{"id":44188,"date":"2023-03-09T08:10:51","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T15:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=44188"},"modified":"2023-03-29T10:01:27","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T16:01:27","slug":"hudson-bay-mountain-hazelton-mountains-british-columbia-canada-the-crater-lake-trail-beyond-8-7-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=44188","title":{"rendered":"Hudson Bay Mountain, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – The Crater Lake Trail & Beyond! (8-7-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 8 & 9 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

8-6-22, morning, Babine Mountains, 0.5 km W of Summit Pass<\/em> –<\/p>\n

How’s your toe, SPHP?\u00a0 Can you walk?<\/em><\/p>\n

All bruised and purple, Loop, but it must not be broken.\u00a0 Yeah, I can walk.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yesterday evening during the steep descent of Mount Hyland’s S ridge, a rock had slid, causing SPHP to bash a boot hard straight into a boulder.\u00a0 A now vivid purple toe was ugly as sin, but after a night sleeping like the dead, didn’t hurt as much as it had on the way back to the tiny house.\u00a0 Summoning what energy SPHP could muster, preparations for the trip back down the McCabe Trail to Driftwood Canyon began.<\/p>\n

8-6-22, 11:45 AM, 62\u00baF, end of Driftwood Road<\/em> – With the exception of the pesky mosquitoes which were out in force, the morning’s scenic trek down the McCabe Trail had been fun.\u00a0 Finally back at the trailhead, the Carolina Dog was anxious to leap up onto her pink blanket in the RAV4 the instant SPHP opened the door.\u00a0 Lupe stayed there relaxing, eating, or snoozing the rest of the day, refusing to leave the RAV4 even for a short sniff until the Big Dipper glittered overhead.<\/p>\n

8-7-22, 7:14 AM, 53\u00baF, Driftwood Canyon<\/em> –<\/p>\n

Rested up yet, Looper?\u00a0 Ready for action?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know, SPHP.\u00a0 What did you have in mind?<\/em><\/p>\n

Another peakbagging failure, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why, SPHP?\u00a0 Do we intend to specialize in failures this Dingo Vacation?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, but the true summit of this next mountain is a technical climb, Loop, beyond anything we’re capable of.\u00a0 However, from what I understand, we ought to be able to get to the S summit, which isn’t an awful lot lower than the true one.<\/em><\/p>\n

Terrific!\u00a0 Shades of Mount Hyland!\u00a0 Another peak with multiple summits, only one of the lower ones of which we can actually manage to get to.\u00a0 What’s so special about this mountain that makes you so keen on such an undertaking, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

I like it’s name, Loop, plus it’s an incredible peak with a glacier tucked in a giant cirque we can gaze down on from more than 1,000 feet above.<\/em><\/p>\n

That does sound cool, SPHP!\u00a0 Care to share the name of this magnificent mountain with me?<\/em><\/p>\n

I’ll give you a couple of clues, Loopster.\u00a0 You’ve seen this peak on multiple occasions before, including as recently as 2 days ago.\u00a0 Furthermore, in 2019 we intended to climb it, but woke to fog and mist.<\/em><\/p>\n

Those are most excellent clues, SPHP!\u00a0 Count me in!\u00a0 You must be referring to Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, despite a clear weather forecast obtained a few days ago, the morning sky was overcast.\u00a0 The gray murk even spit a little rain on the drive from Driftwood Canyon into Smithers.\u00a0 A new forecast was in order.\u00a0 Once obtained, it held out some hope.\u00a0 Cloudy all morning, but clearing this afternoon.<\/p>\n

Guess there’s no big rush to get there, Loop.\u00a0 We can cool our jets for a bit here in Smithers.\u00a0 Would you like to give Hudson Bay Mountain a shot a little later on?<\/em><\/p>\n

Absolutely, SPHP!\u00a0 And another snooze before then won’t hurt a thing.<\/em><\/p>\n

