Johnstone Pass
Pioneer Mountains, ID
Friday 6 September 2024
80 °F
AUGUST 20:
This morning, my mom and I drove all the way down East Fork Canyon west of Gimlet in the Wood River Valley to a hike called Johnstone Pass. I chose this hike specifically because of the poor road conditions on the way there and taking advantage of the fact that, this year, we had a Ford F150 truck capable of tackling Idaho’s gnarliest roads.
The view from the drive in was incredible!
And there were several sections of road that were so sketchy that I had to get out, clear some debris, and guide mom through:
A short way up the hike we passed next to a scree field where I pointed out this Pika:
The views along the hike were just world class.
Female WESTERN TANAGER:
DARK-EYED JUNCO:
Snowshoe Hare abounded — it was a total boom year for them and I saw at least one everyday I was out in Idaho this year, which I have never noticed happen before!
Female CASSIN’S FINCH:
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE:
CLARK’S NUTCRACKER:
This flyover GOLDEN EAGLE was pretty cool, seen soaring over Johnstone Peak once we were near the top!
The hike started to get incredibly steep as we ascended up the southern wall of the canyon.
Unfortunately, we decided to “declare victory” before reaching the top of the steep ridge — the trail was frankly just too exposed, steep, and dusty for both of us to feel comfortable continuing on this rather unmaintained section of 45-degree-angle. Still, we were rewarded beautiful views of the East Fork Canyon through which we had just ascended.
DUSKY GROUSE were one of the most common birds along the trail and I counted thirteen of them, most of which were flushed and then flew away with a whir of their wings. One individual was quite obliging though and will therefore earn this species bird-of-the-day for today:
On the way down, we also met a fellow who lived out on East Fork and keeps a home for adopted Labrador Retrievers. Five such dogs were along with him today (as well as a walking stick and a pistol!) and we admired the dogs and chatted him up briefly. He mentioned that he had broken his neck hiking earlier in his life, so it was amazing he still gets out and tackles this steep of a trail. 
This puppy didn’t want to say goodbye to mom!
And beautiful views of a pair of ROCK WRENS in the same scree field as the Pika was earlier.
It was a gorgeous hike and a beautiful day to spend with mom. We drove back to our condo and enjoyed an afternoon at the pool. Definitely will keep these views in mind throughout the gloomy winter!
Happy birding,
Henry
World Life List: 1303 Species
pretty landscapes & friendly Rock wrens ? Thanks
by stephen fluett