Manning Provincial Park - Heather Trail - July 23, 2007

While my parents were here it was our goal to get them into an alpine hike. Given the time of year we felt a hike into the sub-alpine meadows of the Heather Trail would be a perfect day. The final destination was First Brother Mountain and the beautiful views of open alpine ridges. We set off early in the morning as we new the 20+km return trip would take most of the day.

On the way up to the parking lot just below Blackwell Peak we stopped to look at the Northern Cascades in the distance.

This view was too tempting for snappy!

We headed down the well beaten and wide track and marveled at the surrounding wildflowers.

My father and I with the dogs (they generally walk off-leash, however, the sensitive flowers are easily damaged)

There were too many pictures to post, but, I will post a few along the way...


Beautiful Wild Columbine

As we walked along the easily followed trail we enjoyed good conversation and beautiful views.

Mom and I with our destination in the far distance.

As we worked our way through the alpine lupine and heather we came upon a fairly relaxed fellow.


Heather was able to get up close and personal with this grouse.

We followed the trail and came upon an outhouse and then shortly after the Buckhorn Camp. This camp had tent pads and a few streams running through for water. Seemed like quite a nice little spot in the woods. After Buckhorn camp we started our ascent of the shoulder of the Big Buck Mountain. This would give us access to the open sub-alpine meadows that we came to see,


Pushing up and forward.

It was a misty day so the views of the Northern Cascades and other mountains in Manning Park were slightly inhibited, however they were still quite inspiring.


Misty, gloomy day looking south.


Amazing sky scape.

Although the weather was cooler than normal it actually made for comfortable hiking as we didn't have the sun beating down on us relentlessly. As the day progressed we received more and more sunny breaks which was nice.

As we moved closer and closer to our destination we thought it would be neat to take pictures of our progress.


Here are my parents enjoying the mountain air (a little closer to the First Brother).

As we came closer and closer to the shoulder of Big Buck we saw more and more flowers


The paintbrush was incredible.


The Heather was abundant (obviously).

As we reached the shoulder my mother could not resist the final patches of snow in the summer, while my father pondered life!


Snow Angels!


The Thinker.

While on the shoulder of Big Buck we were able to look out along the ridge line that led to Big Buck as well as the ridge line that led to the First Brother.


Big Buck


First Brother

As we gained the ridge leading to the Three Brothers we decided to have lunch and step out of the wind. After lunch we began walking along the ridge.


The flowers were still out en mass.


Beautiful picture taken by Heather.

We gained the col between the First and Second brother and headed towards the First Brother. The ridge line was beautiful and was one of the more spectacular walks we have done. The wind was howling and made for uneasy walking even though the ridge was quite safe and broad.


Mom, Dad and I making the final push.

We came upon a small scramble that made us stop to assess the skill level required. Considering we had been hiking for awhlie by this point we also wanted to catch our breath. With the wind blowing on the ridge, my mother was feeling a bit of vertigo. She felt it was best for her to sit at this point and enjoy the view. My father, Heather and I decided to pop up to the top quickly and then back down. On the peak the wind was blowing even stronger.


You can see the wind blowing our hair and Quiggsley's ears.


Dad and Heather working their way down.


This was a long, but rewarding day. The day offered incredible contrasts with the sub-alpine meadows and the barren ridge lines of the alpine. Great day had by all!