Carbon County High Point – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Castle Mountain, the Carbon County Montana High Point with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore – Part 2: Two Bits Lake to Flat Rock Lake (8-8-20)

Day 4 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana!

6:00 AM, near a tarn S of Two Bits Lake – An early start is a good thing, but thankfully Jobe had waited until after dawn to roust Lupe and SPHP. Took SPHP a while to pack the tiny house and everything else up, but it wasn’t too long before that was accomplished. It all had to come with. Proposed base camp on the NE shore of Varve Lake (aka Forsaken Lake) for the attempt on Castle Mountain (12,612 ft.) tomorrow was more than 3 miles away.

Yesterday evening, Jobe had still had the energy to do a little scouting along the ridge W of the stream running down from Two Bits Lake to Triskel Lake. He recommended crossing the ridge at the lower of two possible routes, which was toward the S. However, after rock-hopping the stream at a point where it was practically underground, instead of making the trek S everyone simply started straight up the short, rather steep slope immediately to the W.

The terrain up top leveled out to a considerable degree. Turning SW, Jobe led the way through some rough looking territory. Really wasn’t bad at all due to lanes of vegetation running through this region.

Jobe leads the way through the area above the first steep slope while Loop takes an early snow break. Photo looks SW.

This shortcut soon linked up with the S route Jobe originally proposed. Traveling NW up a valley of mixed meadows and rock, it wasn’t far to a pass where Donelson Lake was in sight directly ahead.

Donelson Lake was a gem! Lupe had never been this close to it before, having seen Donelson Lake only once 7 years ago from higher up when she’d been on her way to Sky Pilot Lake. SPHP recommended going around the N shore, which worked out fine.

Lupe on her way back to see what’s keeping SPHP as Jobe heads for the pass leading to Donelson Lake. Photo looks WNW.

Along the **N shore of Donelson Lake**. Photo looks SW.

What lay ahead was now unexplored territory. Lupe had never been W of Donelson Lake. Responsible for enticing Jobe to take this “Lupe route” to Castle Mountain, SPHP sincerely hoped it was going to pan out, and believed it would.

The topo map didn’t look at all dicey until past Maryott Lake. What could be seen from here appeared fine. A couple of large boulders stood out up on top of a ridge not too far to the W. Maryott Lake was supposed to be on the other side of that ridge. The route up there was a little slow due to all the rock, but not difficult.

Sure enough, when Lupe reached the ridgeline, Maryott Lake was right there where it should be. Surprisingly, both Pilot Peak (11,699 ft.) and Index Peak (11,240 ft.) were in view way off in the distance, as well.

**Maryott Lake** from the ridge W of Donelson Lake. **Pilot Peak** (L) and **Index Peak** (R) far beyond Lupe. Photo looks SW.

**Donelson Lake** from the ridge overlooking Maryott Lake. **Two Bits Lake** is hidden on the far side of the ridge in the foreground on the L. **Drop Off Mountain (12,115 ft.)** (far L) in the distance. Photo looks ESE.

A notably higher ridge was now in view 0.25 mile off to the NW. Three small pine trees growing near the top became the next objective. Some elevation had to be lost leaving the ridge overlooking Maryott Lake, but the terrain N of the lake was relatively easy to cross. However, much rougher ground was ahead. Plenty of talus to deal with on the way up to those little pines.

Upon reaching three pine ridge, Looper not only had a terrific view of a small unnamed lake NW of Maryott Lake, but an even better view of Pilot Peak and Index Peak than before, plus a whole lot more.

The **unnamed lake NW of Maryott Lake**. **Pilot Peak** (L) and **Index Peak** (R) both at (Center) in the distance. Photo looks SW.

By one of the 3 little pines. **Maryott Lake** (R). The ridge Lupe had just come from is at far L in front of the sliver of **Donelson Lake** in view. **Lonesome Mountain (11,399 ft.)** (Center) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.

Three pine ridge was connected to yet another even higher ridge due N. The Carolina Dog would have had to go over that one, too, except for the presence of a wide, flat shelf along its cliffy SW face. That shelf was a real blessing, saving close to 150 feet of steep elevation gain. Beyond it, a long snowbank could be seen draped along another ridge that wasn’t too much higher than where Lupe was now.

Scouting ahead, Jobe proved it was quite possible to get over to the wide shelf with little difficulty. Lupe and SPHP brought up the rear, as Jobe crossed the shelf to explore the region beyond it.

**Jobe** (Center) on the broad shelf that saved having to scale the high ridge on the R. The route eventually goes over to the **R end of the long snowbank seen on the L**. Photo looks NW.

Another look at the **unnamed lake NW of Maryott Lake** from close to the SE end of the shelf. **Pilot Peak** (far R). Photo looks SSW.

Looking back after crossing the broad shelf. **3 pine ridge** (Center) in the foreground. **Lonesome Mountain** (Center) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.

After crossing the shelf, Lupe followed Jobe through a rocky region where a little tarn could be seen to the S. This tarn was fed by the melting snows of the long snowbank only a bit higher and farther W. Upon reaching the snowbank, Loop crossed it angling toward the N (R) end.

This snowbank rested along the SE side of Pass 10660 less than 0.5 mile NW of Maryott Lake. The American Dingo was now coming to a critical point. If the “Lupe route” to Castle Mountain was going to cliff out, it might easily happen as soon as she reached the NW side of the pass, or somewhere in the next 0.75 mile beyond it.

Looking back after crossing the long snowbank. **Lonesome Mountain** (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.

A little beyond the N end of the long snowbank, Jobe was waiting for Lupe and SPHP along the NW edge of Pass 10660. Ahead was a steep drop. The territory just S of Pass 10380, only a little more than 0.25 mile SE of Flat Rock Lake, was now in view. However, Jobe wasn’t fixated on the terrain between here and there. Instead, he stood staring curiously at Castle Mountain (12,612 ft.).

