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Sawback Trail :: Baker Lake/Skoki |
GPS Track |
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Northernmost part of Sawback Trail and arguable the most scenic section. Skoki is super scenic destination, frequently visited as day-hike (or backpack) from Fish Creek parking lot; I hike here at least couple of times each year, including mandatory September Golden larch trip. It is serious scenic overload and if you decided to backpack Sawback trail S-N direction it will truly be "save the best for last" thing. Baker Lake (SK 11) back-country campground is quite popular and it is hard to book space in prime season though. I've camped in SK 11 and while facilities are not as nice (bear hangs instead of metal boxes, tent sites too cramped and uneven) location is hard to beat. Sipping coffee by Baker Lake in a calm morning is very special. Even if you don't hike Sawback trail I fully recommend visit to Baker Lake -- either as day-hike or backpack. From the campground trail follows north side of Baker Lake, then climbs ~100m vertical to Ptarmigan Lake valley above. Skoki trail descending from Deception Pass intersects here. At far end of Ptarmigan Lake is Boulder Pass, and while often windy, it is more than worth planning lunch break here - classic view back east across the Lake to Fossil Peak and distant Sir Douglas is one of best in the Rockies. Last Highlight is Halfway Hut log cabin, recognized Federal Heritage Building. Trail then dips below treeline and finally reaches Temple Road at Ski Area. Last bit is unavoidable road walk - ~4.3km and ~350m vertical. In the past it was possible to hitch a ride from lodge maintenance trucks but this is not the case anymore in my experience - be prepared to walk.
Note: Gallery pics are from different Skoki day-hikes and shown in reverse order (Baker Lake -> Fish Creek) |
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 Baker Lake Outlet
Outlet of Baker Lake with Brachiopod Mtn (Kane) reflected in calm water. Lots of very nice wondering can be done in meadows to the left |
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 Baker Meadows
East end of Baker Lake near SK11 campground looking towards Skoki core area. Ptarmigan Peak center. This photo illustrates why it is good idea to backpack into Baker Lake, even if not hiking whole Sawback Trail |
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 Baker Reflections
Hiking around north end of Baker Lake on a very calm Autumn Day with first dusting on snow on peaks above |
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 Baker Panorama
Looking back to Baker Lake as trail gains ~100m vertical to Ptarmigan Cirque |
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 Ptarmigan Lake
View of Redoubt Peak from shores of Ptarmigan Lake heading over to Boulder Pass (extreme center right) |
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 Boulder Pass
Classic view at Ptarmigan Lake from Boulder Pass with Fossil Peak behind. Main Skoki trail is on left side |
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 Halfway Hut
Halfway Hut Heritage Cabin near Hidden Lake junction, roughly 40min from Temple Road |
Abstract
| Overall Difficulty | D3 | Trail hiking with couple of moderately steep sections. Bridged creek crossings. Trail shared with horses past Deception Pass junction | |||
| Snow Factor | S2 | You are not likely to do Sawback Trail in winter, but snowshoeing or skiing into Skoki is very popular. There is no avalanche danger and trail is often compacted by Skoki lodge snowmobiles | |||
| Scenery | Lakes, lakes lakes! And larches in Autumn. Personal favourite Rockies area. | ||||
| Trail/Marking | Excellent | Official park maintained trail with bridged creek crossings and marked junctions. | |||
| Suggested Time | 4-5 hrs | Moderate pace with heavy overnight backpack (If dayhiking from Fish Creek I've been able to get to Baker Lake SK11 in less than 3 hours, but 3.5 - 4 is average. There is little difference in respect to direction | |||
| Elevation | Start: 2240m (Baker Lake) Max: ~2350m End: ~2020m (Temple Lodge) Total: +150m -370m | Distance: 9.5km (Temple Lodge) | |||
| Gear | Overnight gear | ||||
| Water | Besides lakes, reliable and good water source is Corral creek just below Halfway Hut. Carry 0.5 - 1L | ||||
| Dog Friendly | Yes | When dayhiking into Skoki, please keep dogs under control as this is prime grizzly bear country and for consideration to other hikers. Otherwise don't bring dogs on backpack trips (Sawback or other) | |||
Sawback - Baker Lake/Skoki GAIA Map
Sawback - Baker Lake/Skoki Elevation Profile