Jumpingpound East Ridge Off-Trail hike on 13-Jun-2026
Two days ago, we stood on Belmore Browne and looked over at a mostly snow-free Jumpingpound Ridge and Moose Mountain. Who knew that yesterday's storm would deposit up to 10 cm of snow?!?!
Ingrid and Deb on Belmore Browne on Thursday, with Saturday's planned trip to North Moose in bkg
So, this was the third trip in the past 10 days where we couldn't reach our original objective due to snow: we stopped at the end of Jumpingpound East because the OT5 descent to the base of Moose looked neither safe nor fun. Nobody minded, though, because the day and the scenery were gorgeous and our workout was already hard enough due to the snow without adding in any more elevation. It was such a treat to have a leisurely lunch without needing extra layers! The snow started to melt during the day (so that a few flowers were popping out) but not as much as expected.
Great day for birds: a great grey owl, grouse, goslings, and bald eagle spotted on the drive, and many varied and hermit thrushes, warblers, fox sparrows, and wrens heard on the hike. We also saw fresh wolf tracks on the far end of the ridge. Just under 16 km/900m.
Participants: Susan, Gary, Jane, Ingrid (coordinator), Deborah, Jean
Belmore Browne all covered in snow in left-centre background
Normally we would be revelling in flower meadows in mid-June
The snow keeps getting deeper the closer we get to Moose...
Spot the Ramblers
This slope is much steeper than it looks - fortunately the snow had melted
Still awfully snowy behind us
This little garden was entirely snow-free by mid afternoon
One of many social breaks
Still some very fresh crocuses