UPDATE FOR 2014: We have
been contacted by the owners of the land in the vicinity of the
trailhead and told that the described access from Hikes Around
Invermere & The Columbia River Valley by Aaron
Cameron and Matt
Gunn is no longer viable due to trespassing and liability issues. The
land owners also mentioned that there is an alternate access route for
the mountain beginning from nearby Redstreak Campground in Kootenay
National Park.
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access is available from Redstreak Campground. Starting from
the campground (loop E, site 5), follow the old trail that links the
campground and Radium Resort. As the trail fades towards the road,
contour to the left, following a natural bench until you intersect the
National Park boundary cutline, 676070. Follow the cutline until it
meets with
the original access.
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Note for 2014:
This is the
trailhead from the campground. |
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Scramble:
RT 7.5; 4.0 up. This
small mountain is a good objective for the shoulder season. To our
surprise, a nice trail winds up the ascent rib to the west ridge. We
did not need to scramble up the bluffs as the book mentions. On the
west ridge, the way is obvious. Before the dip, we studied the route to
the "slab". Once in the trees and against the bluffs, it is more
difficult to find the way. There are trails assisting travel in the
right direction but recognizing the ascent slab ahead of time is
helpful. Committed,
we didn't look at the alternate way up, the corner system (also
described). Fabrice went
up the slab and threw me the end of the rope. I looped it around my
chest and proceeded on belay, just in case. From there, we soon reached
the summit. The view is beautiful; we lingered comfortably at the top.
Clouds were moving in but the wind was calm. On the way down, we used
the rope to execute a traditional method of descent on the slab. Nice
experience and great fun! We enjoyed the rest of the descent as the
rain held-up. |
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Note for 2014:
The trail
meanders then fades away as it approaches the road. |
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Note for 2014:
A natural
bench leads to the National Park boundary. |
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A short climb leads
to the cut line. |
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The Park Boundary
cut line. |
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A flag indicates a
trail that veers onto the south rib. |
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The flagged trail
goes all the way to the west ridge. It goes climber's right of the
bluffs. |
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The trail tops out
slightly below the view point. |
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Before we lose
elevation and enter the trees, we study the route. |
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We aim for the
small, dark slab with the snow below it. |
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Nearing bluffs of
intense red colour. |
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Redstreak. |
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Standing at the base
of the ascent slab. |
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Continuing above the
slab, almost there. |
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The cairn is in
sight. The trail goes around the south side (right) of the
outcrop. |
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Heading to the true
summit. |
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Looking back from
the top. |
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The cairn and the
Columbia Valley. |
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Fabrice enjoying the
view and his food. |
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Northern view along
the valley. |
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Heading back down. |
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The complex west
ridge. |
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The easy way down
the slab. |
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Back on the ridge,
it's still not raining. |
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One last glimpse at
this stunning red bluff. |
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Very neat and fun
day! |
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