Come and join me on one of my favourite hikes on the Coquihalla highway.  This trail starts at the Zopkios rest area on the same trailhead as Needle Peak.   The trail immediately starts very steeply up into the forest for a km or so, then the trees thin out to fabulous views.   The trail continues to climb up through alpine and subalpine suroundings, and granite slabs.  After climbing about 800 metres elevation the trail turns downhill to a lovely lake which is always a great place for lunch.   Then leave your pack for a wander on another small ridge above the lake.  The summit views are magnificent.

Then we return by the same route, with a climb back up from the lake to the main trail where it joins the Needle Peak trail.   The trail is about 6 Km each way and very steep at the beginning, easing off to a steady climb.  This is a strenuous hike and will not run if the weather is unfavourable (a local alternative will probably happen) and there could be some residual snow to hike through, some early season bugs, and slippery mud sections so wear good sturdy hiking boots and bring poles.

If you choose to bring your furry friend bring extra water, and keep him on leash as there will be little critters running around, and maybe the odd sheep.

Be prepared to pay your driver $15 should you carpool.

BACK UP PLAN;  Currently the weather is looking dicey for a ridge hike (t/storms not a good idea on an alpine ridge!)   So back up plan is to meet at Paul Lake meet up spot at 0900 and hike the Sun Peaks trails to Mt Tod so a good workout and some great views.  A full day hike to the summit so bring plenty of water; food; extra clothes as the top will be cool.  No lift option as lifts are not open yet.   The lower trails are well protected and if the weather is okay we can make Mt Todd.   Trails could be muddy but there is no snow.   Doggie friendly and coffee shops at the end!

Be  prepared to pay your driver $8 to carpool.    Check KHC website Wednesday evening for final plan.

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Sheila Powell

I have been retired for several years now and enjoy many activities in the outdoors such as hiking, cycling, skiing, backpacking. I have lived in Canada for the last 35 years and spent a great deal of time exploring the Rockies, K-country, Kootenays and parts of BC.

I get out on a hike, ski or cycle ride several times a week either with the club or family and enjoy running multi day trips as well as day outings.I will lead fairly strenuous, moderate to steady paced outings as well as some starter outings.

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