8-7-22, 11:15 AM, 59\u00baF, Crater Lake trailhead<\/em> – Local literature referred to the access road as Ski Hill Road, but the street sign leaving the S end of Smithers actually said Dahlie Road.\u00a0 Initially paved, it quickly turned into gravel Hudson Bay Mountain Road.\u00a0 In any case, access was a long, windy affair that ultimately wound steeply up the mountain’s S slopes to a cluster of cabins, vacation homes, and a ski T-bar at the very end.<\/p>\n

Although still cloudy, apparently the weather hadn’t dampened anyone else’s spirits.\u00a0 The trailhead was nearly full when SPHP parked the RAV4, and the Carolina Dog leapt out.<\/p>\n

Heading over to the building at the end of the trailhead where the T-bar started, lots of people were milling around.\u00a0 Beyond the building, a green telephone pole bore the sign SPHP was looking for.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The building at the end of the trailhead where the T-bar starts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The fancy schmancy Crater Lake trail sign.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here we go, Looper!\u00a0 The Crater Lake trail.\u00a0 Think it’s about 3 km to Crater Lake from here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Crater Lake?\u00a0 You didn’t mention a lake before, SPHP, only a glacier.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, forgive me.\u00a0 Yes, there’s a lake here, too, Loop!\u00a0 The Crater Lake trail is merely the first part of the journey to Hudson Bay Mountain’s S summit.\u00a0 Supposed to be quite easy, just a steady uphill march.<\/em><\/p>\n

Uphill it was, too!\u00a0 The Crater Lake trail started out as a steep dirt road going N from the sign past several private cabins tucked back in among the trees.\u00a0 Beyond the cabins, the road became rocky and rough, soon leading to a junction where the Carolina Dog turned NW on a road that wasn’t quite as steep.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Passing one of the cabins near the start. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A primitive road, but excellent trail. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back after the initial steep push. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This road ran through a very healthy-looking evergreen forest, but the trees rapidly began to thin out as Lupe gained elevation.\u00a0 Soon the road turned into little more than a good single track trail.\u00a0 Lovely views were appearing back to the SE.\u00a0 Farther up the trail, not much could be seen yet, other than that it was still cloudy.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View to the SE as the forest starts to give away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the clouds. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long, Lupe reached the last stands of stunted evergreens.\u00a0 Beyond them was a region known locally as the “prairie”, a vast, lush meadow of grass and wildflowers.\u00a0 Ahead, the trail continued NW across the prairie directly toward long snowbanks along the upper rim of a cirque where Crater Lake remained hidden from view.\u00a0 Above the snow, Hudson Bay Mountain was cloaked in fog.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the last stunted evergreens on the way to Crater Lake. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Crater Lake trail is popular.\u00a0 Lupe met quite a few groups of people and dogs already on their way back down from the lake, and more were on their way higher, both ahead of and behind her.\u00a0 A cool breeze out of the W kept the bugs away during the steady, easy to moderately-paced climb through the scenic prairie.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo enjoyed sweeping views toward all points S on a trek that proved longer than it first appeared.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Part of Hudson Bay Mountain’s enormous SE prairie<\/strong>. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Progress was good.\u00a0 As Lupe gained elevation on the way to the cirque, the clouds were lifting as well, revealing more and more of the region above Crater Lake.\u00a0 All rock with scattered snowfields, Hudson Bay Mountain didn’t otherwise look like rugged territory at all, just a very big hill.\u00a0 Getting to the S summit was going to be a breeze!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Closing in on the cirque as the clouds lift from Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the upper end of the prairie, Lupe reached a ridge featuring minor rock formations overlooking a valley 75 feet lower.\u00a0 Beyond this valley, blue-gray Crater Lake nestled in the cirque at the base of cliffs and steep slopes surrounding the entire N half of the lake.\u00a0 Crater Lake was almost perfectly round, with a waterfall cascading down an extraordinarily steep, snowy ravine to the middle of the N shore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crater Lake<\/strong> comes into view. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let’s go see Crater Lake, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s the plan, Looper!\u00a0 We’ll take a break there before continuing on.<\/em><\/p>\n

