Mt. Rexford

July 20 - Chilliwack River Valley - 14 km / 1452m gain / 33% average grade! / 1915m high point / 6:40 hours MT (3:45 to bivy rock) / 4WD

I warned the group that we may not reach our destination this day. There were mainly three main unknowns with a big fat question mark on the end: 1) Would we have too much snow to cross the boulder field? 2) Would there be washouts from the atmospheric rivers last November? and 3) Would we find the route? Vic had done this hike last year so that helped. And although the trail was overgrown in places (especially the first section starting at the original trailhead), climbers heading for Rexford's imposing peaks, keep the trail well-trod.

We are no longer able to park at the Rexford Mt trailhead. This adds an extra hour of FSR hiking to get the the trailhead. We parked just before this large washout. From there it was only a 5 minute walk to the new Slesse Mt. trailhead.

At the Slesse trailhead we turned left, following the old Nesakwatch Creek FSR. Alder and evergreen branches were hanging low over the gravel road. Farther up is another fork where you also stay left.

We left at 8:15am. Early morning light on Slesse Mt.

Slesse, a close neighbour.

To Slesse's right is Crossover Peak.

This huge washout was new (Vic confirmed), and not too far up on the original trail.

We could see the trail on the other side of the washout, about 15' on top of a dirt slope that was cut off (pic 2).

So how to get across the washout and up that very steep high bank to reconnect with the trail? We followed the foot prints and then scrambled up the steep bank on the other side, a bit farther up. It took some bushwhacking and hanging onto branches to climb up and then squeeze through the brush.

Now the trail in the forest was more defined and free of overgrown bushes.

2) Pinesap 4) Pacific Coralroot

At the second gully. This one had a lovely cold mini waterfall. Great for on the way back when our water supplies were running low. A rope helped aid the way down the bank.

At 1410m the trail met the rock walls beneath Illusion Peak.

It continued along the cliff for another 400m up unrelenting uphill.

Especially nearing the higher portion of this trail along the cliff, we had to be very careful not to knock loose rocks and send them tumbling down with hikers below us. We either kept close together or far apart. It did happen a few times, but calls of, "Falling rock!!!" alerted us in time.

Rexford in sight.

Once on the boulder field, we watched for cairns to guide our way across to the bivy rock.

Illusion Peak (1980m).

At the bivy rock 4 of us turned right and in minutes were at the lookout facing the Slesse Range and Mt. Baker.

Southeast to south.

Mt. Rexford to the right (2150m) -- northeast.

Only experienced rock climbers can summit Rexford.

Mt. Baker and the Slesse Range -- south.

Slesse Mt (2250m).

Slesse & Crossover Peaks -- southwest to west.

Illusion Peak (1980m) -- north.

When Lorenz & Allana got to the bivy rock, I tried convince them to come just a bit further to our viewpoint but they wouldn't budge. Charlotte said at the end of the day, that this was the hardest hike she'd ever done.

While waiting for #8, we had a nice warm nap.

Proud to say we ALL made it! Group shot of: Vic, Allana, Charlotte, Lorenz, Terry, Sheri & I.

Heading back. Micro-spikes came in handy here.

Back at the second washout and refilling our water containers. I'd taken 2.5 liters but had run out shortly before this point. Can't beat the ice-cold mountain water!

1) Serrulate Penstemon 2) Thistle 3) Goats-beard 4) Harebell 5) Fineleaf Fournerved Daisy 6) Daisy

For about a quarter of a mile, to the second original Slesse Mt. trailhead, the FSR is really rough, covered with large jagged rocks.

A sign to Rexford and Slesse on the left by the first newer Slesse Trailhead.