South End of Lawson Off-Trail hike on 22-Aug-2026

Most of our group managed to find parking in front of the TransAlta Gate and we headed off a little before 9.30am in cool, overcast and slightly smoky conditions. The June floods have caused considerable damage to the canal infrastructure and parts of the approach road. All the water is now flowing down Kent creek, so it is too wide to jump across. The group managed to find two different river crossing routes on fallen trees, with a workaround trail joining the original ascent trail.

We took a short break at 11am, having completed the steep treed portion of the hike. Thereafter the trail gets really interesting as it meanders along the ridge, which is quite exposed in places with some rocky sections and a few false summits. We reached the true summit at 12 noon for a leisurely lunch. Despite a bit of smoke haze, its was a stunning spot to enjoy the 360 degree views of all the surrounding peaks.

Opposite us on Kent ridge were signs of a massive landslide, with piles of debris in the valley below.

Soon after we started our descent, the sun appeared, the smoke haze lessened and we enjoyed beautiful views until the steep treed section and were back at the cars by 2.30pm, leaving plenty of time for an ice cream stop at the Fortress Esso. On the drive back on Hwy 40 there were vehicles parked alongside the road at all the trail heads. Galatea looked to have been particularly busy, even for a Saturday in August.

Stats: 7km, 762m, 5 hrs

Thanks to a Teresa for being my mentor; to the group for your support and encouragement and a warm welcome to new member, Jiaping, on her first Ramblers trip.

Participants: Arnold, Nardi, Clifton, Teresa, Evan, Lenard, Cristina, Deborah, Kate, Monica, Pat, Jiaping