Little more than the large, gently rounded top of Castle Mountain and its steep SW flank could be seen from here. Hidden by the end of a massive ridge jutting SW from Sky Pilot Mountain (12,047 ft.), the critical S face of Castle Mountain wasn’t quite in view yet. That was where the route Jobe and Loopster would take from Varve Lake up to the summit was supposed to be.

**Salo Mountain (12,250 ft.)** (L), **Castle Rock Mountain (12,401 ft.)** (L of Center). **Rainbow Peak (12,540 ft.)** (L) and **Castle Rock Spire (12,450 ft.)** (R) both straight up from Jobe. **Castle Mountain (12,612 ft.)**, the objective, is at R. Photo looks NNW from **Pass 10660**.

Continuing N, Jobe led the way down a long steep slope littered with rock toward a tarn visible on a big shelf. Not too bad a descent. Patches of vegetation lower down provided some relief. Lupe didn’t get all the way to the tarn. Jobe paused upon reaching slabs of bedrock not far from it.

To the SW was an enormous canyon drained by Sierra Creek. Several of the little Pleiades Lakes were in view along with a slice of much larger Summerville Lake well beyond them.

Heading down toward the tarn (Center) on the way to **Pass 10380**, which lies above the L end of the shadow of the big knob ahead. Photo looks N.

**Summerville Lake** (R) with **Pilot Peak** (L) and **Index Peak** (R) beyond it. **Pleiades Lakes** in the foreground. Photo looks SW.

From the slabs, another steep, rocky slope to the W finally got everyone down to a meadow. Lupe was now a good 100 feet below Pass 10380, which was still to come, having lost roughly 400 feet of elevation since leaving Pass 10660.

So far, the “Lupe route” to Castle Mountain had been viable, but not without its trials. Loop had already contended with a lot of rock, and while Jobe didn’t say anything directly against this route, he did describe this latest 400 foot descent as a future “soul-crushing” experience when the time came to ascend it during the return.

Unencouragingly, the topo map showed a similar situation lying in wait beyond Pass 10380, where another 400 foot descent would be required to get down to Flat Rock Lake. Didn’t look like it would be quite as steep as this first big drop, but it sure wouldn’t be anything to look forward to during the return, either.

No point in dwelling on that now. Turning N, Jobe, Loopster and SPHP all headed up toward Pass 10380. Near the upper end of the meadow, a giant boulder sat alone out among the wildflowers and grass. Beyond it, the terrain quickly became increasingly rocky. No doubt anxious for that first really good look at Castle Mountain, Jobe powered on ahead, disappearing over the pass.

Jobe heading for **Pass 10380**. Photo looks NE.

Loop about to cross the pass. Photo looks NNE.

11:00 AM, a little N of Pass 10380 – Jobe was again standing on a rock scrutinizing Castle Mountain when Lupe and SPHP caught up with him. The summit was still nearly 2.5 miles due N, but he finally had a good unobstructed view of the whole S face.

0.25 mile NW, part of Flat Rock Lake was visible 400 feet below Looper’s current position. No sign yet of Varve Lake, today’s ultimate objective. It was still hidden somewhere more than a mile away at the base of Castle Mountain.

Happily, the “Lupe route” to Castle Mountain had proven itself! No cliffs! Getting down to Flat Rock Lake looked no worse than the descent from Pass 10660 had been. At Flat Rock Lake the Carolina Dog’s route merged with the known successful approach others had taken from the S up Sierra Creek canyon. Whether Lupe’s route was any better or worse, who knew? At least it had worked.

Even so, Jobe was dismayed.

Jobe returns to his pack **just N of Pass 10380** after coming back to check on SPHP. **Castle Mountain** (Center). Photo looks N.

**Flat Rock Lake** from the **Pass 10380** region. **Castle Mountain** (R). Photo looks NNW.

**Rainbow Peak** (L of Center) and **Castle Mountain** (R). Photo looks N.

The view was disturbing. Above the region where Varve Lake had to be were 2 tremendously steep sections of slabs. Above them was a gentler region of slabs partially covered with snow. Unhappily, cliffs towered above the gentler slabs, and a humongous snowbank to the W (L) filled the entire less forbidding slope to the top.

Shortly after SPHP reached Jobe, he sighed and spoke.

Rookie mistake!

Why, what’s wrong, Jobe?

Admittedly, Castle Mountain looked intimidating. Certainly beyond SPHP’s capabilities. Sadly, that meant Lupe was never going to stand at the summit, but Jobe could make it with his vast experience. SPHP was sure of it.

Left my crampons and ice axe in the Rubicon. See that big snowfield on the L? That’s the way up. Steep enough that every step has to be perfect. 100 or more. No room for error.

Jobe didn’t have a problem with any of the rest of it, just that one darn snowfield. He hadn’t expected so much snow on a S facing slope in August. For half an hour, Jobe and SPHP stood mesmerized, pondering the situation and discussing options. Hard to tell from so far away how challenging it all really was, but from here it didn’t look like any route other than that one upper snowfield was likely to prove safely viable.

**Castle Mountain** (Center) with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks N.

It all ended with 2 little lightning bolt words from Jobe.

I’m out!

The voice of experience. Three days short of a year ago, Jobe had been injured during a solo attempt on Castle Mountain. On the way up the West Fork of Rock Creek route intending to come over Omega Pass, Jobe hadn’t even gotten all that close when he’d been caught in a rock slide. One of his hands had gotten mangled with compound fractures.

Perhaps even more relevant, also last year, for the first time ever in his climbing career, Jobe had been “on the clock” as he put it. At a different mountain, although fully equipped, he had lost control on a snowfield, hurtling toward doom. “The clock” was a short one. Trying with all his might with precious seconds ticking away, Jobe couldn’t regain control. Not until his ice axe finally bit in at the last possible moment.

Just like that, this attempt on Castle Mountain was over. Rookie mistake! Talk about soul-crushing! After all this way. Jobe took it stoically, but had to be chagrined. Nevertheless, the mountain would still be here, he declared, and someday he would return fully prepared.

Jobe and SPHP picked up the heavy packs again.

Puppy, ho! Onward!

Only in this case, onward meant retreat.

