Ref:- The Camping Canucks
- Wells Gray Provincial Park
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Snow patches from the get-go.
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Scramble: RT
5.75; 3.0 up (for loop). This
weekend we decided to go backpacking in the mountains. With
slower-than-usual snowmelt, we had to choose an objective with a short
approach
and clear access to the trailhead; Trophy Mountain came to mind due to
its easy route
through meadows. Additionally, a previous trip report confirmed the
trailhead was accessible. Trillions of mosquitoes and black flies
greeted us at
the trailhead; we got on our way at record speed. There was snow on the
trail from the start; luckily, it was consolidated, granting firm
footing. The bugs dwindled quickly, which was a blessing as it was too
hot to cover up. We hiked the snowy meadows to the foot of West Trophy,
where we set up camp for the night. It was now late afternoon; we
enjoyed a nice dinner and sunset. It was special to be in the Trophy
Basin
with the snowbound landscape; the alpine lakes displayed their typical
turquoise melt-rings. The peaks were mostly white other than the
ridges; it was a privilege to witness such beauty and to have the
mountain to ourselves. The following morning, we ascended West Trophy.
Clouds were rolling in, but it was still warm. The traverse to
Trophy Mountain appeared to be more than a hike, so we decided to split
up; Milan and the kids hiked to Long Hill while I continued to the true
summit. The traverse was straightforward even with snow, nothing more
than easy scrambling; however, I was glad the kids hadn't followed.
After an hour, I reached the top; by then, there was lightning and
thunder over Dunn Peak and west of me. I called Milan and told him not
to wait for me as I suddenly opted to retreat off the mountain via
CwemCwem Lake. I boot-skied to the lake; it was quick and
fun. Then I made my way across the frozen lake. The following part was
the crux of my descent; I had to find a place where I could breach the
cliffband and make it to the valley bottom, where snow bridged the
raging creek. In hindsight, I should have come down at the head
of the drainage. Once at the valley bottom, I hiked along the
fast-flowing creek to the ascent gully. The climb was quick. Once
reunited, I sat down and took my boots off; I had frozen toes.
By the time I put my boots back on, everything was packed up. Our return
was pleasant until we reached the forest where the mosquitoes were
waiting. I was satisfied with my scramble loop. We finished this
fine backcountry visit with a great dinner at the Painted Turtle
restaurant.
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Soon after the start of the hike, the terrain opens up.
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Vast Trophy Meadows.
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Pleasant hiking and warm temperature.
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Sheila Lake and the upper terrain is snowbound.
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West Trophy and Trophy Mountain to the right.
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Camp is set up at the foot of West Trophy.
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Sunset.
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Living the life!
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Replenishing the water supplies the following morning.
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Heading up West Trophy.
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This major gully leads to the CwemCwem Drainage.
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Trophy Peaks' ambassador.
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Enjoyable ascent on firm snow.
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Looking back.
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Upper mountain.
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Almost there.
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Looking back along the ascent ridge.
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Western view towards Long Hill, the lowest of the Trophy Peaks.
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CwemCwem Lake.
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The traverse to Trophy Mountain.
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Straightforward traverse.
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This typical terrain grants easy scrambling.
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Looking back towards West Trophy.
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Last stretch.
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Summit cairn.
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Raft Mountain to the south.
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CwemCwem Lake and drainage below.
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Fast descent boot-skiing to CwemCwem Lake.
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CwemCwem Lake.
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The lake's blue margin.
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Trophy Mountain from across the frozen lake.
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CwemCwem Drainage and the ascent gully (center) back to the camp at the foot of West Trophy.
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Glissade to the valley bottom.
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Crossing the raging creek where it's still bridged by snow.
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Making my way to the ascent gully.
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Walking along the melting creek.
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Melting snowpack on the way up the steep gully.
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A lovely bowl preceeds the final climb out of the gully and back to camp.
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All packed and heading back down.
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Majestic Dunn Peak south of us.
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On the trail in the meadows, a lot of snow disappeared.
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