1700 Meter Meadow

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.