Jobe took the lead, as always, and was soon out of sight S of Pass 10380, lost in whatever dark thoughts one experiences in such disappointment. Not far from the lone, giant boulder, Lupe and SPHP caught up with him again, where he had paused to wait. SPHP wanted to talk to him.

Castle Mountain was one of the few of 414 peaks on the list of Western Contiguous USA County High Points that Jobe hadn’t climbed yet. Nothing else around here was on any list Jobe was working. He could head on out. Lupe and SPHP would be fine. Arrangements were made for a possible Jobe/Dingo encounter at another peak in the near future.

Not even noon yet. The sun blazed overhead in a cloudless sky. Lupe and SPHP hid out in the shade of the boulder, relaxing and watching while Jobe climbed the steep rocky slope back up to Pass 10660. After losing sight of him for a little while, Jobe reappeared way up on the ridge. Half a minute later he disappeared again, this time for good. Jobe was gone.

The whole experience had been a complete waste of time for Jobe, but not necessarily for a certain Carolina Dog. Castle Mountain had always been a long shot for Looper and SPHP. Seeing Jobe again and getting to explore this route had been fun, although it was shocking and terribly sad how it had all ended in such sudden and unexpected denial.

So now what, SPHP? Are we going to go back and check out Varve Lake? See how tough that S route up Castle Mountain is up close?

Hah, no! Faintly tempting, but if Jobe isn’t up for it, neither are we. Let’s do something where we might actually stand some chance of success.

And that would be?

Where we’ve been wanting to go for 7 years now, sweet puppy!

Oh! We’re finally going to do it? Which way then?

Back the way we came. We’ve got to get back over Pass 10660, too.

SPHP had been studying the slope leading back up to Pass 10660 as Jobe climbed it. By heading farther S from the giant boulder before turning E to start up, most of the talus could be avoided. Quite a bit easier, though still a wearying steep climb. Upon reaching the ridgeline, Lupe and SPHP paused to rest and gaze back at the gorgeous territory being left behind.

**Sierra Creek canyon** from **Pass 10660**. **Castle Lake** (straight up from Lupe’s ears), and **Summerville** **Lake** beyond it. Photo looks SW.

**Salo Mountain** (L of Center) and **Castle Mountain** (far R). Photo looks NNW.

More or less retracing the same route she’d taken this morning, Looper enjoyed a mid-afternoon frolic on the long snowbank SE of Pass 10660. She then crossed the broad bench N of the unnamed lake NW of Maryott Lake to reach 3 pine ridge where she could see Maryott Lake itself again.

On the long snowbank **SE of Pass 10660**. **Lonesome Mountain** (L of Center) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.

Keeping cool in the Beartooths! Photo looks SW.

The tarn below the long snowbank. Photo looks SW.

The **unnamed lake NW of Maryott Lake**. **Lonesome Mountain** (L). Photo looks S.

**Maryott Lake** from 3 pine ridge. Photo looks S.

This time Lupe went clear down close to the N shore of Maryott Lake.

Another look at **Maryott Lake**. Photo looks WSW.

4:07 PM, Donelson Lake – Upon reaching Donelson Lake, SPHP called a halt. This was it! Donelson Lake was going to be a lucky American Dingo’s home for the night. SPHP set up her tiny house E of a stream a little way back from the N shore. The sky had clouded up some after Jobe had left, and a 10-20 mph SW wind had kicked up, but it wasn’t blowing that hard here.

Time to rest! The long evening got spent relaxing both in and out of the tiny house. Dinner, with a view, of course! Lupe and SPHP didn’t know it, but Jobe was busy climbing Lonesome Mountain (11,399 ft.), visible 3 miles SSE of Donelson Lake.

*We love Donelson Lake! It’s so beautiful here!* Photo looks SSE.

Relaxing by the tiny house. Photo looks S.

If everything had gone as planned, Lupe would have been resting up NE of Varve Lake, getting ready to take on Castle Mountain tomorrow along with SPHP and her friend Jobe. Sadly, that dream had been dashed. Yet here along the N shore of gorgeous Donelson Lake, the American Dingo was perfectly positioned to take a shot at fulfilling another dream, a dream now 7 years old.

High adventure in the morning, Loopster! Guess we better hit the hay!

*Better rest up! Tomorrow’s adventure is going to be a doozy! You will be joining us, won’t you?*

Evening at **Donelson Lake**, Beartooth Mountains, Montana 8-8-20

At **Pass 10660** with **Jobe Wymore** on the way to **Castle Mountain**, Beartooth Mountains, Montana 8-8-20

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Sky Pilot Mountain, Beartooth Mountains, Montana (8-9-20)

Castle Mountain, the Carbon County Montana High Point with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore – Part 1: Island Lake to Two Bits Lake (8-7-20)

S Route from the Clay Butte Trailhead to Castle Mountain (8-19 to 8-22, 2006) trip report by Adam Helman

West Fork Rock Creek Route to Castle Mountain (8-12-16) trip report & GPS track by Greg Slayden

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacations to Wyoming, Utah & Montana Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

Castle Mountain, the Carbon County Montana High Point with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore – Part 1: Island Lake to Two Bits Lake (8-7-20)

Day 3 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2020 Dingo Vacation to Wyoming & Montana!

8:05 AM, Island Lake campground off Beartooth Hwy No. 212 – Jobe Wymore was early, 55 minutes early. Even so, despite waiting an hour for a pilot car to get her through road construction, Lupe had beaten him to Island Lake. Only by 10 minutes, though. It was super seeing Jobe again for the first time since November, 2018! Great things were in the works!

Turned out Jobe had already been on an adventure. Yesterday he’d climbed Mount Wood (12,660 ft.) with another friend, an opportunity that had sort of popped up out of the blue. In a rush, Jobe had thrown everything into his Rubicon, driven straight out from Washington State, and trotted up Mount Wood. Or maybe slogged up. Mount Wood was not for the faint-hearted – more than 6,000 feet of relentless elevation gain in the rugged Beartooth Mountains.

