We set off from the trailhead at 9:40am under clear blue sky with a light breeze. The trail had a few muddy spots and was quite bushy in places. We reached the small creek 90 minutes later and stopped for a short break.

Centre and right are the South Mist Hills (Daffern) aka Picklejar Hills

At the col at the south end of the ridge

By noon we were at the small col at the south end of the ridge. Still sunny but the wind was blowing stronger now. We found our way up the grassy bank to the south end of the ridge and proceeded north til we found a suitable lunch spot.

Cristina on Mist Ridgge

Cristina and Brenda on Mist Ridge

Back on the ridge we could see dark storm clouds approaching from the northwest. We quickened our steps so we could reach the col before the weather reached us! At the high point, just before the drop to the col, we took a shortcut and dropped down off the west side in search of the outfitters trial back to the col at the south end of the ridge. Although steep, it was nice loose scree with lots of coal dust and made for a quick descent. The outfitters trail contours around the south end of the ridge and makes and easy return.

At the drop to the col, storm clouds are closing in fast.

When the clouds arrived the temperature dropped and we encountered a few sprinkles of rain. We got almost to the creek before getting caught in a light rainshower (which thankfully was brief) and at the creek the sun was out again! One more light rainshower on the way out and we were back at the trailhead by 4pm.

Crossing the very shallow creek

Big thanks to David and Cristina for their great company! Brenda c/s/p

Throughout the day we saw 5 other hikers, 3 trail runners and 2 on horseback. We were especially grateful for the solitude we had when we drove by Lantern Creek on the way home and saw a full parking lot and cars parked along the road!