South Peak - Hudson Bay Mountain

The South Peak, I did this along time ago. after you get to crater lake you can either go below the lake and climb behind it and take the trail up to the peak or you can go above Crater lake and take the trail from there. This is a good day hike and I mean day!!! The views are amazing from the top. I would advise wearing good hiking boots because the rocks along the trail up on the ridge are big and you’ll want the extra ankle support.

Directions

Follow the ski hill road to Ski Smithers. Drive past the parking lot and the lodge to the T-bar. Here, you’ll see many of the private ski lodges. Hike away from the T-bar up the hill and onto the Prairie. Directly ahead and about a two hour hike will be the South Peak. Slightly off to your left is Crater Lake. An alternate route is hiking the ridge overlooking Smithers. This is off to your right. It’s a longer, but less demanding route than the straight ascent to the South Peak. Keep your eyes alert across the gulch to the peaks on the opposite side. Mountain goats are often seen picking their way across these craggy slopes.

Once you leave the T-bar area, you are above timberline. The Prairie is home to a flood of wildflowers earlier in the summer. Willow ptarmigan and marmots can also be seen. Avoid walking on cornices that may overhang Crater Lake early in the summer. The hike to the South Peak is moderately demanding but very rewarding. Sign the book kept in a cairn on the summit of the South Peak. Weather is very changeable, even in mid-summer so take extra clothing.