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Missinglink North Summit
Kananaskis, Alberta
November 16, 2024
Distance: 6.3 km (3.9 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 435 m (1427 ft)
Years ago, Dinah and I hiked Missinglink Mountain using a south approach, a scenic offtrail route. This time we took the shorter west approach, following a 2 km trail to the summit before continuing offtrail to the North Summit.
Zora and Christine joined us. It was our second time here. We climbed the North Summit the previous week, but we missed catching any sights. Contrary to the forecast, it snowed throughout our hike, and low clouds limited views to a few hundred metres. This time, the promise of clear skies rang true, and we enjoyed far-reaching views.
From the Gorge Creek parking lot, we followed the trail to the summit of Missinglink Mountain. The trail climbs a wooded slope, but the last 250 m are along a ridge with views open to the west. Several peaks came into view, but Blue Rock Mountain and Volcano Ridge predominated. Since a hiking party occupied the summit, we didn't pause but pushed on to the North Summit. We continued on the trail, but after 200 m, it ended abruptly at a bushy section. After skirting the bushes, the ridge became a pleasant hike with little understory. Like the first summit, the final 250 m along a ridge to the second summit offered westward views.
Both summits are partially treed, but the lower North Summit enjoys a wider viewing angle. But while surveying the sights, the wind suddenly picked up, and we fled into the trees. We considered going on to the northeast summit, but we didn't have time as we had to be back early. So we headed back. I enjoyed hiking Missinglink Mountain and may return someday to hike the last ridge that links the summit we missed.
The trail begins east of the parking lot
The trail was easy to follow
We passed a skull by the trail
A crude shelter near the trail
A large meadow provided our first expansive views
The last 250 m to the summit were open
Stopping for a photo. Behind the girls are Bluerock Mountain and Mount Ware (mouse over).
Continuing to the top of Missinglink
Looking west from the summit
The trail continues 200 m after the summit before disappearing
Bushwhacking after leaving the trail
But we soon found animal trails
From the top of a bluff, we spied the North Summit
We followed the ridge to the North Summit
Looking back at the summit of Missinglink
The last 250 m to the North Summit were in the open
Approaching the summit
Me, Zora, Dinah and Christine on the North Summit
Allsmoke Mountain appears left. Far right is Mount Barwell (mouse over for a close-up).
Heading back to the summit of Missinglink (right)
Back on the summit. Mouse over to see the view from the previous week.
82 J/10 Mount Rae