Fudd

One of my favorite destinations for a short or long day hike is west fork of Kokanee Creek. It is one of the odd microclimates that we find in this area; it rains there when it isn't raining elsewhere. The valley is shallow with a creek, lots of water so the flowers are quite nice, and many songbirds nest there. And best of all is that I rarely if ever run into other people. 

It has been a destination for back country skiers, giving access to many good runs, and for the more adventurous access to draws running down to Lemon Creek, Sitkum Creek, and ridges leading into Kokanee Park. 

A few weeks ago I was surprised to find an information board, and lots of work on the trails, even a ski cabin.

The South Selkirk Backcountry Association (SSBA on Facebook) are the people doing the work, and responsible for the cabin. Contact them if you would like to use the cabin, and please respect the work they have done.

I took advantage of their work on trails above the cabin to get to a very nice alpine meadow. 

The meadow was about two hours hike from the parking area, an elevation gain of just short of 500 meters. There is lots of water, and I enjoyed watching the Pikas.

I saw bear and elk tracks, and evidence of wolves and some kind of cat that was enjoying making meals of the Pikas and marmots who live on the hill sides. Almost every time I have visited this area I have heard large mammals thrashing through the bush, likely elk. Be prepared for bears as well.

I started the day late, so had to hurry down before it got dark. There are other meadows to explore, and I would like to try to get up there in the late fall and see the snow.