Smuts Pass, Birdwood Pass, Burstall Off-Trail hike on 19-Sep-2024

Participants: Douglas,Evan,Gordon,Jenny

A short car shuttle had us on the trail before 9.30. There were already a number of cars at the start but as we hypothesized, they were all bound for Smutwood Peak and after Smuts Pass, we didn’t see a sole until we crossed paths with two backpackers on their way in to Leman Lake. We started under a mix of sun and cloud and agreed that the temperature was about perfect for hiking uphill. While the larches were not fully turned yet, there was ample red and yellow provided by the low ground vegetation, including brilliant red fireweed.

We held true to the slow and steady wins the race mantra and even though we stepped aside to let a few groups pass us on the way up to Smuts Pass, we retook almost all of them before reaching the top. While blustery at the pass, we managed to tuck into the trees and have a lunch break with views all around including to Smuts/Birdwood Lakes and Smuts Peak.

Jenny promised mountain goats would be found and thankfully after much searching, we did manage to see at least one confirmed goat (white rocks don’t have legs right?) and possibly two more bedded down nearby. Pika in the upper rock piles and seven grouse greeting us on the last 4 km out rounded out the animal sightings. That is unless you also count the two guys on those crazy e-unicycles! No bears as “promised” by the bear warning sign at the start parking lot. We left our good wishes on DM’s car and it turns out we missed each other by only 15 minutes.

We all agreed that the most gorgeous part of this hike is the section between Smuts and Burstall Passes. We were free to wander, enjoy the views all around and the sense of discovery around each bump. We even managed to “ski” down some snow patches – the beginning of what Gord promises will be a stellar ski season.

Thanks to all for joining us on this most enjoyable and longer ramble through the mountains. I hope everyone enjoyed their massages after the trip – I know I need one!

Stats: 8 h total time and 6.40 h moving time; 20.5 km and 725 m