Golden Ears

We had just returned from Africa, it was September long weekend, weather forecast was good, so decided to knock off another local hike from the list. Golden ears is one that I’d had my eye on for some time, nice change from the north shore mountains we tend to focus on living in North Van.

Arrived around 9am parking lot mostly full. Pleasant relatively flat section for first couple hours. Nice view over Gold Creek lookout. Shortly after the first campsite there is a sign that says no water available beyond this point. I need to drink a lot of water hiking so that was a bit nerve racking but thankfully a downhill hiker reassured us that this was wrong at that time. Trail gets a bit steeper, loose rock. Then eventually gets a fair bit steeper for the last half. There are lots of views from here on out. Campsite (with outhouse) is right near the base of the final approach to summit. Wonderful views here. We were quite jet lagged/out of shape (safari + conference = little exercise) so decided not to summit as had to work the day after we hiked out. I think it was the right decision as were still feeling it in the legs a few days later.

The sunset and sunrise here were phenomenal. There are several reasonable spots to camp if the platforms are full. Apparently if you have more time the strategy is to camp at Alder flats Friday night, then get an early start Saturday morning, summit, and leave Sunday. Next time perhaps if anyone else convinces me to do it again.