Ref: BCtreehunter
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Bluebird day for
our scramble.
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Scramble:
RT 5.5; 3.0 up from the tarn (approach is about 3 hrs up, 2 hrs down).
Coquihalla Mountain is the region's prize; it is a fine summit that
grants several ascent options, catering to all hiking
abilities. It boasts a straightforward class 2 ascent from its southern
aspect, a class 3 alternate climb from its westmost north ridge, and a
thrilling class 4 ridge traverse. This objective does not
discriminate! After a lovely ascent of Jim Kelly Peak yesterday and an
early night, we
awoke ready to tackle Coquihalla's climb via the southern aspect. We
followed a good trail to the Coquihalla/Jim Kelly Col; after dipping
down on the south side, we started circumventing the mountain. We found
several trail segments
along the way, some on the way down. We didn't know the exact location
of the route; we made the mistake of climbing too early on the east
side of the south ridge. This alternate ascent line
increased the difficulty. Our line eventually merged with the class 2
route.
Once at the top, we enjoyed the views and
lingered for some time before heading down. I suggested the
class 3 north-west ridge as an alternate descent; however, Milan didn't
feel like jeopardizing a perfect stress-free outing. As scrambling is
new to
him, this is understandable. We returned the same way, following a path
to a shallow gully that splits the south ridge. Near 1,920 meters of
altitude, we hooked onto a good trail and started traversing the
mountain. This trail
segment is critical to reaching the easy ascent line in the shallow
gully; we missed it on our way up.
The rest of the return was mindless; we got to our camp with plenty of
daylight left. After a quick dip in the tarn's frigid water, we packed
up and headed out. Coquihalla Mountain, or CocaCola Mountain as we call
it, was well worth the visit.
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The
objective is ahead of us.
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There's
a nice path to the Coquihalla/Jim Kelly Col.
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Trail
segments circumvent the mountain on the south side.
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On-field
repair for my delaminated sole.
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Making
our way to the south ridge; the trail is lower down, it's visible in
the grass on the left.
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South
ridge ahead.
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We
started climbing too early in the gully east of the ridge.
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The
scrambling is more difficult than the class 2 route.
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Looking
back.
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Further
up on the south ridge, we connected with the class 2 route.
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Summit
block ahead.
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Looking
back again.
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At the top,
whoot, whoot!
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Illal Mountain and Meadows.
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Northern
view.
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The
snow-covered peaks north-west of us are: Mount Breakenridge, Traverse
and Surprise Peaks (L to R)
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Carry
Peak to the west.
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To
the south, Tulameen Mountain and Bedded Lake.
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Summit
selfie.
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Boot
maintenance required.
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Coquihalla's
classic traverse route grants difficult sections.
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Heading
down.
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The
path is easy to follow.
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Starting the
circumvention of the mountain. |
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Negotiating
the rock step, which is critical in findind the trail segment leading
to class 2 ascent.
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Looking
back, this is where we veered climber's right too soon to ascend
instead of continuing along the base of the rock; the trail segment
that leads to the proper route is beyond the rock step.
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Backtracking
to the Coquihalla/Jim Kelly Col.
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Another
quick swim is in order.
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Packed
up and heading out.
Picture courtesy of Milan Kubik.
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Nice
inukshuks.
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| Back
to home page |
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