Clark Mountain, White River & Boulder Pass — Sunday, Jul. 23, 2023

Road/TH:

Road into white river trailhead starts out fine but gets a little rough however our subaru cruised through it along but did run into an issue or two with trying to pass cars. Camped in the back of the subaru and got started around 2:30am.

White River Trail:

The white river trail is flat and very beautiful with nice sounds of the river! The trail is overgrown in places but it comes and go. Was trickier in the morning as it was pitch black but not too bad on the way out. A water source or two near the turnoff otherwise not many places however you could also try and pop down to the river. Quick moving both ways.

Boulder Pass Trail:

The trail remains relatively flat but begins to climb through the switchbacks but nothing too bad. They were very hot in the afternoon. As it clears higher up there are a couple small river crossings but nothing too bad especially with some bigger steps (I'm ~6'2). Could be nice to have an extra pair of socks incase. A couple places are a tad overgrown but nothing bad. Pretty big caterpillar infestation in these meadows at first, kinda gross. Just over 8 miles to the turnoff, very pretty views!! Some mosquitoes in the afternoon would recommend bug spray especially if camping.

Clark Mountain:

There is a trail to start for clark mountain, still overgrown in places but not bad to follow for the first 1-1.5 miles. After that its come and go but just faster to find your own way. You can see the notch to get up and over the pass and some tracks through it so I just kinda veered that way without looking at maps. Its a steep & loose climb up the notch and was very buggy. not fun. You then get great views of clark mountain and the whole area. It looks daunting but not too bad. The worse part is for sure the descent right after the notch. Then some awkward side hilling but once on rock its pretty straightforward. Hang left and follow the ridge to the left of the snow and head up towards a little col before heading up towards clark mountain. Pretty much a straightforward walkup to the summit. Incredibly gorgeous views all around. The whole upper meadows felt very nice & remote which was quite pleasant. Saw two people all day long. 

Descent was straightforward as well you see the 'crack' to head up and get up & over the pass. So just head towards there. Then its the same kinda deal on the way out with a fun choose your own adventure kinda game to get back to the trail. I'll link my gpx track but theres many options and places to go!

Summary:

It was an awesome day and an incredible way to celebrate my 18th birthday! I had planned on Luahana as well but it looked kinda tricky and something just felt off especially being solo. I loved the upper meadows outside of the horse flies they were real bad along with some mosquitoes and flies on the way out. It also gets very hot in the afternoon so be aware however lots of water sources and I kept filling up. Would highly recommend if your looking for some incredible views, remote & rugged terrain, and a great experience!!

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://www.strava.com/activities/9509561460