Cycling Dolomiti Friulane: Forcella Capra Hike

Monte Raut's distinctive promontory is visible for miles across the coastal plain, like a mini-Gibraltor with sheer rock walls on the southwestern side. Raut is the southernmost massif of the Carnic Alps, a range stretching all the way up into Austria's Carinthia region. Then from Monte Raut south to the Adriatic Sea is flat as a billiard table.

I drove to Pala Barzana (840 meters) and began hiking north, climbing through pleasant woodland. Crossing a heavily-eroded open area I encountered an elderly Alpino veteran, with grey beard and green feathered cap, green coat and a heavy wooden staff. Later I looked back and he was perched on a ledge overlooking misty Andreis, a very pretty view.

Before long the steep slope emerges from the forest and you're climbing through grassland. After awhile you reach the dreaded Vallonit, a scree slope you clamber up gaining 300 meters of elevation. I didn't mind going up this as much as descending- very tricky. Along the way low flying clouds moved in and obscured the sun. Eventually I reached some cliffs and traversed past a tiny cave, which I kept in mind in case I needed shelter from a hailstorm. After this I found a handy via ferrata cable bolted into the steep rocky route for maybe 80 meters- very helpful.

Back on the alpine pillow grass slope I joined a trail ascending the ridge from Pian delle Merie near Poffabro. Things soon got steeper and rockier again on the final 300 meters or so of hiking/scrambling up to the dorsal ridge of Forcella Capra at 1824 meters. Even with the cloud/fog the view was impressive: the summit of Monte Raut (2025 meters) further west on the semi-circular dorsal. To the north Crenal de Basson with the trail leading down to Lago Ca Selva (my next route to attempt Monte Raut).

I descended slowly because the outboard side of my left knee was aching and I was afraid I'd wrench it. Everything went well though and no injuries- left leg just needs a day off tomorrow. This is a wonderful wild area so close to home it's a shame not to come back. Maybe I'll try a little snowshoeing from Lago Ca' Selva this winter.