North Powell Divide

The North Powell Divide traverse is challenging but stunningly beautiful alpine trek through the coast mountains high above the pacific.

The route starts on a beautiful lake high above the Skawaka River. After getting dropped off we explore the are a bit before heading south towards our first camp, located just across a small glacier on yet another lake. From there we follow a series of beautiful white granite ridges past lakes, tarns and glaciers as we make our way south towards Mt. Alfred, the highest peak in the area. On day 4 we cross the large glacier on the SW shoulder of Alfred and have the opportunity of summiting before continuing on to camp. Once past Alfred we reach on of the most amazing parts of the traverse that we affectionally call the Zen Tarns: a unique expanse of natural infinity pools! Once past that zone we traverse over to Emma lake and some cached food.

From Emma lake we can exit down to a logging road as the North Powell Divide is done... OR, take a day to chill at the lake and enjoy the hut before continuing on the South Powell Divide traverse for another 3 days exiting the mountains just outside Powell River.

Trip Stats:

• Start: Birkshire Peak/Lake area
• End: Emma Lake
• Distance: 40 Km
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 4300m/4000m
• Nights Out: 4
• Days Hiking: 5
• Lakes & Ponds Visited: Way to many to count...
• Glaciers Crossed: 2

Trip Outline:

The North Powell Divide typically takes 5 days if ending at Emma Lake and 10 for the complete North and South Traverse. And while it can be done without any caches, all that food can make a backpack uncomfortably heavy. So, with that in mind, we'll drop a food and beverage cache at the half way point and another at the Emma Lake Exit, possibly even a cold beer, so you'll only have to carry a few days food at a time. Of course we can always organize a porter if you want to lighten your pack up even more. We will also catch a flight to the start of the traverse to avoid the huge approach and bushwack.

This trip involves some scrambling, glacier travel, some rappels and of course camping and everyone is expected to pack their own food and equipment. If you're looking for something a little easier check out the Sunshine Coast Trail trip which runs hut-to-hut along the sunshine coast.

Waiver & Risk Management:

As you know, outdoor activities involve numerous hazards including, but not limited to, avalanches, crevasses, rockfall, slips and falls, equipment failure, poor weather, etc. And while we do our best to anticipate and mitigate these hazards we cannot completely eliminate them. So, as with anything fun, you will be required to sign our Participant Release to take part in one of our courses or trips.