Carolyne on the Dennett Lake trail:
“Four early risers went to tackle Dennet Lake. After a steady climb we had a water break at Munro Lake and then pressed on. It soon became obvious that the trail hadn’t been cleared recently when we started having to go under, over and around many fallen trees. Dennett Lake was lovely when we stopped for lunch. On the map in ‘103 Hikes’, it shows a path to the west end of the lake and then two paths: one to take the ‘wet route’ down via the Village-Lake Trail, the other up to the ridge. We only saw one trail. After a steady climb we emerged about 30-45 minutes later at a junction for Harper Road. Not where we wanted to be. However, there was the consolation of the beauty of Hourglass Lake and making it almost to the summit of the ridge. We headed back to Dennett Lake. After some searching behind one of the campsites, the wet route was found. It went through a number of little water meadows. Eventually we arrived at the junction with the main trail. BEWARE: the trail map is not accurate for the wet route starting at Dennett Lake. Also worthwhile: Munro Lake lookout.”
Monthly Archives: July 2009
Yak Peak 05/07/09
Ahmad on Yak Peak (instead of Mt Cheam & Lady Peak):
“There wasn’t much snow on Yak’s basin and there was no need of using ice axe. However, poles will be helpful. The snow was packed in good conditions in most sections. I scrambled up on the rocks rather than going up on the snow. The rocks allured me to be a good way. A mistake that I quickly realized. The rocks were too loose and they lack hand holds. I scouted several directions but each led to a close end or requires a difficult and lucky move. I managed to finish it at the end after more than 30 minutes. It wasn’t a good way. It was difficult and I ended up alone on the summit. On the way back, I found the proper route which was about 5-10 m away. It was fairly easy. It goes on the snow that cover the ridge. The snow seems to be steep but it is not exposed and it is actually fun. The false summit also represents a nice alternative. The other three people that I was with, chose it and they were satisfied with the views. There were also many mosquitoes and they got even more the higher we got and didn’t get rid of them even on the summit.”
Brothers Creek 03/07/09
Dana on the Brothers Creek trail:
“I was pleasantly surprised to get six hikers (including two drivers) on this weekday hike: Stas, John, Kathleen, Chelsey, Constance, and I. The trailhead just off Millstream Road in West Van was full of vehicles, but we passed very few people on our route. The route took us up the Brothers Creek fire road, a long gradual incline (taking in most of the elevation gain) to our first crossing of Brothers Creek. At this point we had hiked only an hour, and decided to continue right instead of left to take in a longer loop, taking us first to the pretty beer-coloured Lost Lake, and then crossing Brothers Creek via stones to Blue Gentian Lake, our lunch stop. On the east side of the lake is a nice lunch spot with picnic table. Heading south and down after lunch, we met up with Crossover Trail, headed east, and again crossed Brothers Creek. Eventually this connected with the fire road and back to our vehicles. Total trip time was spot-on four hours, including lunch, and was just under 10 km with an about 450 m elevation gain in total. I wasn’t crazy about the first hour on the fire road, as it’s full of rocks and stones and pretty wide (as a “road,” not very trail-like, of course) so next time I’d be inclined to turn off onto the Baden-Powell or another intersecting trail to make a different loop. There are a lot of options in the area for routes/loops, which is good to know for future reference. A good outing.”
Howe Sound Crest Trail 03/07/09
Heather on the Howe Sound Crest Trail:
“Suzanna, Keith, Bob and Heather did a long hike of the Howe Sound Crest Trail from Cypress Bowl to the base of The Lions and back. Unfortunately, we started late on a very hot day, and the Crest Trail is a demanding and exposed trail – so heat exposure made for an even longer day. The views were stunning and there were only a few snow patches on the trail. Due to the heat we had to re-fill water from snow melt, and I personally drank 6 litres during the almost 12 hour hike. A demanding day, but still a beautiful place to be!”
Mt Brunswick 01/07/09
Andrew L. on Mt Brunswick:
“Making it to the trailhead just past 8am, we nabbed one of the two remaining parking spots and hit the trail. The Brunswick Mountain trail is steep, easy to follow and almost snow-free. There is also very little water available past the early crossing of Magnesia Creek. We took just over four hours to reach the summit, where we had lunch accompanied by spectacular panoramic views from what is the highest of the north shore peaks. There are a few snow patches near the summit which are melting rapidly. The scrambling near and at the summit is fun, though to reach the actual summit you will have to pass some sections with moderate exposure – your head for heights may be tested. It is, incidentally, well worth carrying a personal-sized watermelon all the way up on a hot day…”
Garibaldi Lake 01/07/09
Pablo at Garibaldi Lake:
“What a better place to celebrate Canada day than Garibaldi Lake. It was a perfect day for this hike, perfectly clear sky, not too hot, and a holiday on a Wednesday, so not many people. After hiking most of the time on snow last weekend on Elfin Lakes in the same park, I was expecting at least patches, but the trial is completely clear. We did the hike in less than 3 hours one way, including pictures, and we took a long time on the lake. A couple of us even had a swim on the lake. The level of the water is very low. After the hike we changed the dinner place in Squamish, and we even got 50% Wednesday Special with a great view of Shannon Falls (also with not much water).”
