The ACMG recently completed the hiking guide exam, fall session. Six candidates and two examiners spent 4 days backpacking the southern portion of the Dogtooth range. Access required shuttling vehicles up logging roads including the Spillimacheen and 12 Mile Creek. High clearance vehicles with 4 wheel drive are recommended for both the Cabin Crk and 12 Mile Crk roads. 2-way radios are also required for communication as there is active logging in the region. The route involved mainly off trail travel and ascended over several high cols and passes.

Wildlife: Numerous signs indicate ungulates and bears utilize the area however there were no sightings during the trip. Fall colors are in full display and although most wildflowers are done for the season, there are still some lingering and several types of berries are still around as well.

Weather: Smoke from the fires south of the US border created limited visibility, mostly in the afternoons, with otherwise fine dry weather. Temperatures ranged from +3 to +17, winds were light.

Conditions: Dry conditions, good travel, with only a few residual snow patches from last winter's avalanche cycles.