24.03.2019
Golden Ears were finally opened after a month of no access and even that it could be already low snow level I decided to try this hike.
If you ever had those thoughts - 'what I'm doing here?' and 'never again!' - these were mine firstly during numerous non-trivial creeks crossings reaching the ascent ridge, secondly battling with blowdown trees on that steep ridge ascent and thirdly facing icy rock formations on the final 150m to the col.
Overall - it was fun, and of course with time you'll only remember final sun lights as sunset and great views from the summit facing Robie Reid and all the neighbouring mountains.
After reading the few available trip reports - starting at 11km beach seemed like the best option.
Few creek crossings starting from Thistle beach (at 6.4km) and Halfmoon beach (11km ) required some time to find a suitable log across a creek and then balancing art to not to fall off that log. Add to that few blowdowns to cross and as a result it took me close to 5 hours of almost levelled travel to reach the planned ascent starting point.
Going up the ridge was a little better - no creek crossing, no snow at all until 800m elevation but lots of blown down trees to managed. You do need to stay on the ridge between two creeks as right creek has some waterfalls. Steepness levels a bit around 800m elevation. This is where snow appears again, was time to put snowshoes back on and cross the creek (or creeks) to the right (south) and continue ascent on the left side of the creek (all direction from going up). Initially I went too far right (almost reaching another creek) and end up with big icy rocks above me. I had to backtrack a bit and followed a narrow and very steep gully up south of the col.
That 800m ascent over 4 km took me almost another 3 hours, but finally I've reached the col just in time for the sunset.
Initially I was planning to hike the Martyn the same day to have enough time the next day to descent and leave the park before gate is closed, but it was too late, so I just setup camp a little up on the way to the Martyn.
The next day started hiking as early as I could keeping in mind park's hours. From the col path to the summit was obvious and even pleasant - snow was crispy and holding good, no wind, views started to show the surrounding mountains.
It's a little short of 2 km from the col to the summit. There were huge cornices on the west side so I had to keep a safe distance from the edge. No ice, so snowshoes and poles were good enough.
Going down was much easy and faster. I mostly followed my steps just close to the trail went a bit left bypassing some of the blowdowns around 11 km (did not help much as the whole area within that beach is mostly blowdowns with creeks running between them).
I waded that creek at 6.4 km as was not concerned to to keep my feet dry.
Was at parking lot around 4:30 pm with enough time to reach park gate before its closed.
Noticed a lots of cars parked on 'overflow' lot and wherever there was a level spot - looked the same as during nice summer days. Probably lots of people missed Golden Ears and took advantage of the first opened weekend :)
Note: If anyone will plan this hike - please do you own homework and do not overestimate your abilities. Hopefully attached GPS will help in your planning, but your mileage and path will vary based on your current conditions.
Have fun and stay safe!
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