The hike to Buckhorn Mountain starts out at Boulder Reservoir where the view of Jug Mountain is always nice.
After a little stroll one pops out at Boulder Lake where we get our first view of “False” Buckhorn Mountain which is the peak on the right. John called it “False” Buckhorn because it is not really the summit but a point on the ridge in front of the actual summit.
Moving our way past Boulder Lake and up the meadowy area.
Tom and Art were my hiking partners today. It seems to be increasingly more rare to get these two old farts out for a hike as their social schedules are quite full.
Summit Lake with Rapid Peak on the left.
As we sat at Summit Lake for a break the rain started. Both Art and I pulled out our rain gear…..Tom? Luckily Art had a backup rain poncho for the Eagle Scout. Of course as soon as the rain gods realized that we were prepared (or at least Art and I were prepared), the rain stoped and never really bothered us the rest of the day.
As we moved up the ridge towards Buckhorn Mountain we get nice views of Vic’s Peak on the left and Rapid Peak on the right.
Looking back from where we came past Summit Lake to Boulder Lake.
Art strolls through the wildflowers.
Snag.
Same snag.
After a little side hilling, we pop back on the ridge and get views looking down Buckhorn Creek towards the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Art tips his cap to the beauty of this area. Art has been kicking around these parts since the 1960s and is still amazed by it’s beauty.
Working our way further up the ridge past the Paintbrush.
The showers in the distance were holding off and luckily there was no thunder…. something you defiantly don’t want to hear high on a mountain peak.
Views from the peak.
Looking south. You can just make out Lake Cascade on the right side.
Art, Tom, and I enjoy a goodly amount of time on the peak. Notice the “Richie” Tree clinging to the rocks.
Looking north one can just make out the Seven Devil Mountains. I will be heading there for a backpacking trip in a few days and will try to get an image looking back this way.
The north side of Buckhorn Mountain is quite cliffy. Tom carefully works his way down.
Art peaks over the edge and I hear a big “gulp”!
Further down the ridge we find this nice pocket of snow.
Views looking over the Lick Creek Mountains. Mid image and tucked in-between the peaks is Platt Peak which we will be hitting in a couple weeks.
Art’s Meadow.
There are lots of old snags up here. This one sits in front of Jug Mountain.
Tom and Art whistle tunes from the Sound of Music.
One final image looking down on Boulder Lake. It as an amazing day with a couple of good eggs.
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