Akamina Ridge via Forum Lake Scramble on 24-Jul-2025

We had an excellent hike up and along Akamina Ridge. The weather was sunny but with a cool wind (35kph?). It took us just over 8 hrs for a GPX measured 18.4km and 1,050 m elevation gain. After waiting a few extra minutes for one member who never showed up, we set off up the good park trail through the remains of the extensive 2017 Kenow fire. Many barren trees and secondary growth. Some nice bear grass and other flowers/plants. I didn't recognise a thing from pre-fire days mostly skiing.

The good trail with sign posts led us to Forum Lake where we could see Akamina Ridge and the ascent trail. This well used trail angled upwards to gain the ridge via some scrambling and into the wind. The scrambling difficulty varied with route finding. We took a break and dressed up before proceeding along the ridge proper. This was/is a wide (~50m) ridge with 3 summit bumps. We stopped at the second and highest for lunch and many photos. Excellent views.

Then on down to the trees and for another good break at the shores of Wall Lake. Coming off the ridge we passed a black bear with one or two cubs. They kindly waited for us to pass before continuing their journey, almost like waiting for a stop light to turn green. I, David, was at the rear of the group by about 25 metres and passed within 10 m of the bears without even seeing them. At Wall Lake we passed more casual day hikers before walking out to the cars passing several other groups. The small BC campsite near Akamina Pass still exists but was unrecognisable to me. There was a new warden cabin nearby.

Thanks to all for patience and for making this a very enjoyable trip. IMO, Good bang for your buck. It was especially good after very heavy rain only 2 days previous. The trail taken is shown well on open source maps. My GPX now added to RMRA database.

Participants: David, Gary, Susan, Bob, Marietta, Jane, Annie