Of the hikes outlined in "103 Hikes" I think Needle Peak broke my "top 10 best" list easily.
On a perfect day, I went with 4 well matched Wanderung companions to a Coquihalla trail I thought was "outside" of my dayhike driving range and expected to get back late.
The drive time really was not that bad because all of it was highway driving (no logging road, simple navigation). We had dinner on the road and still made it home by 8pm. More importantly it was well worth the effort.
Unlike many trails where 90% of the journey is a slog for a 10% payoff, this trail is 30% nice forest, and the other 70% is scenic ridge walking (with a few short scrambles thrown in). Every direction from Needle Peak is photo worthy, and though the "scrambles" did make my sphinkter pucker for a few tense moments, they really were not that bad and the exposure was minimal.
On this date, no bugs, and no snow except a few small snow patches.
We encountered a large hiking group that included well known Wanderunger Grace, and in the parking lot met up with Larry who was doing Yak peak who joined us for dinner at the Wildcat.
The only thing I can compare this hike with is one of my favourites: the Rim Trail at Cathedral Lakes. I give it a solid 2 thumbs up. Add this one to your list of trips this Summer (or even do it now as many other great destination are still under snow, but make sure you do it on a clear day).
A Wanderung trip up Needle Peak with Susanna, Robert, John, and Michelle.
Jul 24, 2010
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