Packer's Pass Peak (Long Walk) (Fall Colours Hike)

Trail Name: Packer's Pass Peak (Click the link for the AllTrails Route. NOTE: This is my own custom route. You can also use the "Packer's Peak" trail on Alltrails but it doesn't include the Peak itself.)
Difficulty: Hard
Trailhead meet-up time: Saturday, September 20 at 8:30am
Location: Skoki Lodge/Loop Parking (Click the link for the parking lot location.)

NOTE: **Attendance** - A waitlist has been created. I will admit attendees at my own discretion. Your answer to the hike question will be considered. I am aiming for a total of 12 attendees (including myself).

NOTE: Hike Day - All hike dates are subject to change depending on the weather.

NOTE: Difficulty - This is a Hard hike from a physical standpoint. It is essentially a walk but we are covering a long distance with a decent amount of elevation gain. However, the elevation gain is very gradual with only one notable steep section on Packer's Pass Peak itself.

Strong winds are in the forecast for the coming Saturday. As a result, I am choosing a lower objective that will be more sheltered from the wind. This hike will mark our group's first outing in the Skoki area, and will give good introduction to the Skoki valley if you haven't seen it yet. This is lovely place to view the fall colours and a variety of lakes!

Trail Details
Distance: Approx. 21 km (Out-and-Back)
Elevation gain: Approx. 970 meters
Time: Approx. 8 hours (including breaks)

Trail Description:
Our day starts with an obligatory walk up the gravel service road to Temple Lodge. We will walk about 4km one way on the service road and gain about 300 metres. At the end of the service road, we will enter into the valley proper and continue our gradual ascent up.

The trail continues past the Hidden Lake campground and turns climber's right towards Ptarmigan Lake. We will continue walking up to Ptarmigan Lake and enjoy the views there. We will then walk around the climber's left side of Ptarmigan Lake towards Packer's Pass. At the far end of the lake, we will ascend toward Packer's Pass, and turnoff climber's right to ascend Packer's Pass Peak. We will enjoy the views from the Peak and retrace our steps back to the parking lot. We will take as many breaks as required along the way.

RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES
- hiking poles - trail is quite gradual but you might find them useful for steeper sections
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- hat/cap

• gloves/toque - cooler temperatures, especially in the morning
  · Clothing - Early Fall - Lighter wool clothing is still recommended along with a light or medium jacket/windbreaker. Jeans are not good.
  · personal first aid kit
  · snacks/lunch
  . water (recommend 2 litres of water) - there are water sources from various creeks along the way, water filters can be handy. I can also give refills with my water filter.

Ride Sharing:
Suggested Ridge Sharing Spot: Petro-Can at the corner of Highway 1 and Highway 22.

Suggested Ride Sharing Fee: $20

Join us for a long but pleasant hike in this beautiful valley!