Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Fellow guide Glenn R and I recently completed a traverse from Findlay Creek to Kimberley.

We gained the ridge immediately south of Findlay Creek by way of Forest Service Roads and were able to park at GR 632523. A good ATV trail leads west to access two small tarns near an old mine scar. From there we followed the ridge south over generally gentle, rolling terrain, occasionally detouring off of the ridge to avoid brief technical sections. Expect lots of excellent camping options in the valleys below with good access to water.

After a straightforward ascent of Doctor Peak from the north, we accessed the Greenland drainage via the col at GR 562398 and quickly found a snowmobile trail which led us down to the Skookumchuck Creek. NOTE: If you are accessing the area via the Skookumchuck FSR, vehicle access via the road abruptly ends at GR 680349 where the road has been washed away. However, the road past this point is still in good condition for foot traffic.

We crossed the Skookumchuck creek at the old bridge site (now removed) and found the creek to be ~ 2 ½ ft deep at this point. We also noticed that much of the improvements at the Buhl Creek Hot Springs have been recently eroded. Continuing south along the old Buhl creek logging road, we gained Mark Creek Pass by a faint yet discernible trail and found good camping at the lake immediately south of the pass. From there we hiked into Kimberley via a series of trails and logging roads.

At the time of writing there are only occasional snow patches on the ridge and on northern aspects which did not hinder our travel. Lots of bugs and bear signs throughout the traverse. It was an excellent and very quiet trip through this part of the Purcell Mountains.

On The Map

These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.