Sacajawea Matterhorn Traverse – Wallowa Mountains
We came here specifically for the ridge between Sacajawea and Matterhorn, but got so much more. A pretty steep huff to get to camp, in a beautiful meadow, in the Thorp Creek drainage. The next morning, we followed a faint trail from the lush meadow up on to the steep rocky slopes, reaching the ridge crest a few hours later. The first stop was on Sacajawea Peak (9838’). From there we could see the traverse ridge over to Matterhorn…WOW! Very Cool!
The traverse ridge over to Matterhorn is pretty straight forward with a few fun exposed scramble spots. There are walk-arounds, but you must drop below the rock and deal with the loose scree. The rocky ridge crest is more exciting in my opinion.
After the traverse ridge, there is a highpoint (9775’) to tag before dropping again, then climbing up to Matterhorn (9826’). The views from Matterhorn are awesome. We made good time getting back to camp, where we decided to stay another night before heading back to the trailhead early the next morning.
Another fun outing with my lovely wife and adventure partner, Deb.
Found a nice camp spot near the trailhead…
Along the trail, looking up the Deadman Creek drainage and Hurricane Divide…
Crossing Twin Creek was easy considering how much rock and logs have been pushed down river recently…
After a thousand foot of elevation gain we gain a ridge, and enter a burned area.
Entering the Thorp Meadow, close to where we’ll camp.
WTF!…oh, never mind…I thought they were ticks. Just seeds…
Next morning, leaving camp before the sun hit the meadow…
Entering the “no grow” zone…
First look at the traverse ridge, the white rock in the distance (we didn’t know it at the time)
Looking up at Sacajawea Peak, the brown rock to the left…
Looking back at the Hurwal Divide, above camp (in the meadow below).
Looking down the Thorp Creek drainage, and Hurricane Creek in the far distance.
Huff…
Looking over at the Hurricane Divide…
One of about seven Mountain Goats seen this day…
First view of the traverse ridge and Matterhorn…WOW!
Some of the exposed scrambly stuff…
Fun Shit!!
Up on point 9775, looking over at Matterhorn.
Nice view of Ice Lake, a very popular lake for backpackers…
Pretty cool formations along the way…
Summit posers at the summit of Matterhorn.
Looking south over the Eagle Cap Wilderness…
Looking north at our route back…
Looking north at Twin Peaks, over on Hurricane Divide. We were there two days ago…
Looking into the cave, near Matterhorn.
Looking back at Matterhorn. Such a cool looking route…
Not sure what they graze on up here in the rocky terrain…
Last look at the traverse ridge before dropping down towards camp…
An interesting formation…
Walking out the next day…
The weekend’s track…
