Backpack: Rockwall North with side trips Off-Trail hike on 29-Jul-2026

Participants: Jane, Evan, Ingrid (coordinator), Deborah

Day 1: We enjoyed the pleasant and straightforward walk, especially the abundance of shade to counter the heat. The forest was brightened by masses of wildflowers, and we saw a mother grouse with adorable chicks. We arrived at the campground, set up the tents, and went to the very impressive Helmet Falls (352m) before supper.

Day 2: The primary objective for this trip was to explore Goodsir Pass, and it was not a disappointment! From the pass, we climbed to a long ridge running roughly parallel to the Goodsirs themselves. The views, flowers, and more than 5 km of ridge walking were superb. The only wildlife sighting was quite unusual: a young porcupine in a larch making loud, birdlike calls - maybe calling to its mother?

Back on the main trail, we met two Parks Canada employees working to locate and monitor non-native/invasive plants. Interesting work, getting to walk and look at plants all day.

Of particular note is that the coordinator’s shirt decided to rip catastrophically across the shoulder. I can say with confidence that it’s the first time I’ve sat sewing in a wild alpine landscape.

Day 3: Significantly smokier with much lower visibility. Despite that, we still enjoyed superb hiking through open larch forest and across the alpine landscape. It’s such a beautiful area in which to be immersed.

The original plan was to explore a ridge extending from Rockwall Pass, but it was an easy decision to skip it based on the smoky conditions and the oppressive heat. Instead, we decided to stop at the high point of the pass for an extended break… except that was the moment we noticed 3 large grizzlies! It was a mom with two almost-grown cubs. We made a wide detour and watched them play and graze for quite a while. Magnificent.

Another detour to Wolverine Pass, and then down to set up camp at Tumbling Creek. Really nice campground; probably one of the nicer ones around. We spent the hottest part of the afternoon washing, reading, talking, and swatting voracious and annoying flies.

After supper, I solo hiked to Tumbling Glacier. Not quite as smoky so we were optimistic for the next day.

Day 4: It was still smoky, but we could see further so there was no hesitation about continuing our day as planned. We hiked to Tumbling Pass and then climbed to a network of ridges that had great views, especially since the smoke diminished significantly by late morning. At our highest point, we had finished lunch and I kept hearing what sounded like a cat (actually, closer to a catbird). Then a baby goat trotted over the rise! It came closer upon seeing us but then lost its nerve and bolted.

When the wind started increasing, we descended to a beautiful rock garden and lay down to relax. Then back to buggy camp.

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