On the way down into the valley, Lupe roamed W off-trail a little way to get a look from a slightly different angle.\u00a0 Crater Lake and the big cirque it was in were very beautiful.\u00a0 Small wonder it was such a popular destination!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crater Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While in the valley, the sun came out, shining brightly from a still mostly cloudy sky.\u00a0 Miller Creek, the exit stream flowing from the SE corner of Crater Lake, vanished mysteriously beneath a big snowbank down here.\u00a0 Directly ahead was a rocky, 20 foot high bank leading to Crater Lake.\u00a0 Crossing the stream, Loop was up the bank in no time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Miller Creek<\/strong> vanishes beneath the snow. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below the bank leading to Crater Lake. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Crater Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-7-22, 12:30 PM<\/em> – 20 people, and 5 or 6 dogs, were at Crater Lake when Lupe arrived.\u00a0 The water was exceptionally clear, cold, and quickly got deep beyond the shore.\u00a0 The American Dingo had a drink, but did not venture in.\u00a0 A beach of small rocks was over by the SE shore, but SPHP instead chose a vantage point on a hill overlooking the middle of the S shore as a break spot.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The rocky SE beach<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beef jerky, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

No need to ask twice!\u00a0 The Carolina Dog practically inhaled it, resorting to Taste of the Wild only after SPHP cut off the jerky supply.<\/p>\n

A very pleasant time was spent enjoying the superb view of Crater Lake and the waterfall plunging into it on the opposite shore, but after such a late start Lupe couldn’t stay here too long, if she hoped to ever get to the S summit of Hudson Bay Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The steep, snowy ravine and waterfall along the N shore. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People and dogs came and went.\u00a0 Crater Lake was the final destination for the vast majority, but a few ventured up the long slope E of the lake.<\/p>\n

Hate to eat and run, but that’s what we need to be doing too, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bidding lovely Crater Lake a fond farewell, the American Dingo was on her way.\u00a0 A use trail had been seen veering off to the NE from the ridge where Crater Lake had first come into view, so Lupe retraced her route back to it.<\/p>\n

The use trail was moderate to fairly steep.\u00a0 Easy to follow, it ran N up the long grassy slope overlooking the E side of Crater Lake, which was still visible below.\u00a0 Before long, Lupe reached the end of the grassy region.\u00a0 From here, the trail zig-zagged up into the rocky world of Hudson Bay Mountain’s enormous SE ridge.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The use trail. Crater Lake<\/strong> (L), Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the end of the grass. Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (L), SE Ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once up into the rock, the top of the giant ridge never looked an awful lot higher, but looks were deceiving.\u00a0 No matter how high Lupe climbed, the top of the ridge remained a few hundred feet above.\u00a0 The use trail soon turned NW, eventually nearly vanishing in a sea of rock.\u00a0 Cairns with pink ribbons helped mark the route.<\/p>\n

It would have been possible to ascend to the SE ridge almost anywhere.\u00a0 The rocks weren’t all that big, a mix of large scree and small boulders.\u00a0 Where undisturbed, the rocks were covered with dark lichens, but were tan, gray, or brown along the path.\u00a0 In fact, there seemed to be multiple paths.\u00a0 The few people coming down passed either well above, or below, Lupe’s route.<\/p>\n

Climbing at a moderate pace nearly all the time, Loop also encountered occasional flat sections, plus a few short, gritty, steep spots, too.\u00a0 She led the way, displaying great energy and enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below the enormous SE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pressing on toward the snowfields. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crater Lake<\/strong> (R) from above. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still a long way to go! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By a cairn with a pink ribbon as the trail vanishes among the rock. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was already a long way from Crater Lake when a trail going more directly up to Hudson Bay Mountain’s SE ridge appeared.\u00a0 This was a steeper route, but finally got the Carolina Dog clear up to the ridgeline.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up to the SE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the giant SE ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unobstructed views to the S had become increasingly spectacular ever since reaching the prairie, but this was different.\u00a0 Loop now stood on the brink of a precipice overlooking a long U-shaped valley.\u00a0 Peering over the edge, Smithers was in sight way down at the lower ESE end.\u00a0 A dark gray and rust brown peak flecked with snow culminated the upper end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the brink of the SE ridge<\/strong>. Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Huh.\u00a0 What happened to the glacier, Loopster?\u00a0 I don’t see it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe it melted, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Since the day before yesterday?\u00a0 We saw it from Mount Hyland, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, that’s right!\u00a0 This must be the wrong valley then, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP checked the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

