Ref: Recreation Sites and Trails BC
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This map displays trails in the vicinity of Twin Lakes.
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Scramble:
RT 6.75 (includes Neapolitan Peak & Lakeview Mountain): 2.25 up. In
the past months, I've been consumed with renovating my house. I've
neglected my passion for the outdoors, and I needed a break. The weather forecast seemed
promising, so I decided to visit Twin Lakes near Cherryville. This
relatively short hike grants side trips to neighbouring peaks; the
extensions are straightforward and non-technical. A decent service road
climbs to 1,800 meters, giving access to the treeline after a short
distance. The area is very popular; I expected to see people on the
trail, but I knew that once I left the beaten path, I would most likely
have the mountains to myself. The drive to the trailhead was thankfully
uneventful; driving my old truck in remote locations is always
unnerving. The hike to the lakes was quick. It was busy, but I still
enjoyed it, and I was able to take photos of the beautiful blue lakes without people in them. At the end
of the second lake, I started focusing on my line of ascent towards
Boulder Peak. I followed a trail to the pass between Boulder and
Lakeview Mountain. The crux, in my opinion, is
negotiating the loose boulder field that follows, while traversing to the west ridge;
even large blocks shift, so this section requires caution. Once on the
ridge, the terrain improved; however, visibility decreased as I entered
high fog. I looked back often to familiarize myself with my return; I
couldn't see the connecting ridge to Neapolitan Peak. The ridge walk
was interesting under these conditions; the sheer slabs on the northern
aspect are impressive. At the summit, I sat and had lunch. Little by
little, the fog gave way to broken sky, giving me windows of scenery.
Eventually, the fog lifted enough to view the connecting ridge to
Neapolitan Peak, also known as Layer Peak, named for its distinctive
bands of grey rock. It was worth waiting on the summit, as I was now
able to continue to my second objective safely.
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The well-defined trail, dotted with red markers, is easy to follow.
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Pleasant hiking through open timber and meadows.
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Boulder Peak is visible beyond the treeline.
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Descending to Twin Lakes.
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The lakes' clear water is inviting.
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Following a trail beyond the second lake.
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Looking back.
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The trail leads to the pass between Boulder Peak and Lakeview Mountain.
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Traversing the loose boulder field to gain Boulder's west ridge.
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Terrain improves once on the ridge.
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Entering high cloud, combined with the sheer cliffs, the ridge walk was interesting.
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At the top with no view.
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During my extended summit stay, the clouds began to break.
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Lakeview Mountain to the north.
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Beautiful alpine lakes north-east of the summit.
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More tarns to the east.
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The connecting ridge to Neapolitan Peak comes into view.
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To the south-east, while The Pinnacles remain obscured, one of its sub-peaks is revealed.
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Continue on to Neapolitan Peak
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