April 17, 2024 -- Fraser Canyon
Stats: 12.45 km / 1100m gain / 920m high / 4:23 hours MT
This trail was one of the earliest pioneer routes to the interior, used by the HBC for fur-trading from 1847-49 and by gold miners from 1858-60. Thirteen of us set out to take a step back into history and walk the paths they did.
It was a cool 3C when we started out. Good for keeping those predatory ticks at bay.
The first 2.6 km were a steep climb, generating that inner body heat.
We regrouped at the second of about ten signs where the views of Black Canyon opened up. Spuzzum Mt. (1860m) was right across from us. Most of the elevation gain was now behind us.
Anciant red cedars.
At the junction we turned left, onto the Bluffs trail.
Once on the ridge the few small patches of snow & hoar-frost had melted in the full sun. Scarred trees of the 2004 fire jutted out amidst the young lodgepole pines.
To our right the higher ridge was our return route via the Lakes trail.
Mountain Willow.
The Fraser River and Hell's Gate tunnel -- east.
The Nipple Mt (2100') -- east.
This lake was nestled between the two ridges.
Avalanche Lilies are the first to bloom after the snow melts.
It was so nice and warm in the sun (17C). Lunch at the campsite was not to be rushed. Three of the people in our group were long-time members who we hadn't seen for a while. So it was a reunion of sorts.This campsite is equipped with an outhouse.
Group shot back row, left to right: John Laf, Brigitte, Elizabeth B, Lonja B, Paul L, Gary A, Maureen S, Rose S, John K, Carol A
Front row: Irene H, Iraj F, Joce T
After a 50-minute lunch break we continued clockwise on the loop. This was the Yew tree section.
More small lakes to our left.
Back in the burnt forest.
Looking down on the ridge we'd come up on.
A sink-hole.
Calypso
We were starting to feel our knees in the last few steep kms.
Almost back. Our vehicle made it just in time to get goodies at the Blue Moose in Hope before they closed at 4:00pm.
As Allana and I did this one on the Quest last fall I wasn't too upset about not being along. This is a premier hike.....always enjoy the history of the trail.