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?
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!]
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.
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.
Mt. Jefferson stayed in view as we descended the steep and slippery path.
We rounded the corner, saw the looming rock formation, and then magicalness (as Levi would say).
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.
Boca Cave was definitly one of the big highlights of our hiking adventures this year.
After quite some time we headed back up before we could head down the main trail.
We enjoyed more views of Mt. Jefferson in the increasingly sunny day.
We noticed the contrasting lush green and wildflowers on our way down the trail.
Check out the spikes on the topside of these leaves!
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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