Congratulations were in order, of course! Jobe and his friend had made it to the top. However, the upshot of it all was that Jobe had tried calling SPHP yesterday, and had left a message when he didn’t get an answer. The message, eminently reasonable, had requested a one day delay to rest up before taking on Castle Mountain (12,612 ft.) with Lupe. Early this morning, when he still hadn’t heard from SPHP, Jobe had driven all the way up from his motel in Red Lodge, keeping to the originally agreed upon schedule.

A guilt trip SPHP richly deserved! Could have checked for messages on the way through Cody yesterday, but 110% confident Jobe would be here, SPHP hadn’t bothered. Poor Jobe! All worn out already, yet committed to setting out on a multi-day backpacking adventure with Loop.

SPHP felt terrible. Well, not terrible, but guilty. Actually, it was more or less a good thing. Jobe was so much stronger and faster than SPHP that the exhausting day on Mount Wood only served to even things up a bit. Come to think of it, this was great news! Jobe wasn’t angry, actually rather cheerful and matter of fact about it, and now SPHP would stand some chance of not falling incredibly far behind. Jobe’s sad tale was just a friendly reminder that maybe in the future, ya know it might not hurt to check that pesky old flip phone once in a while.

Over at the Island Lake trailhead, Jobe and SPHP chatted during last minute preparations while Lupe sniffed about. Jobe always made SPHP laugh. He had many mountain and other tales to tell, and was always handing out free samples of this or that new product he’d tried and liked. SPHP never did anything different, so Jobe was usually able to conjure up some unimagined miracle.

8:51 AM, Beartooth Mountains, Wyoming – It was on! Jobe Wymore and Lupe stood poised by the shore of Island Lake, ready to start for Castle Mountain. A bluebird morning with a light breeze! Optimism reigned as everyone set out on the Beartooth Highlakes Trail after rock hopping Island Lake’s outlet stream. The trail led N, sticking close to the W shore.

Off to a good start with **Lonesome Mountain** (L) in the distance.

The trail was level or close to it. Island Lake and Night Lake were soon left behind. Jobe expounded upon interesting topics. This was familiar much-loved territory, although Lupe hadn’t been here in years. She was quite happy trotting along sniffing here and there, while listening in on the conversation.

State Line Peak (11,360 ft.), part of the enormous Beartooth Plateau ridge, was nearly always in sight. Lonesome Mountain (11,399 ft.) could often be seen off by itself to the NNW, as well. After Night Lake, the trail passed smaller lakes and crossed a little stream.

Almost before SPHP realized it, a new sign appeared pointing out the R turn to Becker Lake. The sign made things easier than they used to be. When Loop had been here years ago, this turn had been easy to miss.

Passing an unnamed lake N of Night Lake. Photo looks NNE.

**Lonesome Mountain** (L). **State Line Peak** (R). Photo looks NNW.

The new sign with directions to both Beauty and Becker lakes.

The Becker Lake trail passed part of Flake Lake on the R, and a couple of ponds on the L, before descending a small hill to a stream ford between Mutt & Jeff Lakes. The water was a couple of feet deep, but stones and a tiny bushy island made it possible to rock hop the entire thing.

Next came a boulder field that had to be traversed along the NW shore of Jeff Lake, beyond which the trail crossed a soft, damp region before starting up the first significant slope of the day. Gaining nearly 200 feet of elevation, Loop came to a half-dried up tarn in a narrow pass.

Approaching **Jeff Lake**. The short boulder field that must be traversed along the NW shore and the slope leading up to the pass to the Becker Lake region are both visible beyond Loop. Mutt Lake is unseen off the L edge. Photo looks N.

**Jeff Lake** as seen on the way up to the pass. Photo looks SSE.

In the pass near the half dried up tarn. Photo looks NW.

From the pass, the trail headed N staying E of Becker Lake. This region was forested, and at first, since the trail was well above and back from the lake, it wasn’t even in sight. However, the forest soon began to give way to meadows with only scattered stands of conifers. Before long, the American Dingo was getting glimpses of Becker Lake.

Becker Lake was nearly a mile long. By the time Lupe was approaching the N end, the views were really opening up.

Jobe and Loop near **Becker Lake**. Photo looks SW.

Views opened up as the forest began giving way to meadows. Photo looks N.

Approaching the **N end of Becker Lake**. Photo looks NW.

Less than 0.5 mile N of Becker Lake, Lupe entered Montana. Wyoming left behind, the trail went up a valley on the E side of a stream bound for Becker Lake from Albino Lake, which wasn’t in view yet. Wildflowers flourished here, and Lonesome Mountain (11,399 ft.), which Loop had once climbed, was looming large.

**Lonesome Mountain** (Center). Albino Lake is hidden beyond the pass on the R. Photo looks NW.

The S end of Albino Lake was 0.6 mile N of the Montana border. When Lupe, Jobe & SPHP got there, it was necessary to cross the outlet stream. Although the stream was wide, this was no problem at all. The entire stream was full of rocks sticking up above the water. Rock hopping it was a cinch almost anywhere one chose.

Once across the stream, the trail wound over to the W side of Albino Lake, where it turned N again. For more than 0.5 mile, Lupe was in the scenic region between Lonesome Mountain to the W and Albino Lake to the E. Beyond the lake, it was only another 0.25 mile up to Pass 10340. From here, Jasper Lake was now in view.

**Albino Lake**. **Pass 10340** (L). Photo looks NNW.

**Albino Lake** from **Pass 10340**. Photo looks SE.

**Jasper Lake** from **Pass 10340**. The **dark knob** (Center) in the distance, is the end of **Sky Pilot Mountain’s SE ridge**. Photo looks N.

From Pass 10340, the trail headed NW down to a valley between Jasper Lake and Golden Lake. SPHP warned Jobe about the sizable stream flowing down to Golden from Jasper.

Years ago, Lupe had gone beyond Jasper Lake twice. The stream had been so high both times that it had been impossible to rock hop. The first time, Loop and SPHP had wound up fording it near Golden Lake, both getting soaking wet paws in the process. The second time, the whole issue had been avoided by circling around the E side of Jasper Lake where the flow was divided into a number of smaller inlet streams. Worked, but this had been a somewhat tedious route.

