Ref: Kamloops Trails.
Note: We didn't access the trailhead like mentioned in the link above;
instead, we continued 2.2 kilometers on Jesmond Road passed Circle H
Ranch and turned right on a narrow, rutted service road, 766685.
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We accessed the trailhead just north of Circle H Ranch.
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Scramble:
RT 5.5; 3.0 up. On the drive back from a weekend at
Green
Lake near Clinton, we visited Big Bar Lake and went around the Marble
Range; this interesting group of mountains resembles the Rockies, it
sparked my interest. While the incredible heatwave and dry spell
persisted, massive wildfires gained ground across the whole province.
Every day, thick smoke obscured the sun, and ashes covered cars
and window sills; it became increasingly difficult to find a location
clear of smoke. As the weekend approached, Milan searched for an area
not
engulfed in smoke; he used an app called Zoom Earth. The Marble Range
appeared to
be one of the few places under a clear sky. We had our doubts as we
drove past Clinton; the smoke was still very thick right up until we
neared our objective. After locating the trailhead, we started hiking. Beyond the junction to Mount Bowman, some deadfall
concealed the path for short sections; other than that, the trail is in
good shape. Once we gained the east rib at
treeline, we no longer required the trail; delightful hiking at a
casual pace ensued. A bit of easy scrambling led to the upper
mountain and summit. The top grants great views; we stayed for a while
to take advantage of this hot, smokeless calm day. We admired
the
long barren ridge to Big Kerr Peak, the highest point of the Marble Range;
we figured this should be our next trip. We dilly-dallied back to the truck knowing we would return to the
smoke shortly after leaving the trailhead. This nice trip in the mountains offered a breath of fresh air!
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The start of the trail as seen from the parking area.
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Some deadfall here and there.
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There's a fire ring at the trail junction for Mount Bowman.
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The trail handrails the drainage until it reaches the meadows.
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The east rib grants delightful hiking.
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A touching memorial is nestled at the foot of the upper mountain.
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The only scrambly bit on this hike.
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Looking back at Wild Horse Ridge with Kerr Peaks on the right.
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Enjoying a smoke-free environment before the final stretch to the summit.
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Mount Bowman's southern outlier warrants a visit.
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Nearby wildfires surround the summit. |
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The view along Lime Ridge includes Mad Dog Mountain and Porcupine Peak in the background.
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Big Kerr Peak and Mount Kerr dominate the eastern view.
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View north towards Jesmond Lookout.
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Leaving the top.
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We're in no hurry to return and drive back in the smoke.
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Following the trail back down.
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| Back
to home page |
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