We had the coincidence of perfect fall weather, a Friday off of work and school, and an itch for one last adventure in relatively nice weather. We had done nearby Coffin Mountain, and Bachelor Mountain's open south facing slopes seemed like a good bet for a quick one-night trip.
Fresh cougar tracks followed the trail in the upper forested section. A good reminder we aren't alone out there and to keep the little ones close.
Found an acceptable tent spot near the top and we enjoyed a a beautiful, clear, and warm evening with views in all directions. The thermal inversion moderated cool fall temps, and made for beautiful light keeping smoke from all the hunting camps down in the valleys.
A few inches of crusty snow to start out.
Cougar tracks and kid hand prints.
Close to the top, Coffin Mountain behind.
Pretty sweet home for the night. Glad the light wind forecast held up!
Morning sun felt good and warmed us up.
Breakfast with a view.
Happy Trails!
Bachelor Mountain (Mt. Jefferson area) Oct 11-12, 2019
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Re: Bachelor Mountain (Mt. Jefferson area) Oct 11-12, 2019
Beautiful photos! You really lucked out with nice weather!
I would love to do something like this, camping out on a summit with all the stars above. But carrying enough water for an overnight dry camp is not easy. Water is very heavy!
I would love to do something like this, camping out on a summit with all the stars above. But carrying enough water for an overnight dry camp is not easy. Water is very heavy!
Re: Bachelor Mountain (Mt. Jefferson area) Oct 11-12, 2019
Thanks Justpeachy! We did indeed get lucky on the weather. No wind and mild temps aren't the norm up high around here! Definitely no water up there either, though we probably could have melted snow in a pinch this time.
Re: Bachelor Mountain (Mt. Jefferson area) Oct 11-12, 2019
Awesome! Great pics, such a beautiful time of year to explore the area.
"Going to the mountains is going home."
— John Muir
— John Muir
Re: Bachelor Mountain (Mt. Jefferson area) Oct 11-12, 2019
Thanks kelkev. Nice fall days in the PNW sure are hard to beat.