After two previous trips up to Deeks Lake and being denied the summit of Deeks Peak and Mount Windsor due to magical mesmerizing powers of the lake (first trip) and inclement weather (second trip), I finally summitted yesterday.
The sun was shining on a beautiful day, young and full of hubris (perhaps an inherent characteristic associated with age) I thought I would summit both Deeks Peak and Mt. Windsor, but that didn't happen.
I was making pretty good time. I got up to Deeks Lake in 1.5 hours, (from the Porteau Cove parking lot) but I got lesson in humility after Deeks Lake. The trail leading up to Mt. Windsor, from Deeks Lake, is uphill the whole way, steep grade too; my legs were getting tired, due to the little rest I had given them. Pace yourself for this hike, you'll need your legs for the descent.
The trail leading up to Deeks Lake is pretty well marked. Once at the lake go left, it's short flat section passing by a couple of obvious camping areas right by the water. You'll quickly come in to a clearing, which is a small boulder field; go right and follow the markers up to the col between Deeks Peak and Mt. Windsor. Go left for Deeks Peak or right for Mt. Windsor from the col; you can also go to Peak 5400, there's a marker indicating the turn off.
Once at the foot of Mt. Windsor's summit it's steep snowfield all the way up. If you plan to do this hike anytime soon bring an ice axe or ski poles. I hadn't anticipated so much snow, seeing the steep grade of the snowfield, I had to find an alternative route up. I opted reach the summit by the areas where there was no snow, basically climbing steep hills using, to use Irina's term, veggie belays. The roucontinue reading »te taken by me was an inefficient one, if had an ice axe or ski poles, straight up the snowfield would be the best option.
The summit view is superlative. It's 360 degree view all around, with views of Howe Sound, The Lions, Brunswick, Peak 5400, Deeks Peak, and bunch of mountains off towards Squamish (I am still an unseasoned hiker, can't differentiate many of the Mountains). I had expected to see some North Shore Hikers up there (they had a trip planned for Mt. Windsor), but I met no one after leaving Deeks lake. I had the whole summit to myself. I felt selfish to have that amazing vista all to myself, so I think I will bring some people along next time.
Now four pieces of advice I'd like to pass on:
1. Buy an all weather emergency blanket from MEC (the one that is about $15). That thing is durable, can be used as a blanket, ad-hoc shelter, and a magic carpet slide; very helpful for your descent from Mt. Windsor.
2. Be sure to bring sunglasses, the glare of the sun bouncing off the snow was quite bad at times.
3. Bring gaiters, even before the col the trail becomes quite muddy with a few creek crossings, and then you'll like them for going up the snow.
4. Bring waterproof boots, for the same reasons as per bringing gaiters.
Total round trip time took about 8 hours, car door to car door. It would have been faster but I had to do some route planning after the col, due to my ill-preparedness (not having an ice axe/ski poles)
I would also like to say sorry, but the reports will continue to be pictureless for a bit longer, lack of financial wherewithal; I opted to buy an altimeter watch, which I need to help set a better pace during my hikes. If you would like to see some great pictures, please view Sabine's report for Mt. Windsor and Deeks Peak.
Thanks for the compliment Ahmad. I am sort of an objectivist (not as extreme as Ayn Rand, haha). I reasoned, that if I use this free site, I should add my own reports. In addition to that, I don't take pictures, so I compensate by making my reports more detailed.
I think for next week's hike it'll be another attempt at Capilano Mountain.
at 8pm Jul 18, 2010
Another enjoyable report. Thanks for sharing your experience. It is an impressive peak.
Jul 17, 2010
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I think for next week's hike it'll be another attempt at Capilano Mountain.