Backpack - Glory Basin & Kaslo Lake

* Changed to private backpack (non-Mountaineers activity), due to less than 3 minimum participants.   Leader removing trip  from Mountaineers activity history.

Be sure to read all leader  and meeting time/place notes before submitting request for permission. 

Leader permission forms will include complete responses with following information:  provide examples of your recent (during last 12-24 mo) Mountaineers and private 3+day moderate to strenuous backpacks (incl location, mileage, elev gain), primary interest(s) (backpacking/hiking, photography or other nature arts, natural history) in this particular trip, comfort/experience with travel over early summer snow fields and a few potential easy/mod stream crossings, comfort/experience with back country travel/camping in grizzly/moose habitat, transportation plans (drive or need ride, carpool interest), and  confirm you have current passport for border crossing.

Minimum 3 persons.  We’ll hike as a group, support each other, be safe, and have fun while exploring the wild natural beauty of this special area.  Practice LNT and be respectful of wildlife.   

Daily itinerary:   Leisurely pace (approx 1 mph uphill and 1.5-2mph downhill) to accommodate brief stops of interest for photos, other nature arts or natural history along trails/routes.  Approx total distance/elevation change:  30-36 miles, 5500-8500' gain/loss (higher values includes optional  hikes). We’ll aim to start hiking each day 8:00-8:30am, with short breaks and 20 min. lunch.

Day 1:  TH (5040') Gibson Lake via Kokanee Lake, Kokanee Pass (6675'), Keen Lake, Garland Lake, and the larger Kaslo Lake (campsites at S end), and optional short hike approx 2 mi RT, 400' gain/loss to Kalmia Lake and historic Slocan Chief Cabin (former miner's cabin, hut, now small museum).  Afternoon/evening hike, photography or other creative art, swim, relaxing.  Approx 5-6 miles,+1635'/-235' to camp + short hike with light pack to Slocan Chief Cabin. 

Day 2:  Partial to full day hike, mostly trail and some route.  Ascend to Enterprise Pass, hike along Griffin Creek to Lemon Pass, upper and lower Sapphire Lakes and higher country beyond up to approx 8,000'.  South of Sapphire Lakes, we'll explore Glory Basin's open, open gentle terrain (offtrail or bootpath routes) filled with tarns, creeklets, rocky slabs, mossy gardens, and wildflowers.  Option to hike/easy scramble up Mount Giegerich (8035'), NW of Lemon Pass.  Time/interest permitting today or day 4, hike NW of Enterprise Pass  1.3mi +200'/-800' to Tanal Lake (has small campground).  Approx 6-9+ miles RT, 1,200'-2,000' gain/loss. 

Day 3:  Partial to full day hike, mostly trail and some route.  We'll ascend trail to Kalmia Lake/Slocan Chief Cabin +200'/-200' (1-1/4+ hr), Helen Deane Lakes +200'/-300' (3/4+ hr), Glacier Toe Trail +1200'/-1200' (1-1/2 hr), Smugglers Ridge +1200/-1200' (1-1/2 hr).  Option to hike today either or both Glacier Toe and Smuggler Ridge trails, or defer one to day 4.  Approx 6-8+ miles RT, 1,600'-2,800' gain/loss (high end of range includes both Glacier Toe and Smuggler Ridge).

Day 4:  Exploratory day for more time to immerse in nature/art and relax in Glory Basin and nearby higher country (or for weather reschedule of day 2 or 3 hike itinerary).   Approx 6-9 miles. 

Day 5:  Return same route as Day 1 to TH mid-afternoon or earlier.  Approx 5-6 miles, +235'/-1635'. 

Trail description/photos links:  https://hikebiketravel.com/the-stunning-hike-to-the-kokanee-glacier-cabin/

 https://kooteneer.wordpress.com/category/trail-review/kokanee/ :  select Kokanee Lake Trail, Sapphire Lakes, Mt Giegerich/Sapphire Lakes Loop.

Link to the quiet landscape of Kokanee --“A naturalist journey through Kokanee Glacier Park”  : https://wildwithnature.com/2023/12/01/kokanee-glacier-park-nature/  

Conditions report (online as of 6/25, higher trails not yet snow free, online update  soon.  All/most likely snow free by late July).   https://nrs.objectstore.gov.bc.ca/kuwyyf/kokanee_glacier_park_trail_report_62815749ec.pdf  Per 7/22 BC Parks telcon, trails snow free to Kaslo Lake CG, Kokanee Glacier hut, and snow free to approx 6500' and some snow patches  on lower sections of high trails/offtrail (Sapphire Lakes area, Glory Basin, upper Glacier Toe, Smuggler,  and Mt Giegerich).   Good/fair air quality.

