Helena Peak (Light Scrambling) (Microspikes Mandatory)

Trail Name: Helena Peak (Click the link for the AllTrails Route.)
Difficulty: Very-Hard
Trailhead meet-up time: Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 8:30am
Location: Rockbound Lake Trailhead/Parking Lot (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 up to 10 people, including myself.

NOTE: *Microspikes Mandatory* - Expecting slippery snow/ice all along the trail, especially on the upper mountain.

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

NOTE: Difficulty - This is a Very-Hard hike. Low technicality - some light scrambling above the Rockbound Lake headwall. We are covering a long distance and a significant amount of elevation is gained. Most of the elevation gain is gradual but the final ascent up to Helena Peak will be on steep scree with snow on top.

Clear weather with low winds in the forecast for the coming weekend. Perfect conditions for a longer objective. Helena Peak offers great views towards Castle Mountain and the valley behind Helena Ridge!

Trail Details
Distance: Approx. 23 km (Out-and-Back)
Elevation gain: Approx. 1600 meters
Time: Approx. 9 hours (including breaks)

Trail Description:
From the parking lot, we start a gradual ascent through the forest trail up and around Castle Mountain. About 7.5km of this gradual ascent will bring us to Tower Lake. From Tower Lake, we will have a steeper switchback ascent over the next 0.5km up to Rockbound Lake. Over the next 1km, we will walk around Rockbound Lake and ascend up to the Rockbound Lake viewpoint.

The steepest elevation gain will happen in the last 2.5km of the hike. From the viewpoint, we will traverse climber's left to get over the headwall into the upper plateau - there will be some light scrambling in this section. From the upper plateau, we will ascend 200 metres in the obvious steep gully on climber's right heading up to the Col between Helena Peak and the East Outlier. From the Col, we will ascend another 250 metres up steep scree to the summit.

We will enjoy the summit views and retrace our steps to the parking lot. We will take as many breaks as needed along the way.

MANDATORY GEAR

• microspikes - essential for safely ascending and descending steep slopes with snow and ice

RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES
- appropriate clothing - Late Fall - Light or Medium wool clothing is recommended with a windbreaker/medium jacket. Cotton clothes are not good. Jeans are not good.
- gaiters - to keep snow out of your shoes/boots
- hiking poles - useful for the steep ascent and descent sections
- gloves/toque/balaclava - cooler temperatures, especially in the morning
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- hat/cap
- personal first aid kit
- snacks/lunch
- water/warm drink (recommend 2 litres of water)

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

Suggested Ride Sharing Fee: $20

This hike will be a major workout but with beautiful views as the payoff!