34km, 1906m (6233ft) elevation gain.
The Flower Ridge Trail is at the South end of Buttle Lake, near the Myra Falls and Bedwell Lake area. The trail takes you up to the ridge where you can get great views of Big Interior Mountain, Mount Septimus, Mount Rosseau, Mount Myra and Cream Lake.
Day 1 - Trailhead to Camp 10km, 1230m elevation gain.
On the first day it was a tough grind up the hill to the camp site. The start of the trail is well kept and some stairs help with the ascent in parts. There were a couple large trees fallen across the path but nothing too difficult, just steep. It was hot and humid under the trees, got hotter once you got to the ridge.
The trail seemed to carry on forever in the heat but I made it to the camp site in about 4.5 hours. I really should have scouted out the campsites more. After setting up right beside the lake, I decided to move everything up to the hill overlooking both lakes for a better view. After I had set up a second time, I found a better tent site right next door so I moved one last time! The last one wasn't too bad as it was 20 feet away but worth it for a better night sleep.
Day 2 - Camp to end point and back 15km, 608m elevation gain.
The day started off covered in clouds. I had less than 50 feet of visibility, I couldn't even see the lake just below me. I wasn't sure how the day would go. Breakfast was great. Wild blueberries are starting to grow finally so I had some fresh fruit in my oatmeal! Luckily, not long after breakfast the clouds started to move on.
I was already worn out from yesterday and the heat was worse today. There aren't many trees that offer any shade and there weren't that many reliable water sources either. Plenty of old ponds were bone dry. The lakes at camp were fine but along the ridge on the second day I had to drink more filtered tadpole water. I filled up at every water source I came across, just in case.
The mosquitos were just as bad as any other trail but now the horseflies were out in force. A slight breeze was great for the mosquitos, didn't matter at all for the horseflies. Those bastards would bite you through your shirt and remove flesh. Ouch
Along the way I saw a Coast Guard plane circle Henshaw Peak. I'm guessing it must have been training as it did one loop and flew off into the distance. There was a lot of other air traffic too. A couple of helicopters and a few small planes one of which seemed to do a turn to inspect the camp site from the air.
Eventually I got to the end viewpoint of Flower Ridge. It offered a great view of Mount Rosseau and Mount Septimus and their glaciers. I didn't stay for long. The horseflies were relentless and I had forgotten to bring my snacks. It was a tough grind back to camp for dinner.
On my way back I ran into two people, full bags, helmets and ice axes on their backs. They were going to attempt Henshaw Peak but the rain and clouds stopped them. They mentioned that they could see our camp area from above and saw it covered in clouds. They had no real plans now except to camp somewhere and explore.
I eventually made it back to camp, I was done and needed to get out of the heat and the bugs. I filled up my water bottles, stripped and fell asleep in my tent for a couple hours with the comfort of the cold water bottles and wind against me.
A group of campers came in later and decided to play some pretty lame music. Sound can travel so well up there. I decided that I would play them a song as well! Once my song finished, I think we all silently agreed that maybe it's better if we just enjoyed nature as is.
Day 3 9km, 68m elevation gain.
I did enjoy the hike. I love being up on the mountains and ridges and just taking in the views but I just wanted to get the next part over with. I had forgot to take a hiking pole with me. That 4000 feet of elevation loss wasn't going to be fun on the knees!
There seemed to be 3 tent sites being used at all times, including mine. A couple people left, a few more showed up. There was lots of room for everyone. Not sure I'd want to come on a weekend but the hardness of the hike will keep some people away.
On the way down there was a group of 15 people on their way up, day hiking to the first lookout. Youngest looked about 50. Most I would say were 60-70. Good for them, it's still a steady hike up to that point. There was also some 300lb guy making his way up with a backpack. Right on! Be a long haul for him but it doesn't have to be a race to get to the camp site.
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