North-South Buller Pass loop Off-Trail hike on 31-Jul-2025

The north to south traverse of the Buller passes was new to many of the folks who came on this very enjoyable hike. The weather was superb and the meadows still had flowers blooming, especially lots of yellow columbines in south Buller valley. There was still some lingering snow, evidence of a cooler than normal summer so far.

The grunt up to north Buller pass was achieved in time for lunch at noon. From north Buller pass we spotted a large herd of sheep on the slope leading to Red peak and one marmot and one ground squirrel on the descent from the pass. One of the sheep approached those first to reach the pass until scurrying away to join the others on the far slope. There were lots of bear diggings in the meadows but no bear sightings other than three bears spotted by the road at the entrance to Buller parking lot.

I thank the participants for their pleasant company and considerate regrouping so as to accommodate the various hiking speeds while in bear country.

Time: 9:00am-4:15pm; approx. distance and elevation: 17km/870m.

Bears close to Buller parking lot entrance
Bears close to Buller parking lot entrance

Approach up valley to North Buller pass
Approach up valley to North Buller pass

View down North Buller pass valley
View down North Buller pass valley

Sheep approaching the first of the group to reach N Buller pass
Sheep approaching the first of the group to reach N Buller pass

Rest break on South Buller pass with Ribbon lake in the distance
Rest break on South Buller pass with Ribbon lake in the distance

A few patches of snow remaining
A few patches of snow remaining

Participants: Yolande(c/s), Nancy, Shirley, Jeannette, Janice, John, Clifton, Teresa, John, Jo, Krystyna, Agnieszka, Christine

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