Monthly Archives: December 2017

This aquamarine alpine lake is the largest in the park. The trail offers one of the few non-mountaineering adventures in Bugaboo PP. It can be a long day hike or better yet, the first day of a 3-4 day backpacking … Continue reading →

The Bugaboos are the one area close to the West Kootenay that are truly world famous – for its rock climbing and mountaineering. The hiking is also amongst the world’s best – the day hike I describe here is my … Continue reading →

Four unique alpine lakes sit in a wonderful mountain basin at the headwaters of Welsh Creek. The tiny blue/green lakes are surrounded by white rock and glaciers and the Welsh Peaks. Key elevations: Lower Welsh Lake 2164m 7100’; upper Welsh … Continue reading →

Thunderwater and Whirlpool Lakes lie at the headwaters of Forster Creek in a rocky basin under Catamount Glacier. Location: Eastern Purcells across the watershed from Howser Creek Difficulty: B2 Elevation gain: 400m Key elevations: Thunderwater Lake 2130m 7000’ Distance: 8km … Continue reading →

This is one of the most popular hikes in the East Kootenay – the setting at the end is also one of the most dramatic = 11,000 11,000-foot peaks and Commander Glacier tumbling down the mountainside to end in the … Continue reading →

Now infamous for the controversy over the Jumbo Pass Resort (still not a dead issue in 2017), Jumbo Pass is the only place in the Purcells accessible as a day hike from both sides. The resort is proposed for the … Continue reading →

This natural hot spring seep has a primitive bathing pool. In the spring and early summer, Dewar Creek floods the shallow hot pool. Come in late summer, fall and winter. The trail is muddy and difficult with horse traffic. Continue … Continue reading →

ST MARY ALPINE PROVINCIAL PARK – A Traverse This is true wilderness – no signs, bridges or maintained trails. These things may have existed when the park was formed in 1973, but when I was last there in about 2000, … Continue reading →

At over 200,000 hectares, the PWC is the largest intact ecosystem in SE British Columbia. The goal is to leave it wild with no trail signs, bridges or any facilities. Visitors must be completely independent. Because of the size, remoteness … Continue reading →

At the headwaters of Redding Creek, this 750m-long lake sits under Mt Akokli. The trail connects with the Lockhart Creek Trail from the West Kootenay. Difficulty: B1 Elevation gain: 335m (1100’) Key elevations: Baker Lake 1920m (6300’) Distance: 4.5kms one-way … Continue reading →