Bear Mt.

May 26 - At the southeast end of Harrison Lake.

Stats: 19 km / 1287m gain / 1049m high / 2:30 hour MT to summit

We tend to do this hike every year. Its a good workout for a shoulder-season hike. Especially with Sonia and Mary setting a brisk pace in the front. It didn't help that Sonia forgot her phone which helps to slow her down because she loves to take photos with it. Brigitte had loaded her 25 lb. pack with who knows what, in preparation for her upcoming West Coast trail trek. So that kept her pace a bit more doable for the rest of us.

Most of this route is on an overgrown logging road. The last km winds through pictursque forest for about 20 minutes before spewing us out at the final lookout, and getting the "Wow!!!" factor going. Three in our group were new to this hike, so their reactions were that much more exuberant and victorious.

We drove 5 km up along the east side of Harrison Lake. The public parking area is easy to miss, as it looks like a driveway. 9:00am we were on our way, and in 5 minutes came to this mine. We stayed right at the fork in the road.

After taking the girl picture (where was Irene?), we women decided to take a guy picture too.

Harrison Lake -- west.

1) This waterfall is new. The landslide must've happened this past year. 2) Penstemon

This vintage car still lies by the wayside, just before the bend to the waterfall.

pic 2) This blow-down area is also more recent.

A lonely Broom bush.

2) Saskatoon Serviceberry

After 1:30 hours of climbing, we came to this open viewpoint by a 10' high rock wall. To the left we could see the flats of Abbotsford, and by Harrison Lake we could see the resort. We had now gained 800m in elevation, having the majority and steepest part of the ascent behind us.

Not too far past the fork to Bear Lake, is what I call, Frog Pond. Why? Because several years ago as I was approaching it, I heard what sounded like a Boeing jet engine! It was so loud! Later at lunch when I mentioned it, I was told the cause of the noise was from the little tree frogs. Hard to believe. But on the way back, it was peacefully quiet.

A few muddy sections but no snow. The last 25 minutes we left the FSR and turned left onto a well-worn trail that wound through a fir and hemlock forest.

A slight detour. Left or right?

And voila! It was a pleasure to hear the first-timers' responses to the magnificent vistas!

northwest

The Breakenridge Range (2100m).

Looking at Chilliwack and Sumas Prairie and some smog on the western horizon.

The mighty Fraser backed up by the Cheam Range.

Group shot: me, Mark S, Brigitte G, Mary H & Daisy, Peter F, Sonia J & Bubbles, Irene & Simon H, Jan S + Charlotte H

1) Indian Paintbrush 2) Penstemon

Foley, Welch (highest at 2431m), the Still, Stewart, Baby Munday, Knight, Lady & Cheam Peaks.

We had a nice 45-minute long lunch break after a record-breaking 2:30 hour ascent.

Back we go.

Passing a quiet Frog Pond again.

1) Pioneer Violet 2) Trillium

From the FSR, its about a 10-minute walk to Bear Lake.

2) Foxglove

Back at the rock wall, looking at Echo Island -- northwest.

1) Wild Mint 2) Columbine

Ahhh -- nice and cool.

A thirsty Bubble, vigorously lapping up pure cold mountain water.

Thus carries on the tradition: sweaty boots off, pick a shady spot and grab a drink. A fine way to end the day.