Ref: Alltrails
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Needle Peak ahead.
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Hike:
RT: about 8.0. This summer
I've been visiting the Coquihalla region religiously. This area has
great trails to numerous summits. The mountains are lower than
those in the Rockies but their sheer granite slabs are impressive and
well worth visiting.
The scrambles
on firm, smooth rock are delightful and most objectives can be tackled
in the
winter; for these reasons, this place is a gem and quite popular. Once
again, the weather forecast was dismal; once again, I decided to go
hiking anyway. My plan was to return to the saddle by Needle Peak and
continue towards The Flatiron. I
brought my camping gear to spend the night on the summit. After
reaching the saddle, I casually made my way down the
trail to the tarn at the foot of Flatiron. Despite poor weather,
there were several tents by the tarn. I located a crude trail on
Flatiron's east ridge and ascended to the summit. Up to now it hadn't
rained but that was about to change. I chose a nice flat section by an
outcrop of trees hoping they
would offer a bit of respite from the nagging wind. I took pictures and
set up my tent as it began to drizzle. From the comfort of my
shelter, I listened to the rain and watched the thick fog roll in and
out. I enjoyed a good dinner and fell asleep shortly thereafter. It was
still raining the following morning.
When I noticed a lull, I quickly packed my gear. My return wasn't
too bad, I managed to stay somewhat dry. I liked my excursion to The
Flatiron
even if it rained!
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Looking across the highway towards Yak and Nak Peaks.
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The Flatiron's repeater can be seen from the saddle.
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The tarn at the foot of The Flatiron.
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Following the trail on the east ridge of The Flatiron.
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Nearing the top.
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Low clouds are rolling in.
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The missile-like repeater.
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Seeking shelter from the cold wind.
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I'm watching the fast-moving clouds from the comfort of my tent.
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Similar weather the following morning after a torrential downpour.
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Packing up before rain resumes.
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Heading back.
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The tarn would be refreshing on a hot summer day.
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Alpaca, Vicuna and Guanaco Peaks are visible for a short while.
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Past the saddle, it starts to rain again.
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