Pinto Mountain - July 7, 2022

July 11, 2022

We'd climbed Pinto Mountain last year in the smoke with limited views in the distance. This hike was much different with spectacular views stretching across a number of ranges toward the east and well into the Purcells to the west. The hike was gruelling made more difficult by two terriers that wanted nothing more than to pursue pikas all over the mountain. Through the forest, they weren't a problem but when we emerged above the tree line or on avalanche chutes, these little creatures were out in abundance.

Stats - 10.9 kilometres - Elevation Gain - 987 metres

Trail - This was an arduous, gruelling climb that was considerably less fun on the way down. It begins with a walk through the woods densely populated with fir trees and little undergrowth. Toward the beginning of the trail, a strong wind or avalanche has caused a number trees to fall in a north westerly direction. Most of these have been cleared from the path however, some must have proven too difficult to move requiring us to climb over them. About a kilometre in, the trail opens up onto an avalanche chute covered in low lying shrub and flowering plant. After a sharp left hand turn in the trail, the trail cuts through more forest before opening up onto another avalanche chute. At the end of the chute, switchbacks have been cut through the forest providing a gentler slope for walkers than was previously experienced. These switchbacks continue above the tree line right to the ridge that leads the hiker to the peak. A secondary peak does exist just beyond the one where we finished however, it was an easy decision not to attempt the scramble required to reach it with sheer cliffs dropping from both sides a foot wide ridge.

Flora - The forests we walked through were primarily populated with fir trees getting smaller and more wind worn, the higher we got. Avalanche areas were covered with fireweed which were in full year at the end of the July, the last time we completed this hike. As well as fireweed, Nicola spotted alpine forget-me-nots, sitka valerian, the alpine clematis, many wild strawberries, and who fields of shooting stars.

Alpine Clematis

Alpine Forget Me Nots

Shooting Stars

Sitka Valerian

Fauna - Pretty much the only animal we spotted was the pika who makes taking the dogs up these high alpine areas pretty much impossible.

Fucking Pika

People - Just as we were heading out, we passed a young couple on their way down. I commented that they must have left early and he said, 8:30 which was impressive because it was about 11:45, quite an impressive time which I believe he wanted me to know.

Further up, we passed a couple of elderly ladies, one of whom thought we still had a couple of hours to the top and should really consider turning back. Having perviously completed the trail, I knew it was more like an hour so we ignored her and continued on. She also warned us that we be passing a group just above with a coon hound but not to worry because he was very friendly. I'd led us off trail and so the dog had to detour to meet us which he did. I've never seen a hound dog so lean. He and Finny had a sniff and Pippa, being Pippa growled which he ignored and continued on his way.

On our descent, we met a lone guy pushing his bike up the mountain which made me a bit nervous. The trail would be steep but not precarious. However, since he was on his own, we'd be the closest individuals available to help. I told him he was brave and he replied with a smile and said that we'd see him on the way down. We didn't see him on the way down however, we did see him arrive just as we were leaving the parking lot at the bottom.

After trail drink - Blood orange negroni - Fresh blood orange juice, 1 ounce of gin, one ounce of vermouth and one ounce of Campari. Nice and refreshing after a strenuous hike.