| From
Cranbrook we
headed south
on Victoria Ave and made our way onto Gold Creek FSR. This
well maintained gravel road skirts the south-west
aspect of Baker Mountain (indicated on the topo. map). Yellow
kilometer markers indicate the main road. About 200 m. past the 8
marker, we parked next to a branch road on the north-east side,
980768. We followed branch roads to the cutline. Near 985774, the
skidoo track we used ended in an open area, but we soon picked up an
old road that heads up to
the cutline near 985778. There are other options, such as following the
cutline from lower. The cutline
leads to the top laden with all of Cranbrook's communication towers.
This is
a popular area with locals; the main access road on the east side (10
km
one-way), is perfect for snowmobilers and ATVers alike. |
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Going up a branch
road on compacted snow. |
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The cutline comes
into view. |
| Snowshoe
trip: RT 6.0; 2.75 up. Well, we were very fortunate to be able to
ascend to the top of this mountain. We left for a weekend with the
pups, not really expecting to make the objective! Numerous factors
stacked
up in our favor: the conditions of the access road, the conditions of
the snow, the weather and the well-being of our hounds. The road was
fine, we had no trouble with the small car and by 11 AM we were off. We
took advantage of a skidoo track for easy travel; it led us near the
cutline. We put on our snowshoes and continued on an old road
that
climbed steadily. Eventually we stepped onto the cutline; the sun crust
was a blessing, it allowed the hounds to remain on top of the snow and
granted us a fairly quick and easy plod. The weather was gorgeous and
we hiked in the sun most of the day. At the top, we took a nice break
and met some locals that used sleds and ATVs to access this viewpoint
for a wiener roast. The descent was great; the snow softened enough to
skid down at a fast pace without punching through. The hounds did very
well. Back on the road, they chose to chase each other in
the fluff, still energetic... Over all a fantastic day, now we head to
one of our favorite campsites near Fort Steele. |
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We continue on a
branch road with a skidoo track. |
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We eventually end up
on the cutline. |
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A sun crust offers
good travel. |
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Getting closer. |
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Busy with antennas
but great views. |
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A picnic table at
the top. |
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An old snow shelter;
looks like little people. |
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Fab and Lincoln. |
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Looking north, Mount
Fisher right of the antennas. |
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The Steeples. |
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Looking south-west
near the top. |
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Coming down. |
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Conditions were
great for a speedy descent! |
| Back
to home page |
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