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Lone Pine Hill and Wycliffe Buttes
Cranbrook, B.C.
September 27, 2025
Distance: 9.0 km (5.6 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 374 m (1227 ft)
Running through a mix of grassland and scattered trees, the trail to Lone Pine Hill is short and easy. Situated ten minutes northeast of Cranbrook, it would be a quick trip for Dinah and me, and that suited us fine. Due to smoke from wildfires, hiking conditions were far from ideal.
The trail begins by farmland. It runs alongside a fence until it passes Wycliffe Buttes and enters a forest of conifers and larches. The trail descends to Luke Creek only to climb the other side. Trees began to thin, allowing hazy views to the south. On the last few hundred metres, the trail climbs a grassy slope to a broad summit. Scattered trees hindered sights on top, but more bothersome was the smoke that spoiled far-reaching views and irritated our eyes. We soon headed back.
When we reached the base of Wycliffe Buttes, I turned to climb it, while Dinah continued back to the parking lot. I mistakenly went to the south end, not realizing the north end was higher. However, I doubt if the latter offered much better views, and I was ready to finish the hike and get out of the smoky air.
Wycliffe Buttes and Lone Pine Hill
Starting on the trail. Wycliffe Buttes ahead.
Apparently, the fence trail is called Bluebird
Near the birdhouse, a trail runs to Wycliffe Buttes. Later I come down this trail.
The trail follows a fence until it enters the woods
Dinah stops to look at a tall tree
A few larches are starting to turn yellow
Next to the trail is on old structure (mouse over to read the sign)
The trail drops down to Luke Creek
Looking back as we continued up the other side
Looking back after passing through a gate
Leaving the main trail to head to Lone Pine Hill
To bring out background details, I used a haze filter. The smoke looked worse in the original photos.
Approaching the summit
The highest point is out of view
Almost at the summit
Standing on the top of Lone Pine Hill
On the way back, I noticed this lone Ponderosa Pine
The pine cones were the size of my hand and the needles several inches long
Heading to the south end of Wycliffe Butte
Dinah (centre) walks back along the fence trail
I found a trail going to the south end
One of a couple of benches on top
Panorama from the south end
