The meadow on the southwest side of Mount Skook Jim and the large
turquoise lake accompanying it, is one
of the more remote and beautiful spots
in the BC Coast Mountains. From where
the trail ends at Figure of Eight Lake, it's
possible to walk south along the ridge
that borders Rogers Creek. The route
can be difficult to find at first, and may
require some minor backtracking at
points to avoid having to do any
climbing. Once you have reached the
highest peak on the ridge south of
Figure of Eight Lake, you will get a
stunning view, with Rogers Creek
sprawled out to the west, and a massive
glacier riding down off Mount Skook Jim
into a lake that remains choked with ice
even in late August.
From the peak,
following the ridge further south
becomes more obvious, and the route is
not as steep and difficult. You still
wouldn't want to attempt this ridge
traverse in a thick fog though.
Eventually you will be able to see a large
gorgeous lake at about 1700 meters. It
may be possible to find an easy route
directly down into the lake, although we
traveled further South until the ridge
begins to slope down to the tree level,
and then drop down a short steep gully
and approached the lake from the
opposite end. A trio of large tarns at the
end of the ridge makes for an excellent
camping location, or you can camp in
the meadow itself, although the meadow
will be more mosquito infested in the
summer. The most amazing network of
mice trails have been worn down into
the soft mosses and willows of the
meadows, which have to be seen to be
believed, and there will also be an
abundance of wild flowers growing in
the meadow in the summer.
Directions:
Follow the standard Stein Divide route
towards the Stein Valley, approaching
from the Lizzie Lake Road. Hike to
Caltha Lake, then travel south to Figure of Eight Lake.
Sorry directions weren't available. Please check the bottom of the description.