You’re right, Looper.\u00a0 We’re looking at the Simpson Creek canyon.\u00a0 The glacier is beyond the next ridge to the N.\u00a0 Should be able to see it once we get up to that peak at the upper end of this canyon.<\/em><\/p>\n

Is that peak the S summit, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t think so, Loop.\u00a0 It’s actually the lower end of an upper SE ridge.\u00a0 Once we get to it, the S summit should only be another 0.5 km, if that.<\/em><\/p>\n

Climbing near the precipice along the rim of the Simpson Creek canyon, Lupe followed various use trails NW.\u00a0 Like the rest of the mountain had been, these routes were rocky, but not difficult.\u00a0 Several steepish rises were followed by much flatter sections.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up along the rim of the Simpson Creek canyon<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first sign of trouble came from the top of the first rise.\u00a0 A bump on the back side of the “peak” at the upper end of the canyon that hadn’t been visible earlier when the mountain was shrouded in clouds, was now seen to be much more than a mere wart.\u00a0 In fact, it was a huge, steep-sided fin jutting up substantially higher well beyond the “peak”.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Monitoring the pimple (Center) on the peak ahead while it still appeared small. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The huge fin<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sheesh!\u00a0 I don’t like the looks of that fin, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Do you think it’s Hudson Bay Mountain’s S summit, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Precisely what I’m afraid of, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

The last large flat region led to a slight downslope.\u00a0 At the bottom stood a big cairn topped by a pink ribbon.\u00a0 This cairn had been extended into a 15 foot long wall of rock 4 feet high.\u00a0 Beyond this edifice lay the slope comprising the final steep ascent to the “peak” at the upper end of the Simpson Creek canyon, and the troubling dark fin beyond.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the cairn and wall of rock. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A chill, 20 mph breeze blew out of the W as Lupe began her ascent from the big cairn.\u00a0 Occasionally, there were stronger gusts or moments of calm.\u00a0 Still displaying amazing energy, the American Dingo continued to lead the way among dark rocks on a path of tan and gold near the edge of the Simpson Creek canyon.<\/p>\n

Never hesitating, Looper climbed and climbed.\u00a0 SPHP tried to judge how much higher she had to go by checking progress versus the 2,340 meter ridge across the canyon.\u00a0 Seemed to take a long time to pull even with it.\u00a0 200 meters yet to go!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The long trudge higher. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At last, a small dome of snow appeared.\u00a0 This was it, the top of the peak at the head of the Simpson Creek canyon!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the snow dome. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No, not really.\u00a0 As the topo map had shown, this wasn’t actually the top of anything, merely the lower end of an upper, much shorter, SE ridge.\u00a0 And the snow dome turned out to be only half of a dome.\u00a0 Beyond it was an incredible sight!\u00a0 Towering above others, 3 jagged summits soared skyward at the head of a spectacular chasm sheltering the Hudson Bay Glacier more than 1,000 feet below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dingo on the half dome. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong>: S summit<\/strong> (far L), Middle summit<\/strong> (L), True summit<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Glacier.<\/strong> Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view was stunning, almost terrifying!\u00a0 Beyond the half snow dome, along a much narrower, but still easily passable ridge, several minor high points led NW toward the first tower, the same dark fin Lupe had seen before, now clearly identifiable as the S summit of Hudson Bay Mountain.<\/p>\n

Circling S of the half snow dome to avoid the fearsome precipice, Looper continued up the gently sloping ridge a short distance to the first minor high point.\u00a0 Pausing here, SPHP suddenly saw that she was standing next to a white plastic bottle with a black top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the white bottle (R). S summit<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let’s take a break, Loop!\u00a0 The registry must be in that bottle.\u00a0 Evidently this must be about as far as most people go.<\/em><\/p>\n

