Ref: Kamloops Trails
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Look for this sign near the start of the access road.
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Hike:
RT 3.0; 1.0 up. There are several Baldy Mountains in Western Canada;
this one grants a documented hike. When Milan suggested it, I was
intrigued. The alpine peak boasts great views of Dunn Peak that looms
to the south-east; some trip reports access the latter from this modest
summit. We were curious about the traverse to Dunn; visiting Baldy
Mountain was an opportunity to survey the terrain for a possible future
backpacking trip
that way. The access service road climbs the mountainside a great
distance to the trailhead rendering this objective an easy hike.
Furthermore, the road continues to the top, where a lookout dots the
summit. It was a great candidate for a quick jaunt in the
mountains
with the kids. After
driving along Dunn Lake, we located the turn-off up the long access
road; the last section to the top of the cutblock is rough and steep.
The short hike was nice, especially when we reached sub-alpine terrain.
The weather was less than ideal, unfortunately. It
lightly rained on and off, and the cloud ceiling was quite low. Greatly reduced visibility gave way to eerie scenery. As we
gained height, the wind picked up, which
wasn't pleasant as we were damp from the rain. A fast pace ensued for the last stretch to the lookout. Once at the lookout,
Milan scrounged around for wood to start a fire. We huddled around the
woodstove to warm up and dry out; although it was a bit smoky, we weren't keen on venturing outside in the
howling wind. Well into the clouds, we didn't get any views. Returning was
fast as we forged ahead to treeline for shelter from the
wind. Overall, it was a great experience despite the weather and lack of views at the top. Hiking in adverse conditions
is character-building; I cherished our stay at the lookout during the storm, it was special.
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The road is good most of the way.
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Looking across the north end of Dunn Lake.
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Parked at a switchback at the top of the cutblock.
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The access road goes through this vast cutblock.
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Start of the hike following the decommissioned service road.
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Walking into the clouds.
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Snow is lingering in the sub-alpine.
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A stunned deer stands still in this eerie scenery.
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The wind has picked up, it's a race to the lookout.
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Glad to see the dilapidated lookout.
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We're drying out next to the woodstove while Milan makes a tinfoil tuque.
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Hasty retreat from the lookout.
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Fully equipped for these conditions.
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Running for shelter in the trees.
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Lovely sub-alpine terrain.
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Regrouping for a quick pause.
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Resuming our speedy descent.
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Very wet conditions.
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Happy to be back at the truck!
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Visiting a bunkhouse of the Windpass Mine 1916-1939.
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