Adventures for Wilderness, The Whaleback – Sept. 17, 2023
September 17, 2023
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Photos: L. Wallis and D. Donnelly
It was a party of 8 hikers that left the Bob Creek Wildland parking area heading north along the Bob Creek valley between Whaleback Ridge and Little Whaleback Ridge. Temperatures were pleasant and there was light cloud in the skies. Many, but not all, of the aspens and cottonwoods were bearing their autumn colours.
The valley portion of the hike was very pleasant, the grassland looking in very good condition, probably due to well-planned grazing by the rancher with grazing rights. Shortly after crossing the boundary of the Wildland Park and entering the Forest Reserve, the group turned west, leaving the train and heading for the steep slopes of Little Whaleback Ridge. The climb up on the thick grass was challenging with the group settling for lunch near the top with fine views to the south and east.
After lunch, the climb to the ridgetop seemed straightforward and the group headed north to explore that end of the ridge. The views of the long range of mountains to the west were spectacular and the fescue meadows were turning a golden brown.
From the north end, the group then hiked the entire length of the ridge. The northern half being a mix of Douglas fir, aspen and some white bark and limber pine, with many meadows in between. The southern half opening into broad, largely treeless meadows with lovely views of the many mountains to the south.
