Sonny fords West Castle River.
Southfork Mountain and GR909662 We almost cancelled this trip because of a wind warning. The forecast called for 70 kph winds gusting to 90 but by the morning when we left, the wind had abated to 40 kph gusting to 60 and the warning was lifted. I asked Sonny Bou to join us and undeterred by the 6:00 am departure and a blustery day he agreed. To reach Southfork Mountain we followed the trail that leads to Southfork Lakes. The trail is accessed from a 4X4 road 10 km past South Castle River bridge on HWY 774. We drove 400 m down the road, we turned left and parked at an open area. After hiking 200 m we crossed West Castle River. Keeping left, we went around a bend to meet the main trail, running straight. After crossing a small drainage we took a trail going right, 500 m after the creek crossing. We soon caught sight of the open west slopes that the trail climbs. The trail was well-maintained and easy to follow all the way to the lakes. At first we were exposed to the bitter winds on the open slopes, but then the trail leveled off and entered the trees before the first lake. From the first lake it was a short hike to the second lake. The ascent up the east slopes of Southfork Mountain from the second lake was straightforward and sheltered, but on the summit we were buffeted by the wind. After a half-hour stay we considered turning back because of the cold. However, we decided to head south along the ridge. The hike soon warmed us up and we continued on and reached a cliff band. After some easy scrambling, we walked to a high point (GR909662) on the ridge. We could see the summit of Barnaby Ridge but it was too far to reach with the little daylight left. We pretty well had enough of the wind anyway. As we headed back, we took a meandering course to study the ridge. We had hoped to find an alternate descent back to the upper lakes, but since none was apparent we hiked back up and over Southfork Mountain. Before heading down to the second lake, however, we diverged to climb a nub overlooking the third lake. Back at the second lake we took a close look at the frozen shoreline. The wind had whipped water onto the shore coating everything in ice, creating a frozen wonderland. After taking several photos we hiked back along the trail. Despite the wind and the cold, we enjoyed our ascent up Southfork Mountain and the ridge walk to the high point. Had we gone earlier in the season, doubtless we would have had sufficient daylight to also bag Barnaby Ridge. But climbing Barnaby Ridge is a good excuse to return to this area! |
MOVIE (3:16)
Sonny fords West Castle River.
Hiking up the trail
Syncline Mountain in the background
The first lake
On the way to the second lake
The second lake
The frozen shore of the second lake. Mouse over for detail.
Starting up the slope
Looking down at the second and third lakes
We pass a rock prominence that we would later climb on the descent.
Well above the lakes now
View to the northeast
On the ridge
View from the top of Southfork Mountain
Mount Haig and Gravenstafel Ridge
Heading to the high point (left on the skyline)
Another look at Mount Haig and Gravenstafel Ridge
The traverse to the high point is mostly a hike.
Looking back at Southfork Mountain
We reach the base of the high point
Easy scrambling ahead
Dinah makes her way up the rocks.
Broad slope below the summit
Panorama from the high point
Table Mountain (left) and Whistler Lookout (foreground)
The summit of Barnaby Ridge
Heading back to Southfork Mountain
Victoria Peak and North Castle (left). Castle Peak and Windsor Mountain (right)
Sonny and I head to the rock prominence above the lakes that we climb (mouse over).
The third Southfork Lake
Back at the second lake
Sonny photographs ice-encrusted vegetation.
The ice falls below the second lake
82/G8 Beaver Mines