Despite having climbed Mount Wood yesterday, Jobe sped on down the trail for a look at the Jasper Lake outlet stream situation himself. Lupe and SPHP trudged after him.

Heh, no worries! Upon reaching the stream, Jobe must have thought SPHP was nuts. Either it was running considerably lower now than when Lupe and SPHP had been here before, or someone had rearranged a bunch of rocks. A nice long string was now conveniently situated for relatively easy rock hopping all the way across. Whatever! Nothing wrong with good news, is there?

*Here’s a glimpse of **Golden Lake**. Part of **Lonesome Mountain** (L).* Photo looks SW.

**Jasper Lake** from partway across the outlet stream. Photo looks NE.

The downstream view. **Lonesome Mountain** (L). Photo looks SW.

Somewhere N of the outlet stream along the W side of Jasper Lake, the trail veered off to the W destined for Arrowhead Lake and myriad other lakes beyond. Never saw exactly where that happened. Didn’t matter. Not the way Lupe and Jobe needed to go.

Castle Mountain (12,612 ft.) was still 5.5 miles NNW as the crow flies. Today’s goal was to get at least as far N as Two Bits Lake, which was only another mile plus from Jasper Lake. Jasper Lake had been a long, but relatively easy march with good trails the whole way and less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. However, from here on there would be no trails. Ahead was a wilderness of rock.

For the time being, that was no big deal, since Lupe had already been to Two Bits Lake and even Donelson Lake before. Slower going was in the cards, but success was assured at least that far. Loop, Jobe and SPHP pressed on, heading NNW from Jasper Lake toward the last pass before Triskel Lake and Two Bits Lake.

Leaving **Jasper Lake** behind. **Peak 11600** (R of Center). Photo looks SE.

Loop meditating among the Indian Paintbrush while Jobe waits for laggard SPHP. Photo looks NW.

**Jasper Lake** (L) and **Lonesome Mountain** (R). **Pass 10340** (Center). Photo looks SSE.

Progress was actually decent until the Pass 10380 region was reached. Here, avoiding fields of talus as much as possible became the priority. No way to avoid it all. A lot of bouldering went on, with intermittent spurts on better ground keeping it all from getting too discouraging. Staying to the W, several unnamed tarns were bypassed.

The largest and first tarn reached in the **Pass 10380 region**. Photo looks E.

Jobe isn’t a fan of talus. Had to pick his poison here at **Pass 10380**. Photo looks N.

Two smaller tarns just N of **Pass 10380**. Photo looks N.

Once over Pass 10380, the terrain eventually became easier to deal with. Triskel Lake came into view, and everyone headed down that way first. Not quite 4:00 PM yet, but maybe after lugging heavy packs for 7 straight hours this was good enough? Jobe was ready to call it, and Lupe and SPHP sure had no objections.

Approaching **Triskel Lake**, the more distant one on the L. Photo looks WNW.

Where to camp became the question. Wandering N toward higher ground while scouting out the area, the region somewhat closer to Two Bits Lake than Triskel Lake seemed to be the place to be. Jobe assembled his tent before deciding on a precise location. The breeze caught it, and Jobe was running around flying that tent almost like it was a kite, while still trying to find an acceptable spot.

So funny! Jobe was hilarious! So this is how guys with vast experience do it? SPHP laughed, but Jobe did get it all under control. He ultimately picked a little grassy ledge overlooking the stream running down from Two Bits Lake to Triskel Lake for his tent kite. Barely enough room for it. Jobe better not thrash around much in his sleep, or he’d be a goner.

Dinnertime! Always on the cutting edge, Jobe had fancy freeze-dried stuff to prepare. Thai something or other. Sort of spicy. While Jobe turned wilderness chef, Loop and SPHP wandered off looking for a place to pitch her tiny house, finally settling on a soft spot near a tarn over a little hill SE of Jobe’s abode.

Jobe scouting E of the stream between Two Bits Lake and Triskel Lake. Photo looks N.

**Triskel Lake** (L) and the stream running down to it (R). Photo looks SW.

Jobe’s comfy(?) perch (R of Lupe). Photo looks WSW.

Loopster’s tiny house. Home for the night. Photo looks NE.

The tarn near the tiny house, which is around the corner off the R edge. Photo looks SE.

After dinner, Jobe came looking for Loop and SPHP. Finally spotting the tiny house, he then provided entertainment with his commentary for more than half an hour. Good times! Well before sunset, Jobe was ready to hit the hay. SPHP knew Jobe was an early riser, and he’d had two long days in the mountains in a row, although today couldn’t have begun to compare with Mount Wood.

The sun was still well up when Jobe retired to his tent kite. A gorgeous evening! Even though Lupe and SPHP were both tired, too, there was something Loopster absolutely had to do. 7 years since the last time she’d seen Two Bits Lake, and it was only a short stroll away. Better go take a look!

**Two Bits Lake** and its outlet stream. Photo looks N.

More of **Two Bits Lake**. Photo looks NNE.

By the outlet stream that flows down to Triskel Lake. Photo looks SW.

This first day out had gone well, but then that was to be expected. Been this far before. The only thing that had worried SPHP at all to this point was what the outlet stream from Jasper Lake might be like, and it had turned out to be cake.

SPHP had convinced Jobe to take this Lupe route to Castle Mountain. It wasn’t the usual one, and it was important that it worked. Jobe had come a long way to get Castle Mountain done. Among other incredibly challenging peak lists, Jobe had been working the Western Contiguous USA County Highpoints list for many years. 414 peaks, and he was only missing a few! Mount Wood had been one of them. Now Castle needed to fall!

Tomorrow was going to be different, a journey into the unknown. Lupe had never been beyond Donelson Lake. To even make an attempt on Castle Mountain, Jobe would have to be able to get to Flat Rock Lake. From there, others had proven a route up Castle.

Only 2 mystery miles from Donelson Lake to Flat Rock Lake. The topo map didn’t look too bad. Would the Lupe route go? No guarantees. Anything could happen, but SPHP felt confident it would.

