CDMC

Arrowsmith Lookout & Cpr Trail; Sun Jun 20, 2010; hiking; leader: Linda Hamilton

The trail up to Arrowsmith Lookout climbs steeply through some old growth as well as clear cut areas with a section along McBey Creek. The crossing is on a nice bridge where is we stopped to enjoy the fast moving falls. Half way up the trail is a side trail to a view of another falls and a nice break was enjoyed by all 8 of us (one non member, Jack from the PAGOSA hiking group). The fog lifted by the time we got up to the lookout and we were rewarded with a nice view of Mt. Cokley in the sunshine. Otto rewarded the jays with lots of peanuts. We carried on to rejoin the CPR trail and stopped for lunch in a nice open sunny area. Before getting too lazy, we continued on through sparsely treed and open rocky areas to a road where we got another good view of Mt. Cokley, so close, it was hard not to continue up the mountain, but time would not permit that endeavour. The trailed headed down through the old growth forest with lots of Fairyslipper orchids to photograph. The forest floor was carpeted with moss and the filtered sunshine made it magical. We took another break at one of the old horse camps along McBey creek before joining the trail we took up and retraced our steps along the many switchbacks to the trailhead which starts about a kilometre up a logging road across from the Cameron Lake Picnic Area. Thanks to all of the participants for a great trip and thanks to Tim for the great photographs. Linda

More photos are available for viewing.