moon between Merriam and Royce Peaks
We're heading towards French Lake and Pine Creek Pass cross-country from Steelhead Lake. At the pass we'll meet trail again.
French Lake with its multiple rivieras.
French Lake and Four Gables
French Lake
Hm, that's a strange looking cloud behind Royce.
Approaching Pine Creek Pass trail.
Beautiful open terrain up here - easy cross-country if your route finding is good.
Trail. But it will be several miles before we see another human.
Pine Creek Pass
Pine Creek Pass
Weathered sign at the pass. Elevation 11,160. This is *lower* than we've been most of the week.
Trail.
Nice view down towards the peaks above Honeymoon and Pine lakes
The clouds have built into an interesting looking storm over Italy Pass. It's really cold and windy. We're glad to be exiting today - doesn't look like fun in the high country.
And we've completed the loop! For the last six miles we'll be hiking down the trail we came in on.
Upper Pine Lake
Upper Pine Lake
Lower Pine Lake
Looking back towards Granite Park/Italy pass area. Brr. Looks like snow clouds, not rain clouds. Turns out it did snow a bit this day in the high country. Fall is definitely on the way.
Trailhead is in sight.
White Mountain
Pine Creek Tungsten Mine
Old pipe with spring water flowing out. Coming straight out of the rock.
Pine Creek trail - old mining road.
Pine Creek tungsten mine.
Pine Creek tungsten mine.
