A new logging road has emerged adjacent the Lusk Pass trailhead, but we soon left the cutblock behind at pink flagging and diverted SW with creek crossing #1. There was a surprisingly good trail heading up South Lusk Creek, though it is not suitable for wearing short pants due to the abundance of bush that would surely exfoliate your legs. The 2nd creek crossing required some scouting around to find a sufficiently narrow section to jump across to the SE side. For the final crossing we built a simple log bridge.
Third creek crossing
Soon afterward there is a short boggy section to navigate through before continuing on up the valley. In a moment of distraction and engaging conversation (we almost solved the world's major problems), the Coordinator lost the trail and the group had to endure a short bushwhack to get us back on track. At the head of the valley is a lovely meadow, providing a good resting point and overview of the route up to Boundary ridge.
Meadow discussion (photo courtesy Kevin)
Meadow break with Belmore Brown in distance; Janice pointing to our peak
David contemplating the route to Boundary Ridge
We dropped down to a saddle then aimed for the trees above. A lingering snow patch by the trees was supportive. Next was a short, steep section of boulders, scree, and light vegetation which brought us to the ridge and a lovely panorama.
Gaining the ridge (photo courtesy Kevin)
Ridge walk to summit
Convenient trail most of the way up (photo courtesy Kevin)
From there the ridge walk was very pleasant up to the deceivingly foreshortened Boundary Peak where we had an early lunch and picked out familiar peaks before heading back down.
Final push to the summit (photo courtesy Kevin)
Boundary Peak summit
Route to Tiara Peak (photo courtesy Kevin)
The view west (photo courtesy Kevin)
The return trip was relaxing with the occasional breaking out in song.
Lingering snow patch NW of summit
Descent to trees and meadow spot
The majority opinion seemed to be that this route could become an early season (June) favorite to repeat annually. The participants made the journey as meaningful as the destination: Terry,Janice,Kevin,Sonja,Gordon,Jenny,Katrin,John, and David.
Brian, Coordinator.