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Backpack - Brewer Creek Tarns and Brewer/Mineral Pass

Larch magic! 3-day relaxed pace and photo-oriented backpack to a premier 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 an early fall backpack to one of best scenic larch backcountry areas in BC. Leader permission requests accepted beginning May 22.

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

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.  

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.  

Recommend car camping at Redstreak campground (Kootenay NP) or motel evening prior to backpack, in Radium Hot Springs BC.  Camping and motel options available just a few minutes south, in Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs.  Leader will camp at Redstreak CG nights of 9/27-28 prior to backpack, and for 3-5 nights following Brewer backpack for nearby beautiful larch hikes and backpacks, ie Diana Lake, Chalice Creek/Ridge, Jumbo Pass.  

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

  • Members only.  Minimum 3 persons.  Leader permission required.
  • Read all leader notes and route/place including links, before submitting request for leader permission. 
  • Submit leader permission request forms beginning May 22.  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 9/14, 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 snow fields and carrying microspikes if snow conditions, 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.  
  • NOTE:  Leader permission requests without all requested responses will not be reviewed.  Be sure you meet all requirements and respond completely!
  • Relaxed pace to moderate pace, to accommodate photo opportunities near camp and occasional stops along trails/routes.  We’ll travel together as a group in the backcountry.  

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.

Consider pairing this backpack with:   Diana Lake backpack 10/3-4 (larches), hikes/backpacks to Chalice Creek/Ridge (larches, views of Bugaboos), Welsh Lakes and/or Pedley Pass (Bumpy Meadows).   See Diana Lake activity posting,  and details to follow soon for other destinations.

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

hi 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
  • Microspikes if snow conditions
Trip Reports