Raspberry Ridge L/O traverse South to North Off-Trail hike on 9-Jun-2
This was a first time traverse of Raspberry ridge for 8 of the participants. We were fortunate that the westerly wind blew away the fire smoke from the northern fires leaving behind very blue skis. Views were fabulous as we traversed this ridge in a temperature that was moderated by the winds. Lots of flowers bloomed in the fields as we gradually ascended to the unoccupied fire lookout using the zigzag trail up the side of the ridge.
After a 30 minute lunch where some basked in the sun and others in the shade, we descended the ridge in a northerly direction. The ridge terrain alternates between meadows and rocky bits that became rockier as we descended and the ridge became steeper. We followed the ridge crest as far as feasible then headed into the trees and picked our way down with the occasional animal track to mark a more open route.
The water in Etherington creek was only mid shin so all except one waded across in their boots. The last 2 km on the snowmobile trail back to the car parked at Etherington campground went by quickly. A quick car shuttle and we were on our way home.
We left Red Deer Lake church at 8:00am, were on the trail by 9:50am and back at Etherington campground by 4:00pm. Total elevation probably 740m and distance approx. 11.3km.
This was a wonderful weather day to be in the mountains with such convivial fellow hikers!
Ascending Raspberry ridge
Some preferred lunch in the sun
Some preferred lunch in the shade
Descending Raspberry ridge from the lookout
The Baril ridge trail in this photo starts close to where we cross the river.