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Trip

Backpack - Brewer Creek Tarns and Brewer/Mineral Pass

3-day relaxed pace and photo-oriented backpack to a premier summer and early-fall destination in SE BC's northern Purcells. Explore superlative mountain and tarn/lake scenery, ridge walks with sweeping views, ascend bootpaths to easy/mountain routes on nearby peaks. Enjoy this summer backpack, then consider joining 3-day return backpack 9/29-10/1 to one of best scenic larch backcountry areas in BC. Consider pairing the 8/14-16 backpack with 8/11-12 Mtr backpack to Lake of the Hanging Glacier.

Contacts

Linda Moore
Linda Moore
Primary Leader
  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 20.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 8,140 ft
  • Pace: 1-1.5 uphill

Updated 6/18: 

Directions to TH (see route/place)  leave Radium Hot Springs visitor centre parking area (above/behind building).  Approximate drive time 1.5 hours on from Radium Hot Springs via Invermere, then mostly gravel/dirt road with some rough sections.  

Be aware of driving time from Seattle to Radium Hot Springs:  approx 8.5-9 hrs via fastest route I-90 & I-95/93 (via Spokane & N. ID).  Carpooling from Seattle may be available for participants also joining 8/11-12 Lake of Hanging Glacier backpack.

High clearance AWD (or 4WD) type vehicle recommended (and carry at least 1 spare tire) to reach TH or alternate parking area approx 2 miles below TH.   4WD vehicle will definitely reach TH.  Leader will monitor road conditions  for conditions and maintenance.  

All vehicles parked overnight at/near Brewer trailhead are strongly recommended to have chicken wire wrap (see route/place link for details).   

Recommend camping prior and/or following evenings at Redstreak CG (sites or overflow camping) or motel in Radium Hot Springs, and night following backpack.  Additional camping options may be available at Dry Gulch Prov Park (just S of Radium) and RV/tenting campgrounds/motels in Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs (S of Radium).  Leader staying at Dry Gulch 8/11-12 nights and 8/16-19 nights TBD (Redstreak, Dry Gulch or Invermere/Fairmont area) 

Updated 7/24:  

See info near end of leader notes about additional backpack/hike opportunities in area, prior to or following this backpack.

Members only.  Minimum 3 persons.  Leader permission required.  Short wait list will be available.
Read all leader notes and route/place including links, before submitting request for leader permission. 
Leader permission request forms will include complete responses with following information:  provide examples of your recent (during last 12-24 mo) Mountaineers (at least one) and private 3-4+day moderate to strenuous backpacks (incl location, mileage, elev gain), planned backpacks between now and 7/20, why are you interested in this particular trip (backpacking, photography, location, other), your current fitness activities, approx pack weight (base & total) for comparable multi-night backpack, comfort/experience with travel over potential summer snow fields, comfort/experience with back country travel/camping in grizzly habitat including agreeing to carrying bear spray, transportation plans (high clearance AWD/4WD drive or need ride, carpool interest), have current passport for border crossing, and commitment level to this backpack.

Relaxed to moderate pace (1-1.5 mph /2mph max on flats & downhill; slower pace ascending  steeper section) to accommodate photo opportunities near camp and occasional stops along trails/routes. 

As of 7/24:  Air quality (AQ) and wildfire conditions in SE BC are being monitored by leader.  Currently clear skies, mostly fair to good AQ, with some variability for drifting smoke from distant fires.  Poor to hazardous AQ or nearby wildfires will cancel or change trip location in SE BC.  Current wildfire/smoke AQ status on BC Wildfires website / app (free).

Itinerary:

Day 1: 5 miles and 2,200' gain from trailhead to tarns (North, Central, Southern), camp near Central Tarn, and short exploration to Brewer/Mineral Pass ; or 6.3 miles and 2,760' gain from small parking area near Brewer Creek bridge (road becomes steep and rough here) below trailhead

Day 2:  From camp, day hike to Southern Tarn, explore other Brewer tarns, Brewer/Mineral Pass, and easy route/scramble on lower slopes of Mt. Brewer. 

Day 3:  Break camp, return to trailhead and vehicles.  5-6.2 miles and 2,200'-2,760' loss.

Grizzly/cougar safe travel and camping practices required. Bear spray required.

Extend your backpack and hiking  in the area:  8/11- 12 Mtr backpack to Lake of the Hanging Glacier and private  moderate to strenuous hikes/backpacks - contact Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre 250-347-9331 / www.radiumhotsprings.com for list/brochures on  area moderate to strenuous hikes/backpacks (ie Diana Lake, Welsh Lakes, Jumbo Pass, Floe Lk/Kootenay NP, etc.).  Leader has copy of list available.  

See more trail details and photo links at:

https://summittrailmakers.ca/home.html/brewer-creek/

http://cvtrails.ca/trails/89

https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/invermere/brewer-lake/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpM_Pb9hLZg

trip report:  https://forums.clubtread.com/27-british-columbia/93990-brewer-lakes-purcell-larch-glory.html

Route/Place

Brewer Creek Tarns and Brewer/Mineral Pass

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food (few if any good hanging trees)
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
  • Trekking poles recommended
  • Bear spray required
Trip Reports