Ridge 542999 (S.Mist Hill West), Picklejar C loop Off-Trail hike on 1

A perfect day for a late summer hike! An uneventful walk in cool morning shade up portions of Mist Creek and Mist Ridge trails took us to treeline, where we encountered scattered larches beginning to change colour below the col between the east and west peaks of the south mist hills. After a break at the col for appetizers, we enjoyed a long lunch at the top of the west hill before heading south on the enjoyable descent to Picklejar Creek. Travel was easy along the ridge with a mix of open grass, and narrow trail in the treed sections. After the final steep grassy drop following yet another break, we lost the trail briefly, leading to a short bit of scratchy bushwhacking for those wearing shorts. Soon enough though, we were on the Picklejar Creek trail, and then a short distance along the highway to close the loop at Mist Creek TH.

Participants: Rosanne, Philip, Bill, Arnold, Douglas, Nancy, Aldis, Patrick, Joanne, Steve.

Larches beginning to change colour, on the final traverse towards the col on the old exploration road.

Towards the col between the east and west "South Mist Hills".

Mounts Mist, Storm and Rae from the col.

Fall colours are not just about the larch!

Coordinator Jo on the final steps to the highpoint.

Leisurely lunch on the west peak.

Panorama looking north from the west peak.

Starting the south ridge descent.

South ridge of the west peak, with the Picklejar Lakes cirque at upper left.

A few more golden trees along the ridge.

Too nice an afternoon to rush the final descent into the forest.