Bald Eagle route on Google Earth
Bald Eagle route from 5400' to summit
We parked at a wide spot along FR 6835, crossed the road and started hiking uphill
We were surprised to find the second growth understory to be mostly open with lots of dry moss to walk up.
The first brush we came across was at the old growth boundary at 2600'
An impressive old growth forest with a few giants
Continuing up through old growth
A break in the slope but still minimal undergrowth
Pushing through the 700' of annoying small trees
Big rock outcrop at 4780 in the brushy section
After breaking out of the brush at 5200' we got our first view of the ridge. The highest point is at 5820', still quite a bit below the summit.
Moving along the ridge we could start to pick out a route. The highest point is at 5820', still quite a bit below the summit. We left the ridge at 5400' and went left which worked well.
A big cliff that towers above the Necklace Valley and a dramatic jutting rock on the right.
View of Point 5820 from 5400' where we got off the ridge on the left side.
After traversing a narrow but short brushy ridge the terrain opened up onto a talus field.
Beyond the talus we got into rocky heather benches that continued almost to the top
Rocky heather benches
Rocky heather benches, more rock than heather here
At 6100' we finally got back on the ridge line
Very close to the summit we ran into the final obstacle -- a rock tower with what looks like a resting cat on top.
Leland checks out whether we need to go over the rock or below it, and spots a ledge below
It doesn't look promising from here, but this turned out to be an exposed but solid ledge to get past the rock tower.
Around the corner it looks much better
Final steps to the summit
Silver Eagle from Bald Eagle
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Pano south including Bearsbreast, the Chiefs, Chimney Rock and Overcoat
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View southeast from Bald Eagle including Lynch, Dip Top, Daniel, Hinman and Bearsbreast. There is almost no glacier ice left on Hinman.
View east from Bald Eagle including Jumar, Shroud and Terrace
An old stick with nails that was probably once part of a summit marker
Silver Eagle with Bald Eagle Lake below
View down the south ridge -- it's very steep
Leland on Bald Eagle and my sweaty shirt drying out
A little bit of Lake Ilswoot and La Bohn gap. Jade and Necklace Valley lakes are also visible on the right -- that's where the trail goes. Bearsbreast is in back, La Bohn peak to it's right.
Returning along the rocky ledge around the cat tower just below the summit
Easy going back down the rocky heather benches
A not-so-healthy-looking pine tree on the ridge, probably a Limber Pine based on the large size of the pine cone.
Pine needles
Pine cone
What killed this tree?
Back to the rock outcrop in the middle of the brushy section. It's easier to pass than it looks.
Back to the mossy floored second growth in the last 1000' before reaching the road.