Inside the bottle were 2 booklets with lemon yellow covers, Glacier View Books 1 & 2, and several pencils.\u00a0 Book 1 was nearly full of entries.\u00a0 Book 2 had only a few on the first page.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glacier View Book 1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-7-22, 3:50 PM, Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, at the registry high point on the upper SE ridge leading to the S summit –<\/em><\/p>\n

Hmm!\u00a0 Looks like you’re the only one to make it this far today, Looper.\u00a0 Last entry was yesterday.<\/em><\/p>\n

So the people we saw that were going down never got this far, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Evidently not, Loop.\u00a0 Either that, or they just didn’t bother to sign in.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, sign me in, SPHP.\u00a0 Then let’s have a chocolate coconut bar!<\/em><\/p>\n

Gads!\u00a0 I forgot to bring one, Loop.\u00a0 How about more beef jerky, instead?<\/em><\/p>\n

Ordinarily I accept no substitutes, SPHP, but I’ll make an exception in this case.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
What? No chocolate coconut bar!<\/em> Relaxing on the upper SE ridge. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, congratulating the American Dingo on getting this close to the S summit, then shared the enthusiastically received beef jerky with her.\u00a0 This was followed up with the last of the Taste of the Wild for Loop; peanuts and vanilla pudding for SPHP.\u00a0 After entering Lupe’s name in one of the Glacier View registries, SPHP placed both books back into the white bottle before restoring it to its place.<\/p>\n

For some reason, this upper SE ridge wasn’t as windy as during the tan and gold climb to the half snow dome.\u00a0 The breeze was only 10 mph out of the W, although during stronger gusts it felt even cooler than before.\u00a0 Fewer clouds were in the sky now, but Hudson Bay Mountain drew those that were like a magnet.\u00a0 Lupe was often in shadow, brief moments of sunshine vanishing as quickly and suddenly as they had appeared.<\/p>\n

Far more clouds lingered among mountains visible toward almost every horizon.\u00a0 The Babines, where Lupe had spent the last several days, were way off to the NE, and sunnier than the rest.\u00a0 A much higher range with a multitude of impressive peaks sporting big glaciers was off to the S and W.\u00a0 These lofty unfamiliar peaks were all far away among thick clouds.\u00a0 Nearby Aldrich Lake and Dennis Lake down in the lowlands were about all that SPHP was able to identify.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Having a look around from the registry high point<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Glacier view from the registry high point. Babine Mountains<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Babine Mountains<\/strong>. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Unidentified peaks and lake. Photo looks W(?) with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Aldrich Lake<\/strong> (L) and Dennis Lake<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Distant glacier-clad peaks among the clouds. Photo looks S or SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Snowy giants. Photo looks S or SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shall we continue on, SPHP?\u00a0 See if we can get to the S summit?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not at all optimistic about that at this point, Loop, but sure, let’s see how far we can go.<\/em><\/p>\n

The next minor high point wasn’t much farther.\u00a0 Lupe scrambled up to a ridge providing even more spectacular views of the Hudson Bay Glacier and Hudson Bay Mountain’s fantastically rugged summit region.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the high point NW of the registry location. Babine Mountains<\/strong> (L) in the distance. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pondering the incredible glacier view. Babine Mountains<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Glacier.<\/strong> Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Only 2 more high points were beyond this one, the second being the scary dark fin of Hudson Bay Mountain’s S summit looming not too far ahead.\u00a0 Getting to the next to the last high point involved a descent of maybe 25 or 30 feet to a small saddle next to a snowbank.\u00a0 That didn’t look hard, but from there, Lupe would have to climb 80 to 100 feet up a slope so steep that it looked pretty sketchy to SPHP.<\/p>\n

Think we’re done, Loop.\u00a0 If this next high point actually was the S summit, we’d drop down to the saddle to take a closer look, but even if we manage to get up there, we’d still have to face that frightful fin.<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re off to a such grand start on this Dingo Vacation, aren’t we, SPHP?\u00a0 First two mountains we try to climb are fails.\u00a0 This time, we can’t even get to the S summit, never mind the true one.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh, no worries, Looper!\u00a0 Thought we’d easily get to the S summit from what I’d read online, but it really doesn’t make any difference.\u00a0 Knew all along that Hudson Bay Mountain’s true summit was beyond anything we can do, so this fail was pre-ordained from the start.\u00a0 Actually amazing that we got this far.\u00a0 Hudson Bay Mountain has over 5,000 feet of prominence!<\/em><\/p>\n

