Rummel Pass 212341 Off-Trail hike on 30-Sep-2018

12 Ramblers were keen to get out for a hike despite the discouraging weather forecast. It turned out to be a cool day, but as there was no wind it was a comfortable temperature for the climb (-3) to Rummel Pass. The paving on Hwy 40 (even on a Sunday) caused delays in getting to the trailhead, so we started hiking around 10 and reached the Pass about 1pm, with a few snack breaks along the way.

The morning was cloudy, but there were still some views to be had, with the larches at maximum goldness.

Approaching 1st Viewpoint

Group at Rummel Lake (click to see proper image)

At Rummel Pass

There were patches of sunshine and clearing skies for our return trip.

Clearing skies leaving Rummel Pass

Approaching Rummel Lake

Clearer views from 1st viewpoint on the descent

We took the winter trail on our route up but decided to brave the summer trail that has a ledgy section on our return. Others had been on that snowy trail earlier in the day making it a bit icy, so care had to be taken.

Ledgy summer trail

Gingerly descending slippery cliff on Summer Trail

There was a light covering of new snow on the lower trail increasing to about 5” at the Pass. We didn’t see much wildlife, just this grouse that was a couple of feet from the trail and quite unconcerned with us and a Whiskeyjack.

Wildlife by trail

Thanks to a cheerful group for joining me on this wintery hike: Ron(p),Ricardo,Susan,Bill,Jeannette,Inge,Clifton,David,Cathy,Lenard,Cristina from Barb(c,s,p)