May 22 - Stats: 19.3 km / 803m gain / 585m high point / 5:25 hours MT
This was a perfect shoulder season hike on a perfect weather day. But it was the Saturday of a long weekend so parking was crazy. Even though we got there at 8:30am, we still ended up parking about 1/4 km down the road. This hike had a varity of features to offer such as beaches, mountain peaks, waterfalls and bridges.
We started out at the East Canyon parking lot which was for the most part, a broad gradually graded walkway.
We left the East Canyon trail to check out the Lower Falls.
A view from the lower platform equipped with a very wet bench. I suppose the spray from the falls keeps it wet which means people aren't going to sit on it.
Climbing back up to the canyon trail.
I just had to get a photo of these 2 brothers who were out with daddy for an overnighter. So cute. Little brother knows how to pack.
We passed the connector bridge and went to Viewpoint beach. There were about ten tents here.
To the left is Evans Peak, then Edge Peak and then Golden Ears Peak -- west.
We were 2 hours in and having a snack break. Oh - and that guy to the left was not part of our group. But he still smiled for my picture.
Then we backtracked about 10 minutes to cross on the connector bridge which was built in 2015.
Osprey Mt. to the north.
Round the bend and up the hill on the West Canyon trail before turning right onto the Golden Ears trail.
We hiked 20 minutes past Alder Flats backcountry campsite to this open view of Evans, Blanshard, Edge & Golden Ears Peaks.
No one was in a hurry for lunch, basking in the warm sun reflected by the rocks.
It certainly whet our appetites to come back later in the summer and try for the summit.
Group shot: Denise, Liz, Don, Case, me, Michelle, Allana, Lorenz, Phoebe, Sonia, Cal & Sheri.
This section of trail was rather boggy but there were numerous metal bridges to aid the way.
Once back on the West Canyon trail we continued with a gradual climb.
Gold Creek Lookout.
The last stretch was flat.
Sonia taking on Cal's challenge while waiting for the last few hikers to catch up.
At the water tank we turned left onto the Menzies trail and were soon on the road close to our car.
Pitt Lake to the left, then Alouette Lake and then Stave Lake.
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