**Two Bits Lake**, Beartooth Mountains, Montana 8-7-20

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Castle Mountain, the Carbon County Montana High Point with Mountaineer Jobe Wymore – Part 2: Two Bits Lake to Flat Rock Lake (8-8-20)

The Journey to Two Bits Lake, Beartooth Mountains (7-12-13)

Sky Pilot Lake, Beartooth Mountains of Montana (7-17-13)

Medicine Bow Peak & the Carbon County, WY High Point (8-10-15)

On Day 2 of Lupe’s great Summer of 2015 Dingo Vacation, she set a new personal record by climbing Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 ft.) in Wyoming. Medicine Bow Peak was the first mountain over 12,000 feet Lupe had ever climbed, surpassing Lonesome Mountain (11,399 ft.) in Montana. Lupe had climbed Lonesome Mountain on 8-3-14 near the end of her Summer of 2014 Dingo Vacation.

Despite Lupe’s late night antics near Laramie Peak (10,272 ft.) the previous evening, Lupe and SPHP were up at 5:30 AM on the morning of 8-10-15. It was the start of Day 2 of Lupe’s 2015 Dingo Vacation. Lupe was eager to get going! Lupe and SPHP left the Friend Park area near Laramie Peak turning S on USFS Road No. 671. A sign said it was 6 miles to Arapaho Trail Road. SPHP had no idea where Arapaho Trail Road might go, but Lupe was going to find out!

Along the way, Lupe was so stirred up by the sights and sounds outside, SPHP stopped the G6 three separate times. Each time, Lupe dashed out of the G6 to race around sniffing madly through the forests and meadows. She literally bounded through the forest and tall grass. With all these dingo delays, the six miles to Arapahoe Trail Road went by slowly.

USFS Road No. 671 wasn’t too bad a road. The G6 had no difficulties until the road dipped rather steeply on its way down into a small valley. The slope was rutty, rocky and eroded. The G6 had to proceed very slowly and carefully down the hill. SPHP was happy to have guided the G6 down without incident, but only for a moment. Almost immediately, a huge murky mud puddle (which might actually have been part of a stream) occupied the entire road ahead. No way the G6 was going through that!

End of the line for the G6 on USFS Road No. 671 nearly 6 miles S of Laramie Peak. Time to turn around!

So Lupe never made it to Arapaho Trail Road. Where Arapaho Trail Road goes remains a mystery. SPHP was just glad there was an easy spot to turn the G6 around. Another slow crawl over the rocky, rutty part of USFS Road No. 671 ensued, this time heading uphill. The G6 triumphed again. If Lupe was disappointed at having to backtrack all the way N again on No. 671, she was certainly able to hide it.

A sad Lupe thinks about having to head all the way back N on USFS No. 671. No doubt she will be forced to get out and run around sniffing some more. — A sad Lupe thinks about having to head all the way back N on USFS Road No. 671. No doubt she will be forced to get out and run around sniffing some more.

Lupe insisted on getting out to bound around sniffing a couple of more times on the way back N. Finally, though, the G6 reached County Road No. 710. Instead of turning N to Esterbrook, Lupe turned S. No. 710 wasn’t a great road, but it was good enough to drive the G6 20-30 mph most of the long way to Fetterman Road.

The scenery in this remote part of the Laramie Mountains was beautiful. There were a few abandoned ranch homes, but no traffic and no people around for a very long way. Little birds flew over the road, rabbits and small animals dashed across it, cows and horses munched away in the open fields between the mountains. Lupe had a blast barking at the cows and horses. Every now and then SPHP let her out of the G6 to explore, while SPHP admired the sights and sounds of nature.

There were a couple of nice ponds like this one as Lupe neared the edge of the Laramie Mountains.

By the time Lupe and SPHP reached Fetterman Road, the Laramie Mountains had been left behind. Fetterman Road went across 41 miles of high barren rolling plains full of cows, horses and pronghorn antelope. For some reason, Carolina Dogs never seem to grow hoarse or lose interest in barking at grazing animals. Lupe worked herself up into a complete frenzy. The din inside the G6 lasted as long as Fetterman Road did. Outside the views were not as dramatic as in the mountains, but still pleasing to the eye.

Fetterman Road ended at Hwy 30 just a few miles N of Rock River, WY. Hwy 30 was undergoing road construction. The G6 had to wait for a pilot car to come along. For a few minutes, Lupe and SPHP got out of the G6. Lupe’s barker was dry – very dry. She lapped up water almost as frantically as she had barked all along Fetterman Road.

From Rock River, Lupe headed SW on Hwy 13 past McFadden, reaching I-80 at Arlington. SPHP drove W on I-80, but only as far as Exit 260. There Lupe headed S on a very patchy, bumpy paved road that soon turned to gravel. Elk Mountain (11,156 ft.) was now in view to the SW.

Lupe NE of 11,156 foot Elk Mountain, WY.

Lupe and SPHP continued on. Dusty USFS Road No. 100 led Lupe up into the Medicine Bow Mountains past Turpin Reservoir, which was mostly hidden by the forest. SPHP was glad to reach paved Hwy 30. Upon reaching the West Trailhead at Lake Marie, SPHP parked the G6. At 2:54 PM, Lupe and SPHP started for Medicine Bow Peak along the Lakes Trail. It was 64°F.

Lupe at Lake Marie in the Medicine Bow Mountains. Photo looks NW from near the outlet stream.

Lake Marie from the NE. Note the terrain at the far end of the lake. It became important later on.

The Lakes Trail went between Lake Marie and Mirror Lake. Then it headed NNE passing to the E of Lookout Lake, the largest lake along the route, and a series of smaller lakes and ponds. To the W of all the lakes were the cliffs beneath the long, high ridge that extends up to Medicine Bow Peak.

Lupe SE of Lookout Lake, Medicine Bow Range, WY.

Lupe farther N now to the E of Lookout Lake along the Lakes Trail. Medicine Bow Peak in the background. — Lupe farther N now, but still to the E of Lookout Lake along the Lakes Trail. Medicine Bow Peak in the background.

