Clinetop Mesa
There were quite a few routes between Main Elk Creek Road and our campsite on the eastern end of Adams Lake. We chose what looked like the fastest route because the sun was setting. We don't know if it was the easiest choice, but it was fun!
At times, the trail looked barely traveled. Most of the time, though, it looked well used but not at all maintained. We followed signs for Blair Mountain, knowing that was a big trail we'd need to see another day. However, the trailhead for that trail was near where we needed to go.
There were pretty lakes along the way, of course, and rocky spots. It started sprinkling rain for a bit at dusk, and then it poured. Everyone managed to get their vehicles closed up except for Monica, because her Jeep's top wouldn't latch. By the time the rain let up, the Jeep's interior and Monica were soaked. The light wasn't completely gone yet, and Matt helped her force the top closed.
The trail was fairly level until it was time to come down off of Clinetop Mesa. Then it got steep and rocky as we descended in the dark. This would be a fun hill in the other direction. We got to the intersection with the Blair Mountain trail and turned east, looking forward to checking it out another trip.
We decided to take the southern half of Adams Lake to get back to the campground. It was rocky and often slow going. There was a spot on a ledge that gave Monica a scare, and then the others took their time. We worked our way across the White River Plateau safely, passed the Transfer Trail trailhead where we started the day, and then ended up back at camp.
It was late, but not too late when we were sitting by the campfire. That night, it poured rain and the thunder rolled through the valley. It was an amazing weekend, and we were already talking about camping there again next year. There are still so many trails to do on the Flat Tops, so we'll be back!
