pinnacle lake. wow.

Saturday morning.  time to go.  picked up mike, brian and kris and off after a bit of packing and shopping, head towards cherryville and ultimately, we hope, pinnacle lake.

We got to the trailhead about 1ish, and after a little repacking, we were off.

the 4 adverturees.  im leonardo.

It wasn't a steep trail, for the 1st hour anyway.  we were in and out of the forrest and passed through some big avalanche chutes.

thats where we are going.

sexy time under the huge cedar.

brian.  with pants on.

The whole way we could hear the creek.  once in a while we could see it, but after 1/2 way, we pretty much were right along the side.

lunch time in an old avalanche chute

In some of the clearings on the trail, we began to see these falls in the distance.  we figured they would play a roll in the trip, but what exactly that role was was still unclear.

Finally we got to the bottom of the falls, and the role was clear... to make us climb.  up steep switchbacks and gnarly root staircases.   every step was up, and our packs were feeling pretty heavy.

up up up

Finally at the top we had to chill for a bit.  we could see the whole way down the valley where we came from, and we drank water right from the creek.  it was a break and a view that we had earned for sure.

the top of the falls and the top of the valley

After a break the river flattened a bit and from the top of the falls, it was much easier walking.

back down the creek

Then we came around a corner and there was pinnacle lake and the crazy ridge surrounding it.  wow its pretty amazing.

that was worth it

despite the snow all around and the fact that the lake was fed from hanging ice sheets across the lake, we promptly jumped right in.  it was cold but it was exactly what the doctor ordered.

mike cooling off

the lake changed colours with the sun,

We went for a good hike around the lake.  most of it was crazy boulder fields with patches of snow.  tough hiking but well worth it.

our camp on the far shore

looking up from the bottom of the ridge wall.

Please enjoy this sweet rock rolling video.

back towards camp.

The day had us pretty worn out, so after a long dinner and some excellent relaxing around the fire, we all slept pretty well.

a very healthy breakfast.

what happens on the snow stays on the snow.  except for this picture of brian...

Sadly, we could not stay 2 nights, but thats what we would have needed to do this place justice.  maybe 2 weeks even.  Monashee lake is just north and twin lakes just a bit more from there.  lots of opportunity for more adventure.  

check out our twin lakes adventure from the same region here.