The Lakes Trail climbed at an easy to moderate pace as it headed NNE past all the lakes. At least it should have been easy. Maybe for Lupe it was. She seemed to have no difficulties whatsoever. SPHP, on the other hand, was dragging from the very start. Perhaps it was the 10,500 foot elevation level (higher than Laramie Peak!) near the start of the trail at Lake Marie. Perhaps it was the 2,800 feet of elevation gain climbing Laramie Peak the previous day. Maybe it was not enough sleep. Maybe it was the combination of all three.

Whatever it was, SPHP struggled along the trail with little energy, breathing hard, with heart pounding. Lupe must have wondered at the reason for all the rest stops. At least they gave her time to appreciate the gorgeous alpine scenery all around. That’s one nice thing about the Medicine Bows – even though the area of alpine terrain isn’t all that huge, Hwy 130 climbs up high enough to start adventures already in the alpine zone.

SPHP marveled at how 2,800 feet of elevation gain at Laramie Peak hadn’t seemed that difficult. Yet now the 1,500 feet of elevation gain necessary to reach the top of Medicine Bow Peak seemed endless and insurmountable. In the end, SPHP simply lived up to the acronym and plodded slowly on, taking as many rest breaks as required to keep going. Gradually, Lupe and SPHP got past Lookout Lake and approached Sugarloaf Mountain.

Making progress - now NE of Lookout Lake. — Making progress – now NE of Lookout Lake.

**Sugarloaf Mountain (11,300 ft.)**. Photo looks NE.

NW of Sugarloaf Mountain at the top of the pass between Sugarloaf Mountain and Medicine Bow Peak, the Lakes Trail met up with the trail coming from Lewis Lake to the E and the Medicine Bow Trail. The easy part was over! It was time to climb the steep, rocky switchbacks of the Medicine Bow Trail up the E face of Medicine Bow Peak. Surprisingly, SPHP seemed to get a bit of a second wind. Gradually Lupe and SPHP gained elevation and the views got even better.

Looking S as Lupe climbs Medicine Bow Peak. Lookout Lake is now the farthest one in the distance.

Looking NE at Browns Peak, which came into view once Lupe reached the pass between Medicine Bow Peak and Sugarloaf Mountain. — Looking NE at **Browns Peak** **(11,722 ft.)**, which came into view once Lupe reached the pass between Medicine Bow Peak and Sugarloaf Mountain.

On the Lakes Trail, there had been plenty of people and dogs. However, Lupe and SPHP had gotten such a late start that by the time Lupe was headed up the Medicine Bow Trail, there weren’t many people left. Most of them were headed back down. After a little while, there were only two other people on the trail. They were ahead of Lupe and SPHP, and still going up. Lupe and SPHP gradually gained on them, much to SPHP’s surprise.

Close to the top of the mountain, Lupe started seeing snow. Just before the final climb, the trail turned sharply and revealed a 100 foot long snowbank. It wasn’t terribly wide, maybe 20 feet, but the trail went right up the length of it. Lupe was thrilled! She rolled around on the snow in delight.

Close to the top now. Snow starts coming into view. By now you know that biggest lake to the S is Lookout Lake. — Close to the top of Medicine Bow Peak there starts to be some snow. By now you know that biggest lake to the S is Lookout Lake. Lake Marie, where Lupe started this climb, is seen beyond Lookout Lake.

Lupe loved the big long snowbank the trail went over just before reaching the summit of Medicine Bow Peak.

At the top of the long snowbank, Lupe and SPHP caught up with the couple who had been leading the way up Medicine Bow Peak. They had stopped for a break. They were from Virginia. SPHP chatted with them for a few minutes before Lupe and SPHP continued on ahead.

Above the long snowbank was nothing but a boulder field. It was just a scramble across the rocks to the summit, gaining at most 50 feet of elevation along the way. Lupe is great at boulder hopping. SPHP not so much, but SPHP still managed to make progress. The wooden post at the summit was already in sight, when the guy from Virginia reappeared. He had no difficulty passing SPHP and reaching the summit first. After giving him a little time to enjoy the summit in peace, Lupe and SPHP headed over to it, too.

SPHP didn’t see the woman, and asked the guy if she was still coming. He said she was now scared and didn’t want to go any further. She was waiting for him back at the snowbank.

SPHP encouraged him to just give her a little encouragement. There was hardly any elevation gain left for her to be able to claim a successful summit. The boulder field was slow, but it was not difficult and not dangerous. It wasn’t steep either, as long as she stayed away from the cliffs at the E face of the mountain. In fact, what remained was far less scary than what she’d already done. The weather was perfect – SPHP had arrived at the summit in a T-shirt. She would be glad and proud she finished climbing Medicine Bow Peak.

The guy replied that he didn’t want to force her, but said he would ask her again if she wanted to continue. SPHP told him to tell her that Lupe was waiting at the summit to congratulate her. He laughed and left. Lupe and SPHP remained at the summit enjoying the terrific views in all directions.

Lupe on the summit of Medicine Bow Peak. Photo looks NE towards Browns Peak.

Looking S from the summit of Medicine Bow Peak.

Although Lupe and SPHP waited, the gal from Virginia never appeared. SPHP thought that was a shame, but it was her choice. Still, she likely just needed some encouragement. There was nothing an American Dingo could do about it, though. Lupe and SPHP had arrived at the summit about 45 minutes before sunset. It was a long way back to the G6, and Lupe still had some peakbagging left to do!

The Medicine Bow Trail continues S of Medicine Bow Peak on the W side of the long ridge that extends clear down to Lake Marie. At the far S end of the ridge, it heads steeply down to the West Lake Marie Trailhead where the G6 was parked. Lupe was going back this way to make a giant loop.

A short distance E of the trail, not too far SW of Medicine Bow Peak, is the Carbon County, WY high point, also known as Medicine Bow Peak – West Ridge (11,920 ft.). It is not a peak of any sort, just a spot on the way back down the mountain where the county line intersects the ridge. As the high point of Carbon County, it was a peakbagging goal for Lupe.

