White Chief might be the most popular short(ish) hike in Mineral King. It might also be the steepest one. It is always worth the effort, especially when back home again.
This is the first awe-inspring view on the way to White Chief. It is Farewell Gap at around 10 a.m.
A bridge is a welcome sight when one isn’t that great at rock-hopping.Nice patch of Fireweed by Spring Creek. Icky name for a gorgeous blossom!FINALLY at the end of the steep climb to White Chief, about to break into the canyon. I think someone moved the place higher since I last went there. The flat topped peak is White Chief Peak.
Walk a little further up canyon, turn around, see this view.
The creek in the middle part of White Chief is so cold that the marrow in my foot bones might have frozen a little bit. (It HAD to help plantar fasciitis, right?)
Trail Guy finds great spots to perch for lunch, but the cheese was with me down in the creek. Bummer, Dude, I’m not moving because my feet are frozen.Tut-tut, it looks like rain. Let’s choose a different route home. (No, not a helicopter) Maybe over that ridge ahead, see that bare spot in the trees? Bigelow Sneezeweed, the ubiquitous Indian Paintbrush and Larkspur look like the primary colors I use for oil painting.
This is getting to be a bit long. I’ll continue it next Friday. . . same bat time, same bat channel.
Jana, thanks for sharing your photos. My memories of the Tetons and Yellowstone are still so fresh, your pics made me miss being in the mountains. Sure wish we lived closer to some but am so grateful when we get to visit.
Is the Fireweed in the Penstemon family?? They sure look similar to what was in my yard, the leaves especially are the same.
Love going to Whitechief. It is our first hike for newbies to the area, they always love going through the caves. Did not make it there this year. Oh well! You did, good for you!
5 Comments
Jana, thanks for sharing your photos. My memories of the Tetons and Yellowstone are still so fresh, your pics made me miss being in the mountains. Sure wish we lived closer to some but am so grateful when we get to visit.
Jana your pictures are amazing! For a second I felt like I was there…and then I felt sad that I wasn’t there.
Aw, Shannon, that is sweet – but if you were there, you’d be gasping for breath!
Hi Jana,
Is the Fireweed in the Penstemon family?? They sure look similar to what was in my yard, the leaves especially are the same.
Love going to Whitechief. It is our first hike for newbies to the area, they always love going through the caves. Did not make it there this year. Oh well! You did, good for you!
Hugs,
Mel
Melissa, fireweed is way taller and the shape of the flowers is different. But, those wildflower books with their Latin names often surprise me. . .
Comments are closed for this article!