Forum Index > Trip Reports > Black Mountain (Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area),Id. Oct 6, 2019
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RichP
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RichP
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PostMon Oct 07, 2019 6:15 am 
This Black Mountain is located in the Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area, a long-proposed wilderness in Clearwater County, Idaho. An 8.1-mile trail leads up from the valley floor over a vertical mile to the summit which is bedecked with a still-functioning lookout. I could spot three other standing lookouts from the top but there may be more in the area. This is also #75 of 98 peaks in the state with over 2000' of prominence. The views over the Clearwater Canyon are commanding. After the 3-hr drive from Moscow we got an 8am start in dense fog. We expected snow and brought snowshoes but left them in the car. Good thing we did because it was never over 8" or so and only above 6000.'
Getting started at 1800' elevation along the North Fork of the Clearwater River.
Getting started at 1800' elevation along the North Fork of the Clearwater River.
Canyon Work Center just across the road is a USFS facility. Thee are several buildings out of view in this photo from the beginning  of the trail.
Canyon Work Center just across the road is a USFS facility. Thee are several buildings out of view in this photo from the beginning of the trail.
Lots of these lower down.
Lots of these lower down.
The hike began in a cloud but we knew sun was higher up.
The hike began in a cloud but we knew sun was higher up.
Almost to the sunshine.
Almost to the sunshine.
After a few thousand feet of climbing we finally got above the cloud layer. We also were under drippy forest with falling tree bombs of snow that had occurred the night before. The warm sun felt good and made getting wet at least tolerable.
Above the cloud layer. By afternoon all of this had burned off.
Above the cloud layer. By afternoon all of this had burned off.
Looking south over the valley of the North Fork.
Looking south over the valley of the North Fork.
Black Mtn Trail. Some snow started to appear at about 5500.'
Black Mtn Trail. Some snow started to appear at about 5500.'
Beautiful hemlocks higher up on the trail.
Beautiful hemlocks higher up on the trail.
7 miles in and a bit more to go.
7 miles in and a bit more to go.
Approaching the last junction to the lookout.
Approaching the last junction to the lookout.
Clearing up nicely just below the summit.
Clearing up nicely just below the summit.
Getting there..
Getting there..
A faint trail heads out to West Sister, a satellite peak of Black.
A faint trail heads out to West Sister, a satellite peak of Black.
Finally at the lookout after 8.1 miles and a vertical mile of hiking.
Finally at the lookout after 8.1 miles and a vertical mile of hiking.
East Sister, 7043' is the second highest point in The Mallard-Larkins.
East Sister, 7043' is the second highest point in The Mallard-Larkins.
The Nub, 6934' is the third highest peak in the area. It's possible to do a loop up Black and down The Nub via Black Lake. The Nub Trail is shorter and steeper than The Black Mtn Trail.
The Nub, 6934' is the third highest peak in the area. It's possible to do a loop up Black and down The Nub via Black Lake. The Nub Trail is shorter and steeper than The Black Mtn Trail.
Black Mountain Lookout, 7077,' locked up tight for the winter. This lookout is still staffed in summer.
Black Mountain Lookout, 7077,' locked up tight for the winter. This lookout is still staffed in summer.
The nub of The Nub.
The nub of The Nub.
Lookout view west.
Lookout view west.
Peaks of The Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area. This has been a proposed wilderness for decades but no dice.
Peaks of The Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area. This has been a proposed wilderness for decades but no dice.
Black Lake below. A trail passes by here on the way to The Nub.
Black Lake below. A trail passes by here on the way to The Nub.
Mallard Peak with its historic lookout.
Mallard Peak with its historic lookout.
Snow Peak Lookout to the north.
Snow Peak Lookout to the north.
Larkins Peak.
Larkins Peak.
Black Mountain Lookout.
Black Mountain Lookout.
A loo with a view.
A loo with a view.
Mallard Peak, 6870.'
Mallard Peak, 6870.'
West Sister. This is a satellite peak of Black Mtn.
West Sister. This is a satellite peak of Black Mtn.
Pot Mountain, 7139,' is the highest peak in the center.
Pot Mountain, 7139,' is the highest peak in the center.
Bigger than a basketball.
Bigger than a basketball.
We spent little time on top as wet boots and damp clothing forced us to get moving as a chill set in. The miles went quickly as this trail has one of the easiest grades possible. More info: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/274661

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kitya
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Joined: 15 Mar 2010
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kitya
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PostMon Oct 07, 2019 6:47 am 
lobsters.... yummmm!

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RichP
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RichP
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PostMon Oct 07, 2019 7:11 am 
Now that's an appropriately named 'shroom.

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kitya
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Joined: 15 Mar 2010
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Location: Duvall, WA
kitya
Fortune Cookie
PostMon Oct 07, 2019 8:05 am 
RichP wrote:
Now that's an appropriately named 'shroom.
Actually it is a parasitic fungus eating another (unknown, but likely russulla brevipes) shroom. Anyway, it is very tasty and people believe it tastes like seafood. I have never tried seafood, so I can't confirm. Your last large white-yellow fungus is called hericium and is also edible and some consider medicinal. But likely a bit past prime for that one.

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Forum Index > Trip Reports > Black Mountain (Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area),Id. Oct 6, 2019
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