Have to admit, we did get pretty high, SPHP.\u00a0 What an imposing summit, too!\u00a0 Genuine mountaineering territory from here on.<\/em><\/p>\n

Scares me just looking at it, Loop!\u00a0 The whole experience came complete with beautiful Crater Lake and this awesome glacier, too!\u00a0 Look at where we are.\u00a0 What an incredible mountain!\u00a0 So glad we came, even if we can’t get to the top.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
As close as Lupe got to Hudson Bay Mountain’s S summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the Carolina Dog enjoyed tremendous sweeping views far off into the distance from the upper SE ridge, Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> itself, with it’s fearsome multi-crag summit and spectacular glacier so far below, was the real scenic highlight.\u00a0 For over an hour, Lupe and SPHP remained high on the SE ridge in the cool W breeze, happy to be here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Hudson Bay Mountain’s craggy summit region<\/strong>: S summit<\/strong> (far L), Middle summit<\/strong> (L), True summit<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8-7-22, 5:00 PM, Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe stood alone on the 2nd minor high point she’d reached on the upper SE ridge, her point of farthest advance, the unattainable dark fin of the S summit still more than 200 feet higher looming beyond her.\u00a0 Sniffing the breeze, surveying the glory all about her, she waited for SPHP to give the signal that the sad, inevitable moment of departure had arrived.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments high on Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stay up there, Loopster!\u00a0 I’ll take another one from a little farther down!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Moment of glory! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wow!\u00a0 Doesn’t get much better than this!<\/em>\u00a0 OK, thanks Loop, it’s time!<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe came running, but hung around with SPHP at the registry high point enjoying the grandeur of Hudson Bay Mountain for another 10 minutes before her descent began in earnest.<\/p>\n

The wind was again 20 mph out of the W as the American Dingo headed down the tan and gold path below the half snow dome.\u00a0 The descent was super scenic, fast, and easy, the wind eventually diminishing as Lupe lost elevation.\u00a0 The “prairie” and the cluster of vacation homes and cabins that Loop had started out from more than 3,000 feet below were in view practically the entire way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Simpson Creek canyon<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading down the gold and tan path. The prairie<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe eventually met 2 men coming up the mountain.\u00a0 Although the sun was getting low, they were young, strong, and moving fast.<\/p>\n

Have a feeling you won’t be the only one signed in on the registry today, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Crater Lake<\/strong> again. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe got back to the prairie, the young men had already passed slow-poke SPHP on their way down.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the prairie<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo did not return to Crater Lake, instead joining the parade of people and dogs on their way back to the trailhead.\u00a0 Lupe met Mika, a beautiful young dog that wasn’t yet as big as she was.\u00a0 A couple of sniffs, and they hit it off!\u00a0 So this wonderful, happy day on fabulous Hudson Bay Mountain ended with a wild game of Dingo tag among the prairie wildflowers swaying in the W breeze.\u00a0 (8-7-22, 8:03 PM, 59\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Amid the prairie wildflowers at the end of a marvelous day. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong>, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada 8-7-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hudson Bay Mountain & Crater Lake Trail Map<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society Website<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo<\/span> Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 8 & 9 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 8-6-22, morning, Babine Mountains, 0.5 km W of Summit Pass – How’s your toe, SPHP?\u00a0 Can you walk? All bruised and purple, Loop, but it must not be broken.\u00a0 Yeah, I can walk. Yesterday evening during the steep descent … Continue reading Hudson Bay Mountain, Hazelton Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – The Crater Lake Trail & Beyond! (8-7-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44165,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1585],"tags":[105,79,30,106,1615,26,1215,104,973],"class_list":["post-44188","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-american-dingo","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-crater-lake","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-hudson-bay-mountain","tag-lupe","tag-smithers"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/IMG_5657-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=44188"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44188\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46248,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44188\/revisions\/46248"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/44165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=44188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=44188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=44188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}