Forgetmenot Ridge North Summit (Microspikes Mandatory)

Trail Name: Forgetmenot Ridge North Summit (Click the link for the AllTrails Route.)
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Trailhead meet-up time: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 9:00 am
Location: Little Elbow 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 12 people, including myself.

NOTE: *Microspikes Mandatory* - The entire trail is expected to be icy with recent snow fall and overnight freezes.

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

NOTE: Difficulty - This is a Moderate-Hard hike. Steady ascent with a couple of steeper section to gain the ridge. Once on the ridge, there is a straightforward ridge walk. Snow and ice will make the trail trickier than in Summer.

Another windy day forecasted for Saturday, so let's aim for a lower objective! Forgetmenot Ridge offers great views of the Little Elbow valley with a relatively quick approach.

Trail Details
Distance: Approx. 11 km (Out-and-Back)
Elevation gain: Approx. 750 meters
Time: Approx. 5 hours (including breaks)

Trail Description:
From the parking lot, we will walk south towards the bridge to cross the Little Elbow River. Once across the bridge, we will walk through the forest and cross the second creek drainage to reach the base of the ridge.

The trail initially ascends up a drainage before turning climber's left to the spine of the ridge. We will continue up the spine of the ridge, navigating forest sections and also some brief scree/boulder sections. The trail will eventually get more gradual as we near the upper forest near the summit ridge - we will then trend climber's left to gain the ridge and walk to the summit. We will enjoy the summit views and retrace our steps to the parking lot.

MANDATORY GEAR

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

RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES
- appropriate clothing - Early Winter - Medium wool clothing is recommended with a windbreaker/medium jacket. Waterproof pants and boots are important in winter. 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 1-2 litres of water)

Ride Sharing:
Suggested Ride Sharing Fee: $15

Join us for a fun shorter hike with pleasant views of the Little Elbow Valley!