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Thursday, July 19, 2018

52 Hike Challenge ~ Hike 38: Triangulation Peak

Triangulation Peak @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

On July 2nd (wahoo, I’m caught up to early July!), my four kids, Holly, Ivy, and I drove to Triangulation Peak, unsure of what the weather would hold or whether we’d have a view.

When we hiked this trail two years ago we had difficulties finding the trailhead, but we found it without problems this time around (though the road itself is rough).

When we hiked this trail two years ago it ended up being one of our favorite hiking experiences, even though we were missing the two most exciting parts of the hike, Mt. Jefferson and Boca Cave. This year we had the mountain view and we visited the cave (a highlight of all our hiking adventures), but Triangulation Peak itself was less green and lush due to the recent fire in the area.

When we hiked this trail two years ago Lola was only 5 and struggled to hike to the top, but she’s a hiking pro this year (though she hasn’t lost the attitude).

Below you can see some of the fire damage on the left. Can you see the child climbing on the rock in distance?

Triangulation Peak 3 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

We didn’t know until we hit the summit whether we’d be able to see Mt. Jefferson due to the clouds, but check this out. It was right there. I may have wahooo-ed. [“When was the last time you went wahoo?” “I’m sure I don’t know.” Ha!]

Triangulation Peak 7 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

Triangulation Peak 44 @ Mt. Hope ChroniclesTriangulation Peak 5 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

This hike has a 360 degree top-of-the-world view like Iron Mountain, but unlike Iron Mountain it feels very remote, isolated. No platform built on the top of the peak for viewers. Just wilderness. I think I prefer Triangulation Peak.

Triangulation Peak 4 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

After playing around and eating lunch at the summit we set off to find Boca Cave, not entirely sure where we were going.

We found what we were pretty sure was the trail and descended into the charred underworld. At least that is what it felt like. So much dust and ash.

Triangulation Peak 11 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

Triangulation Peak 10 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

Mt. Jefferson stayed in view as we descended the steep and slippery path.

Triangulation Peak 8 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

We rounded the corner, saw the looming rock formation, and then magicalness (as Levi would say).

Triangulation Peak 15 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

We stayed in the cave for a long time, savoring the novel experience. The kids did a bunch of climbing. I took a gazillion photos looking out of the cave.

Triangulation Peak 14 @ Mt. Hope ChroniclesTriangulation Peak 13 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

Boca Cave was definitly one of the big highlights of our hiking adventures this year.

Triangulation Peak 17 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

After quite some time we headed back up before we could head down the main trail.

Triangulation Peak 18 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

Triangulation Peak 9 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

We enjoyed more views of Mt. Jefferson in the increasingly sunny day.

Triangulation Peak 19 @ Mt. Hope ChroniclesTriangulation Peak 20 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

We noticed the contrasting lush green and wildflowers on our way down the trail.

Triangulation Peak 21 @ Mt. Hope ChroniclesTriangulation Peak 23 @ Mt. Hope ChroniclesTriangulation Peak  2 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

Check out the spikes on the topside of these leaves!

Triangulation Peak 22 @ Mt. Hope Chronicles

Triangulation Peak remains a favorite. Over 4.5 miles and more than 1,000 feet in elevation gain (though I’m not certain that includes the Boca Cave trail).

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