| Follow
the Blaeberry Road to the start of the Blaeberry FSR. Park 100 m. past
the Blaeberry River Bridge at the recreation site, 019022. Cross the
bridge onto the Blaeberry FSR and hike about 600 m. to a junction,
015026. The main road veers right and another forestry road takes a
hard left; straight ahead, heading west, is an old road that follows
Willowbank Creek. This old road shortcuts to the approach FSR and
cutblocks. These latter roads are visible on Google Earth but not
indicated on the topo map. Note the old road fades into a trail before
reaching the approach FSR, 006030; it stays in earshot of the creek.
Follow the road to the second cutblock (the one with the tree isle),
993044. Head towards the top right corner of the cutblock and follow
the treed rib to the summit ridge, 975033. About midway on the ridge,
it is possible to drop down to easier terrain on the south-west side
and regain the ridge just before the summit. |
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Willowbank Mountain
and the cutblock with the tree isle. |
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The junction and the
old road straight ahead. |
| Snowshoe
trip: RT 8.5; 5.0 up. With a very superficial freeze overnight, I
figured an early start was necessary. I chose Willowbank mainly because
it is within half an hour from my house. I made my way through
the
shortcut rather easily and the plod on the forestry road was mostly dry
lower down. I managed to stay on the crust to the top of the ascent
cutblock; little did I know, conditions would take a turn for the worse
on the treed rib. Under the canopy, the shallow snow remained
isothermic; I put my head down and wondered how far I would make it up.
About 700 m. remained to reach the ridge; I sank boot-top in mash
potatoes with the snowshoes. Some knee-deep sections made me
reconsider... Just as I would prepare to turn around,
slightly firmer snow would entice me further... Nearing the
ridge, I was challenged with deeper snow yet; close to tears
and
cursing freely, I persevered! Once on the ridge, travelling was
enjoyable and straightforward. Under blue sky, I savored the view and
enjoyed a lengthy break below the summit. Returning wasn't
without its challenges, the treed rib was even softer than on the
ascent. The steepness at the top helped the descent but once I got in
the lower forest, I post-holed in my previous steps. When I reached the
cutblock, I was not surprised when my first steps sank to ground.
Plowing through that deep and heavy snow was difficult but
funny
at the same time, as I pulled fireweed and shrubbery from
the ground with
my snowshoes! Once on the forestry road, the excitement and labor was
over. I slowly returned to the car... |
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Remnants of a shack
along the way. |
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A fire barrel. |
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The ascent cutblock
comes into view. |
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I head up near the
forest's edge on firm snow. |
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The south-west side
of the ridge offers pleasant terrain. |
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Nearing the summit. |
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The Dogtooth Range. |
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Looking north-west
from the top. |
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Mount Laussedat. |
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Looking back from
the summit cairn. |
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Redburn Peak (left)
and Mount McBeath (right). |
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It was very warm in
this dished section just below the top. |
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Stunning view
south-east, Hedberg Peak to the right. |
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I regained the ridge
in the gully. |
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Snow snail. |
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The ridge leading
back down to the treed rib. |
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The summit ridge. |
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Following my trench. |
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The steepness helped
upon return. |
| Back to home page |
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