ACMG Hiking Guide
South Chilcotin Ranges (eastern ranges of the South Coast Mountains).
Just back from a 5 day-loop in the South Chilcotin, where we backpacked through part of Big Creek and Spruce Lake Provincial Park. We traveled from Relay Creek trailhead, through Relay, Big, and Tosh Creek drainages, through Iron Pass, and back via Grant Creek, Elbow Pass and Ridge, and Little Paradise valley. Mix of trails, game trails, ridge rambling, in terrain ranging from river valleys to alpine. As in other areas of the South Coast, there is still a lot of snow. Within this NE corner of the South Chilcotin Mountains ( generally north Warner Ridge) is where the least snow will be encountered leading to excellent traveling conditions.
Of note:
- River crossings: None were a problem, however, runners or adequate river crossing shoes are a must, don't expect to hop your way across with dry feet. And no flip-flops or any other shoe that flies off your feet with the current. Big Creek on route to Elbow pass required a bit of scouting, but if one crosses ~ 75m upstream from where the trail reaches the shore, this is no problem.
- Wildlife: Many wildlife signs and sightings from moose (rooming high alpine) to bighorn sheep, and grizzlies. On this note, we had previous report from a grizzly sow with one cub roaming the slopes of Dil-Dil plateau above the Graveyard Cabin. We saw an adult bear and cub, which we think are the previously spotted pair on the east slopes of the plateau above our camp. So keep and eye for these guys, and make sure you are being heard as you travel in high vegetation, rolling terrain, and along creeks. Similarly, we spotted a large grizzly on the lush north slopes of Tosh Creek near Powell Pass about 150 m above the trail, which required us to alter course before being seen. In short, when approaching open terrain, keep and eye on the distance to spot animals before they see you, then alter your direction of travel accordingly. More chance to see wildlife, and safer. Binocs are a must for this.
- Snow travel: Still good with very little post holing. Great for quickly loosing elevation on descents.
- Very buggy down low, especially along Big Creek out of Lorna Lake. Ok on the ridges.
- Thanks to horse operators for clearing the trails in the area, as we found that most of dead trees and branches that were on the way had been recently cleared where we traveled.
Laurent Mingo,
Hiking/Backpacking Guide
www.adventerra.ca
-- Peter Tucker ACMG Executive Director ed@acmg.ca tel: 403-949-3587F mobile: 403-689-4324