Chilkoot Day 3...Sheep Camp to Happy Camp

Day 3.. Sheep Camp to Happy Camp

Up the Long Hilll

At Sheep Camp, the Park Ranger gave a presentation at the end of day 2. There was a concern about the avalanche risk on the Canadian side so they strongly suggested that we all be out of camp by 5:30 the next morning so we would be pass the snow sections prior to the sun heating this area.

Getting above tree line and looking down the valley

Our first look at the actual pass

So we were up early and on the trail well before the sun came into the valley. The first section is call the Long Hill…no surprise…it was a long hill. The elevation change was slight so while we knew we were going up hill, it was really pleasant. After a couple of hours, we moved above the tree line and could look back at the mountains and valley behind us. More artifacts and snow fields covered the path. It was pretty warm….T shirts and shorts weather and blue sky above.

Looking up

We got to the Scales (at the base of the summit climb) and reload and snacked in preparation of the steepest part of the trail. Large screen rocks and boulders for the next bit and no actual trail…just pick your best route. Hands and knees climbing.

Hands and Knees

Steep Climb

Outhouse with best view ever

Heading down to Crater Lake

Crater Lake

An hour or so later we were at the top and back into Canada. There was a lot of snow! There is a warm up shelter and an outhouse at the top so we stopped for lunch.

Looking back at the Summit

Snack time

Still lots of  snow

Many more snow patches and river crossings for the rest of the day. We finally arrived at Happy Camp around three in the afternoon after a nine hour hiking day. We did get the best camp site in all of Happy Camp.

Happy Camp!