Weather/smoke/wildfire:  Trip will be rescheduled or canceled if adverse weather forecast (high temps, very rainy), hazardous smoky air quality or nearby wildfires.  Currently no nearby wildfires or hazardous smoky air quality.  Leader will monitor current and forecast conditions.  

See BC Wildfires app for wildfire info, Accuweather for Nelson/Kaslo air quality, Spotwx.com for 7-10 day pinpoint weather Kokanee park location (ie, Mt Giegerich BC).  Current Kokanee park low forecast 40-60F.   Link to Spotwx.com for Mt Giegerich:  https://share.google/4wSYsIsxqHsAxDaBg

Kaslo Lake has wooden tent platforms, cooking shelter, food/gear storage bins (inside shelter), and outhouse toilet.    Backcountry camp sites at 6470' Kaslo Lake ($10Can/night, $40Can/4 nights.), payment in advance online preferred, or Can$ payment to Kokanee Glacier hutkeeper first evening.   Overflow camping available.

Update 7/21:  Backcountry camp permit registration is payable in advance at camping.bcparks.ca (set up  account at website, if necessary), then log in and select Reservations (upper R on screen), select Backcountry  Registration,  select park Kokanee Glacier, input arrival/departure dates, party size (1), entry/exit point Gibson Lake Trailhead, Search button, List for available dates, available dates check-marked (includes arrival/departure dates), press Reserve  button (fee is $10/Can per night).   At end of online registration, backcountry camp registration confirmation including permit issued.  Bring copy of permit during visit, printed or cell photo.

Kokanee Glacier Hut (ACC) opened 2003 for overnight guests (reservations required for summer and winter), 10 minutes beyond Kaslo Lake.  Open to public daily 10am - 2pm. 

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

Highly recommended is an illustrated journal “In the Alpine” by Petra Hekkenberg, a Kokanee Glacier hut keeper and park ambassador.  Her passion for nature and keen observations in the park during a recent year are captivating.  Book may be available for purchase at Kokanee Glacier Cabin or Kokanee Creek Visitor Center gift shop.  Leader has a copy to share.

If you have time for further exploration in West Kootenay's Selkirk Range, consider a 2-3 day backpack to the very beautiful Valhalla Provincial Park's Gwillim Lakes, west of Nelson and Slocan Lake.   Contact Radium Hot Springs Visitor Center by phone or in person for recommendations of premier scenic backpacks/hikes options in BC's East Kootenay Purcell/Rockies.  Following Kokanee Glacier backpack, leader will be backpacking/hiking in East/West Kootenay.
 
Just re-opened 7/9:  Glacier Creek FSR (NE of Argenta) for 2WD/high clearance access to Monica Meadows and Jumbo Pass W trailheads to beautiful Purcell high mountain and glacier scenery. 

Options to join leader following Kokanee trip:  on W Kootenay day hikes to Monica Meadows and/or Jumbo Pass; or E Kootenay hikes to Lake of Hanging Glacier (seasonal bridge installed), Brewer Creek tarns or Jumbo Pass.  Arrive early for parking, especially on weekends. 

Sunday July 27:  7:30 am (Pac Time) Jct Kokanee Glacier Park Road turnoff (via hwy 3A, E of Nelson, BC).  Arrive TH 8:15-8:30 am.  Uphill Kokanee Glacier gravel/dirt access road (approx 10mi)  in fair condition, rougher near upper sections (AWD/hi-clearance advised). 

All vehicles parked overnight at/near Kokanee Glacier trailhead (for Kokanee Lk-Kaslo Lk) required to have chicken wire wrap (see route/place link for details) to prevent porcupine/marmot damage, and recommended for most other Selkirk/Purcell backpacks.  

Be aware of 7.5 - 8 hours approx drive time from Seattle to Nelson BC area.  High clearance vehicles (and at least 1 full spare tire) recommended for travel on gravel/dirt forest roads accessing trailheads in Kootenay region.  Estimated drive times are 20-30 minutes from Nelson east to Kokanee Glacier turnoff, and 30-45 minutes to Kaslo Lake TH (Kokanee Glacier PP). 

Arrive by July 26 afternoon/evening for front country accommodations in/near Nelson. Nelson’s City Campground, Hummingbird CG recommended, hostel or motel.  Gas, groceries, bakery, restaurants and outdoor supplies available in Nelson.  During this busy BC vacation time, very limited accommodations (most filled) available in Nelson area.  Leader camping 7/25 and 7/26 nights at Nelson City campground with space for extra tent and/or extra vehicle in adjacent space or nearby overflow parking.