It looks like the smoke will be not bad for the Coquihalla Summit for this weekend, so Needle Peak should be doable. Check with firesmoke.ca if you wish. I will check and make a final decision go no-go on Saturday.

The hike to the base of the summit is 3.5 km with a gain of 22%, however has some very steep parts at 53%. A tough first hour. The summit is an additional 1 km, but this is not exactly a hike, but a scramble, with slopes up to 67%. There are places with ropes and chains to help. This area has some sections with exposure. This makes some people nervous, but while challenging, if done with caution it can be done safely. If you choose to summit, I will guide you as much as you need. Please note that the summit section is not doable by dogs unless they are small enough to carry in a pack of some sort.

You can choose to summit or just hike to the base and enjoy the views from there, waiting for the others to return. No pressure. The addition of a co-leader would allow for half the group to summit and half to go to visit the Flatiron, which is quite beautiful, and which dogs can do. In that case the summit group would meet at Flatiron to descend together.

The trailhead is 1 hr and 40 minutes drive from Kamloops. Meet at  8 am at Hillside. We can discuss carpooling then for those who want to. If you need to arrange carpooling in advance, please contact the hike leader.

Bring the usual, however, I would add to consider bringing gloves if you are not a regular rock climber, as the optional scramble can be hard on the fingers. The gloves should have good grip, of course.

The weather at the Coquihalla Summit can be unpredictable and change quickly. It is often windy and cold on this hike, so bring extra layers.

Much of the hike is exposed, and sun protection is a good idea on sunny days.

Also, there is swimming at the Flatiron so consider a bathing suit.

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