| On the west
side of highway 93/95, just north of Canal Flats, follow
Findlay Creek road. Turn left, heading south, at
the
Skookumchuck FSR intersection (just past the 8 km marker on the road).
The drive on the main service road is long as it runs along and around
the south end of Mount Allen. After a switchback, 806395, the road
heads south again and drops down to valley floor. Continue
on the main until you reach an intersection, 773362. Turn left and
cross Skookumchuck Creek over the old bridge; the following section is
not indicated on the topo map. The road skirting the south side of the
creek is overgrown with alder but the road surface is good. At a
switchback, 742355, the road now heads east towards Bradford Creek. As
it climbs up the drainage, the alder subsides. Continue on the grassy
road to a subtle left branch, 725285. Drive down and across Bradford
Creek to the west flank of Mount McMillan. Look for a branch road going
up to some cutblocks, 724270. Drive a little extra to a
T-intersection, which is a good location to park, 727269. This approach
requires a high
clearance vehicle. Hike up the
road partway (north) and head straight up through light timber. The
grade
eases to a very broad treed summit plateau. Walk to the highest point
for a good view of the Kootenay Valley. |
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Mount McMillan from
a landing at the end of the access road.
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We parked and camped
at the T-intersection.
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| Hike:
1.25; 0.75 up. The forecast called for good weather on monday. After a
lovely loop up Bradford yesterday, we were looking forward to walking
the hounds up Mount McMillan before the long drive back to Golden. It
rained all night and we awoke to an unsettled sky. Fab was not keen on
suiting up the dogs for another jaunt and risking injury. I asked if he
minded me going quickly before breakfast; and so I
went... I couldn't resist the ascent to the official bump, especially
after coming all the way out here! |
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Leaving the cutblock
into the open forest.
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Mount Bradford and
the access road.
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The lichen covered
flat rock can be avoided climber's right.
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The summit plateau.
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Unnamed peak (left)
and Mount Bradford (right) from the top.
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Looking towards
Cranbrook.
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North-eastern view.
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| Back
to home page |
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