The high point of Carbon County is just beyond the next hill of boulders to the S! — The high point of Carbon County is just beyond the next hill of boulders seen here to the S!

Heading towards the Carbon County, WY high point from Medicine Bow Peak.

Looking back towards Medicine Bow Peak from the S. The big rock cairn with a sharpened post sticking out of it was typical of the cairns along the Medicine Bow Trail. They were soon to prove very useful to Lupe & SPHP. — Looking back towards Medicine Bow Peak from the SW. The big rock cairn with a sharpened post sticking out of it was typical of the cairns along the Medicine Bow Trail. They were soon to prove very useful to Lupe & SPHP.

Lupe and SPHP headed SW from Medicine Bow Peak on the Medicine Bow Trail. The trail went around the W side of the next slightly lower boulder hill. Somewhere not too far down on the ridge extending down from the SW side of this hill was the Carbon County, Wyoming High Point that Lupe was looking for. Soon after passing the hill, Lupe and SPHP left the trail to head E and climb up on the ridge. The sun was just setting as Lupe headed for the ridge.

Lupe on her search for the Carbon County, Wyoming High Point. The highest mountain at right center is Kennaday Peak. — Lupe on her search for the Carbon County, Wyoming High Point. The highest mountain in the distance on the right is **Kennaday Peak** **(10,810 ft.)**.

Lupe up on the ridge SW of the first boulder hill SW of Medicine Bow Peak. Lupe headed SW along the ridge (toward the camera) looking for the Carbon County HP. — Lupe up on the ridge SW of the first boulder hill SW of Medicine Bow Peak. Lupe headed down along the ridge (toward the camera) from the big flat boulder she is next to looking for the Carbon County HP.

SPHP had brought notes on what a couple of other climbers who had been to the Carbon County, Wyoming High Point had written on Peakbagger.com. Dan Quinlan (8-18-12) had written the “only thing of note was some old fencing in the area”. Eric Noel (8-30-10) had written “An improbable small snag must have been placed as a potential county line given that it was the only thing in an immense sea of rocks and quite close to the HP.”

And then, after Lupe headed down the ridgeline a little way, there it was! In the fading light was Eric Noel’s “improbable small snag” right about where the Carbon County High Point ought to be. Lupe and SPHP headed for it. There was some wire down in the rocks at the base of the snag. It looked like it was smooth wire, but after Lupe’s bad experience with barbed wire back in the Black Hills on 6-27-15, SPHP didn’t want Lupe to linger here or anywhere else there was wire on the ground – just in case it wasn’t all smooth.

Eric Noel's "improbable small snag" at the Carbon County HP? There was some smooth wire down among the rocks below it. SPHP believes this was, or very close to the actual Carbon County, HP. If not, Lupe had to have been at it or very close somewhere around her route. — Eric Noel’s “improbable small snag” at the Carbon County HP? There was some smooth wire down among the rocks below it. Dan Quinlan’s “old fencing”? SPHP believes this was it, or very close to the actual Carbon County, HP. If not, Lupe had to have been at it or very close somewhere along her route.

About a football field away to the NW of the “improbable small snag”, one of the cairns along the Medicine Bow Trail was in view. Lupe and SPHP headed over to it in order to reach the trail. Looking back to the SE, the “improbable small snag” was in clear sight from the cairn.

The sun was down even before Lupe had reached the Carbon County High Point. The light was starting to fade. It was time to make tracks. Lupe and SPHP followed the Medicine Bow Trail heading SW. Although there were extensive boulder fields all along the way, the trail did a pretty good job of avoiding the worst of them. For a little while, the trail headed W and lost a fair amount of elevation. It eventually turned back to the S and then went up and down.

SPHP was really fatigued by now. The up stretches weren’t really bad at all, but each one seemed difficult. Lupe was amazing as always. It’s always hard to tell if she is even tired. She just keeps going. The light faded. Lupe and SPHP were alone in a vast sea of boulders. The big cairns with sharpened posts sticking out of them showed the way. They were a huge help – SPHP never lost the trail along the ridge for more than a minute.

Gradually, first the cairns, and then the sea of boulders faded from view. They were replaced by a sea of stars above. The flashlight came out. It was a beautiful evening. Far away to the W were the lights of Saratoga and Encampment. Lupe and SPHP continued on for what seemed like a very long time. Finally the trail turned and started heading down to the E. This stretch seemed terrible. It was steep and full of loose rocks. There weren’t any real switchbacks, just a steep gash on the mountain. Past a cairn, the dirt suddenly became smooth.

Lupe and SPHP hadn’t gone too far on the smooth ground beyond the cairn when SPHP became worried. Suddenly, it really wasn’t clear where the trail went. In the weak light of the tiny flashlight, the ground looked all bare and smooth like the entire area had been trampled until all the vegetation had died. The scary part though, was that it was getting steeper.

SPHP stopped going forward. It looked like maybe the trail went to the left towards the N, but a short investigation in that direction was not encouraging. Beyond some bushes, the bare ground got steeper. Shining the flashlight to the E showed nothing – just a black void. A check back to the S revealed a thick tangle of trees, but no sign of a trail.

SPHP thought about the long line of cliffs that extended clear down past Lake Marie from Medicine Bow Peak. If Lupe wasn’t far enough S yet, to continue E meant inevitably heading over a cliff. SPHP decided to go back up to the last cairn. If the trail couldn’t be found, Lupe would have to spend the night on the mountain! Even though it was certain Lupe wasn’t very far away from the G6, only following the trail would be safe in the darkness.

Returning to the cairn, SPHP was relieved to see that the trail did veer sharply to the S. In the darkness, SPHP had just missed the turn earlier. Lupe headed on down the trail. It was still surprisingly far back to the G6. The trail went down and down through an area of long switchbacks. When Lupe reached the G6, it was 11:30 PM and 44°F. Lupe was too tired to even eat. Lupe and SPHP both just passed out. There was no repeat performance of Lupe’s late night antics near Laramie Peak the prior evening!

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2015 Wyoming, Colorado & Utah Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.