Ref: Hike The Okanagan
|
|
|
|
|
Trailhead.
|
Scramble:
RT 7.0; 3.75 up (from Big Peters Lake). As a resident of Salmon Arm
since 2017, I've been discovering the Monashee Mountains. Mount
Fosthall is the second-highest in the Monashee Provincial Park;
needless to say, it's a popular objective. It can be accessed from the
east via the South Cariboo Pass trail from Sol Mountain Lodge, or from
the west via the Spectrum Lake trailhead. I decided on the latter
despite the longer trail distance; given the price of gas, the shorter
drive made more sense. I debated whether I could do the hike in one
day; I concluded that if I took two days, I wouldn't have to rush,
overexert, and return by headlamp. I drove to the trailhead in the
morning; it was a sunny, warm day. It had been a while since I carried
an overnight load solo, but that wasn't the challenge on the first day
of hiking; the heat was. The temperature in the mid-30s, combined with
the extra load, translated into slow progress after Spectrum Lake. The
trail climbs steadily, I recall stopping often in the shade of the
trees after pushing through the numerous open slide paths, which felt
suffocating with warm air trapped in the thimbleberry bushes. I
rationed my water. When I reached Little Peters Lake, I was parched; I
dipped my water bottle in the lake and zapped it with my UV pen. The
first lake isn't inviting; its shore is bushy. A stay at the
campground's sites is equally discouraging, with surrounding flora
encroaching on the platforms; a perfect recipe for bear paranoia! I
continued to Big Peters Lake. A newly built bridge was definitely a
safer option than the washed-out one, despite its incomplete
construction. The rest of the trail leveled off and was more pleasant.
I was thrilled to reach the second lake after 6.5 hours of arduous
hiking. I set up the tent, ate my food, and retired to my hovel when
the sun disappeared and the air cooled off. The following day, the
weather was just as nice; I got on the way promptly, enjoying the
straightforward hike to the South Cariboo Pass. From there, I picked up
the well-used trail that leads to the foot of Mount Fosthall. Closer to
the objective, random hiking ensued as I climbed to the ridge. When I
approached the ridgeline, the trail segments developed into a decent
path. I stood at the top soon thereafter. I was able to get cell
reception to let Milan know I was okay, as I couldn't check in at the
lake. I enjoyed the view and had my lunch before returning. The descent
to the campground went without mishap; there, I packed up and turned on
the autopilot mode. My pack felt a bit lighter, and returning wasn't
too bad until I reached the junction to Spectrum Lake; the remaining 5
kilometres seemed endless. I reached the parking lot at dusk, depleted
but quite happy with the outing. I drank a Bubbly in less than a minute
while kicking off my stiff boots. Luckily, my truck started, and I
slowly made my way back home. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip.
|
|
|
|
The climb gets arduous after the junction.
|
|
|
|
Circumventing Mount Fosthall.
|
|
|
|
Going around Little Peters Lake.
|
|
|
|
|
The nearly completed construction of the new bridge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The trail to Big Peters Lake is less strenuous.
|
|
|
|
|
|
At Big Peters Lake, the campground is across the bridge, while the trail to Forstall heads south from this side.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm the only one at the campground.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking towards Cariboo Pass, Mount Fosthall's approach.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The beginning of the trail is visible once you clear the muddy section on the south side of the bridge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
There's a good trail through the forest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Going up the open drainage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The path is easy to follow.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking back towards Big Peters Lake with Slate Mountain (left), Caution and Humility Peaks are on the right.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nearing South Cariboo Pass.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking north from the pass.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
From the pass, pleasant hiking meanders through the meadows.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The objective ahead.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Random hiking towards the light brown scree on the left.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
While approaching the ridge, the trail segments give way to a decent path.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Straightforward plod to the top.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
At the top, looking at Initiative Peak (left) and Goat Mountain in the center.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
North-western view over the access valley; Mount Tsuius is visible in the far distance on the right.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The north-eastern view includes some lofty peaks.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Eastern view towards Upper Arrow Lake. Sol Mountain Lodge is on the southern slopes of Visionary Peak.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Heading down.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Almost back on the trail.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Big Peters Lake comes into view.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
A campsite platform along Little Peters Lake.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Slate Mountain.
|
| Back
to home page |
|
|