Naisett Huts via Shark PL - Bryant Crk - Assiniboine Pass Off-Trail

Three Ramblers enjoyed a very pleasant backpack to the Lake Magog area of Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC. We stayed in the rustic Naiset hut (Forget-me_Not) for 3 nights. The walk in over Assiniboine Pass took about 9 hours for the 25km and 600m elevation gain. The trail was in excellent condition especially between the car and the Bryant Creek warden cabin.

Mt. Assiniboine from Sunburst Lake
Mt. Assiniboine from Sunburst Lake

On Oct 07, we enjoyed walking a circuit including Lakes Magog, Sunburst, Cerulean, Elizabeth plus Chuck's Ridge and the Nublet peak: about 12 km return with 800m elevation gain in 7 hours.

Ferro Pass from Chuck's Ridge
Ferro Pass from Chuck's Ridge

Elizabeth Lake, BC
Elizabeth Lake, BC

Elizabeth Lake from the Nublet, BC.
Elizabeth Lake from the Nublet, BC.

Mt. Cautley and Ely's Dome from the Nublet, BC
Mt. Cautley and Ely's Dome from the Nublet, BC

On Oct 08, we hiked up to Windy Ridge and Og Pass for extensive views of the area: 14.5 km return with 680m elevation gain in 7 hours.

Pat and Bob enjoy a snack break at Og Pass in Assiniboine Provincial Park
Pat and Bob enjoy a snack break at Og Pass in Assiniboine Provincial Park

Pat and Bob at Assiniboine Lodge, BC
Pat and Bob at Assiniboine Lodge, BC

Pat dines in Forget-me-Not Naiset Hut in Assiniboine Provisional Park
Pat dines in Forget-me-Not Naiset Hut in Assiniboine Provisional Park

Bob dines in Forget-me-Not Naiset Hut in Assiniboine Provincial Park
Bob dines in Forget-me-Not Naiset Hut in Assiniboine Provincial Park

On the last day Oct 09. we backpacked out via Wonder Pass and Marvel Lake: about 25km with 300m elevation gain and 1100m elevation loss in 9 1/2 hours.

Bob and Pat at Wonder Pass in Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC.
Bob and Pat at Wonder Pass in Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC.

Bob and David at Wonder Pass in Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC.
Bob and David at Wonder Pass in Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC.

Bryant Creek near the Warden Station in Assiniboine Provincial Park
Bryant Creek near the Warden Station in Assiniboine Provincial Park

Despite the perfect weather we only saw 2 runners, 3 campers 2 thru hikers and 2 other hut users in the four days. On Oct 08, we appeared to have the entire park to ourselves. Larches were past their best but still very presentable. With approx 12 hours of darkness, the nights were long and cool outside (-3c), but during the day it reached +10c in the shade and warmer in the sun. Only minor wind. We managed to get the wood stove functioning in the hut. After Oct 01, the Naiset huts are free and mattresses are provided. No services are provided by Assiniboine Lodge which is locked up.The campground is open. For further info see: https://assiniboinelodge.com/

Thanks to members Bob and Pat for joining me coordinator David on this classic backpack, and for tolerating my modest pace. My pack weighed 28 lbs at the start and 24 lbs at the finish. Bob's was slightly heavier and Pat's slightly lighter.

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