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Paul M Member
Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 371 | TRs | Pics
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Paul M
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Sun Jun 03, 2018 8:27 pm
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Mike C, Craig W, and I spent the past weekend in Eastern Washington once again checking off several T200 prom peaks. Temps on Saturday were mild with a thin overcast at times, making for pleasant hiking. Sunday was a bit cooler with a stiff breeze on the summit of Chopaka. On cue, it was raining lightly as we crossed back over Snoqualmie Pass into Western Washington.
We left Issaquah at 6am Saturday morning and by noon were on the summit of Dunn Mountain (5360+ ft; P1760) just southeast of Colville. A road reaches to the benchmark .2 miles SW of the summit. Nice views from the top to Chewelah. Our next objective was Hoodoo Mountain (5158 ft; P1878), which we initially approached from the east via Nancy Creek. We found a large washout that has completely taken out the road after 2 miles (~2,000ft), so this approach seems no longer suitable. Fortunately another road 3.7 miles north via Deadman Creek got us within about 2 miles of the peak at ~3,200 ft where we started hiking. If determined (and if you had a hand saw to clear a few blowdowns) you could drive another mile to ~3,600ft. From the end of the road we followed the steep wooded NW ridge to the open and rocky summit (5.4mi RT and 1,800 ft elevation gain; some brush). Views from the top were outstanding in all directions. Our last peak of the day was Bodie Mountain (5,739 ft; P1899) which is located north of Republic. A long series of forest roads gets you to the final 1.7 mile Bodie Mountain road to the top where there are several DNR repeaters. This final road is deeply rutted down low so we opted to walk up to the top in the twilight, arriving at 10pm (3.4 miles RT and 729 ft elevation gain). Bodie is a former fire lookout and due to its prominence has some great views in all directions, including fine views of Bonaparte and Moses. It was a shame to be there in the fading light but also cool as we could see the lights of the Buckhorn mining operation off to the northwest. After walking back to the car we decided to head over towards our Sunday objective finally finding a place to car camp outside Loomis at about 1am. A long day for sure!
Sunday morning we had a delightful climb of Chopaka Mountain (7881 ft; P1811) via the snow free south ridge (3.2 mi RT and 1,600 ft elevation gain) where the summit offered great views West into the Eastern Pasayten Wilderness peaks. Following this we made one more stop on our way out to visit the Juniper Point lookout site where we found some neat old relics of this old lookout location (1.3 mi RT and 200 ft elevation gain). I look forward for Eric W to visit this location in the future and document its history on his outstanding Web site. With our main objectives for the weekend accomplished we decided to head back to the west side early.
All in all another great weekend. Some pictures follow:
Dunn Mtn BM Mike and Craig on Hoodoo Mountain summit Bodie Mountain old lookout footings and steps Mike and Craig on Chopaka summit Copaka BM Original US and Canadian Boundary Survey Mark Tiffany group from Chopaka Windy Peak from Chopaka Horseshoe Basin peaks from Chopaka Mike at Juniper Point LO ground house remnants Juniper Point LO remnants
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Redwic Unlisted Free Agent
Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 3292 | TRs | Pics Location: Going to the Prom(inence) |
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Redwic
Unlisted Free Agent
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Tue Jun 05, 2018 6:40 pm
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This was a fun trip, covering a lot of mileage in north-central Washington. My favorite location visited was Chopaka Mountain. My favorite moment was finding a large moose paddle (antler) during the hiking approach to Hoodoo Mountain. My least favorite moment was a tie between getting bit head-to-toe by mosquitoes on Hoodoo Mountain, versus getting bit head-to-toe by mosquitoes on Chopaka Mountain.
Dunn Mtn Summit Nancy had a deep flow Glad Mike could not see this! Hoodoo, In The Distance Ascending Hoodoo, North Ridge Hoodoo Mtn Summit One of Bodie Towers Bodie BM Not my greatest selfie Mike and Paul, going off-trail... Mike and Paul, heading up... Chopaka, In The Distance Paul nears the summit... Chopaka Mtn Summit Mike and Paul, heading down... Are you sure this is a road? Seriously, this is a road? OK, I can see the "trail" now... Mike and Paul at Juniper Point LO site Mike near Juniper Point LO wreckage Selfie near the wreckage
60 pounds lighter but not 60 points brighter.
60 pounds lighter but not 60 points brighter.
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NorthwestWanderer Member
Joined: 28 May 2016 Posts: 113 | TRs | Pics Location: Montana |
Well you guys sure had a busy few days, awesome! Especially hitting Chopaka up. This summer I'm going to try to get a sunrise glow pic of Chopaka from the BLM land on little chopaka in the valley.
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wildernessed viewbagger
Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Posts: 9275 | TRs | Pics Location: Wenatchee |
👍🏻 Chopaka looks interesting.
Living in the Anthropocene
Living in the Anthropocene
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RichP Member
Joined: 13 Jul 2006 Posts: 5628 | TRs | Pics Location: here |
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RichP
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Wed Jun 06, 2018 5:22 am
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Paul M Member
Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 371 | TRs | Pics
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Paul M
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Wed Jun 06, 2018 8:04 am
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Yeah, we agree with all of you... Chopaka is located in a very nice area and looks to offer great early season hiking opportunities. You start high and can quickly get above tree line to roam as you see fit. We saw a healthy black bear just before reaching the trail head and some deer on the drive in as well.
We also had plans on doing Little Chopaka after but we were a bit tired from the long Saturday so left that for a return visit...
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