Backpack - Lake of the Hanging Glacier

Updated 6/18: 

7:00am Radium Hot Springs, BC visitor centre.  Convoy to trailhead.   See route/place link for detailed directions. 

Be aware of drive time from Seattle to Radium HS:  approx 8.5-9 hrs via fastest route, via I-90 & I-95/93 (Spokane & N. ID).  Seattle carpooling opportunity for participants joining  both backpacks - Lk of Hanging Glacier and Brewer Crk Tarns and Brewer/Mineral Pass.

Allow 1-1.5 hours drive time to TH over mostly gravel/dirt forest road with rough sections.  AWD type high clearance vehicle recommended, or 4WD.

Recommend camping prior and/or following evenings at Redstreak CG (sites or overflow camping) or motel in Radium Hot Springs, and night following backpack if joining 8/14-17 Brewer Creek Tarns 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 8/9-10 nights TBD (Redstreak, Dry Gulch or Invermere/Fairmont area) 

Updated 7/18:   **Leader is monitoring current road access conditions (washout 3km before trailhead; repair ETA early/mid-August and status of seasonal trail bridge installation as reported in 7/8 trail report) from Summit Trailmakers  - check website for updates https://summittrailmakers.ca/lake-of-the-hanging-glacier#trailreport.  Alternate highly scenic backpack (rated 5-stars by guidebook author) ie, Jumbo Pass from E, Chalice Creek or other trail (maintained by Summit Trailmakers) will be offered if necessary.  See links for alt. backpack trail info at end of Leader Notes.

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 status on BC Wildfires website/app (free).

Members only.  Minimum 3 persons. Leader permission required.  Waitlist open for limited spaces.

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 2+ day moderate to strenuous backpacks (incl location, mileage, elev gain), planned backpacks between now and 7/31, why are you interested in this particular trip (backpack only, photography, other), current fitness activities, approx pack weight (base & total) for comparable backpack, comfort/experience with travel over potential early summer snow fields, comfort/experience with back country travel/camping in grizzly habitat including agreeing to carry bear spray, transportation plans (high-clearance AWD drive or need ride, carpool interest), have current passport for border crossing, and commitment level to this backpack.

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

Itinerary:

Day 1:  Approx 4.2 mi (750 meters before lake) from trailhead, reach a large alpine meadow with nearby waterfall and campsite (with toilet, picnic tables, and two fire rings).  Lake shore's rocky delta (7,150', 5 miles from trailhead) is windy with fragile terrain and not suitable for camping.  Bring plenty of water due to few places with accessible water sources, except two small creeks near trail bottom and tiny intermittent spring about .8mi from lake.  Two options for exploration beyond camp and lake outlet:  short hike up the ridge west of lake's outflow for spectacular lake and glacier views; easy scramble about 2.5 miles and 1300' gain up the northeast ridge of Glacier Dome for spectacular lake views, Starbird Pass and glaciated peaks.  Return to lake for evening light photos and relaxation.

Day 2:  Option to return to lake and northeast ridge, before breaking camp and returning to trailhead.  5 miles, 2,300' elevation loss.

Note:  Climbing Glacier Dome requires  crossing large crevassed glacier with with proper technical skills and equipment.

Links to trail details and photos:

https://summittrailmakers.ca/home.html/lake-of-the-hanging-glacier/   for trail/road conditions, seasonal bridge status, descriptive info and photos.  The trail organization maintains the trail, seasonal bridge, and campsite.

https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/east-kootenays/lake-of-the-hanging-glacier

Extend your backpack and hiking  in the area:  8/14-16 Mtr backpack to Brewer Creek  Tarns and Brewer/Mineral Pass, 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, Chalice Creek/Ridge, Floe Lk/Kootenay NP, etc.)  Leader has copy of list available.  

Alternate backpack trail info/photos/trail & road conditions (Jumbo Pass  more likely & less driving):

Jumbo Pass (East trailhead, near Invermere): https://summittrailmakers.ca/jumbo-pass

Chalice Creek/Ridge (near Bugaboos, NW of Radium HS): https://summittrailmakers.ca/chalice-creek