Forwarded for Laurent Mingo
ACMG Hiking Guide
South Chilcotin Ranges (eastern ranges of the South Coast Mountains).
Just back from a 5 day-loop in the South Chilcotin, where we backpacked
through part of Big Creek and Spruce Lake Provincial Park. We traveled
from Relay Creek trailhead, through Relay, Big, and Tosh Creek
drainages, through Iron Pass, and back via Grant Creek, Elbow Pass and
Ridge, and Little Paradise valley. Mix of trails, game trails, ridge
rambling, in terrain ranging from river valleys to alpine. As in other
areas of the South Coast, there is still a lot of snow. Within this NE
corner of the South Chilcotin Mountains ( generally north Warner Ridge)
is where the least snow will be encountered leading to excellent
traveling conditions.
Of note:
- River crossings: None were a problem, however, runners or
adequate river crossing shoes are a must, don't expect to hop your way
across with dry feet. And no flip-flops or any other shoe that flies
off your feet with the current. Big Creek on route to Elbow pass
required a bit of scouting, but if one crosses ~ 75m upstream from
where the trail reaches the shore, this is no problem.
- Wildlife: Many wildlife signs and sightings from moose
(rooming high alpine) to bighorn sheep, and grizzlies. On this note,
we had previous report from a grizzly sow with one cub roaming the
slopes of Dil-Dil plateau above the Graveyard Cabin. We saw an adult
bear and cub, which we think are the previously spotted pair on the
east slopes of the plateau above our camp. So keep and eye for these
guys, and make sure you are being heard as you travel in high
vegetation, rolling terrain, and along creeks. Similarly, we spotted a
large grizzly on the lush north slopes of Tosh Creek near Powell Pass
about 150 m above the trail, which required us to alter course before
being seen. In short, when approaching open terrain, keep and eye on
the distance to spot animals before they see you, then alter your
direction of travel accordingly. More chance to see wildlife, and
safer. Binocs are a must for this.
- Snow travel: Still good with very little post holing.
Great for quickly loosing elevation on descents.
- Very buggy down low, especially along Big Creek out of Lorna
Lake. Ok on the ridges.
- Thanks to horse operators for clearing the trails in the area, as
we found that most of dead trees and branches that were on the way had
been recently cleared where we traveled.
Laurent Mingo,
Hiking/Backpacking Guide
www.adventerra.ca
--
Peter Tucker
ACMG Executive Director
ed@xxxxxxx
tel: 403-949-3587F
mobile: 403-689-4324
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These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
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