Isabelle Peak

Isabelle Peak – August 6, 2006

Mountain height:   2938 m
Elevation gain:      1535 m
Ascent time:          7:00
Descent time:        4:40

Scrambling with Linda.

Isabelle Peak is a terrific little scramble. Though the approach is long, it is on a well-defined and gently angled trail, which nets you almost half of the day’s total elevation gain. Linda and I leisurely made our way up the trail, enjoying the shade of the trees, on this warm, clear, and calm day. Once on the actual mountain, Kane promises good scrambling and that’s exactly what we got. The initial gully was very enjoyable to ascend, on step-like rock and the view all around was impressive, even at a relatively low elevation.

Higher up, I decided to leave the gully and explore interesting pinnacle-like terrain on the right side of the gully. Linda continued up towards the ridge on steeper terrain. Both of us enjoying more great hands-on scrambling, we would soon meet up and ascend the upper section of the scenic ridge. Eventually, we reached a height where the best view of the day awaited – the beautiful, rounded contour of glaciated Mount Ball . We were booth surprised at how much glaciation remained on the peak, especially given that it is west-facing.

From a distance, the crux appeared to be long, steep, and exposed. It was, but only for the first few metres. After that, the grade was easier and the scrambling, yet again, satisfying. We arrived at the summit shortly after and sat down to enjoy what should have been an awesome summit panorama. It was, but very suddenly and unexpectedly, the scenic peaks to the west and south started to disappear into a thick haze – our great nemesis had returned – forest fire smoke. Assiniboine , that had dominated the view to the south, became a faint outline and Sir Douglas completely vanished. Nevertheless, close by Mount Ball continue to impress and we did get a good look at the Goodsirs and the stunning Rockwall before the smoke enshrouded them.

After a peaceful and relaxing summit stay, we headed north along the ridge to check out a potential route to the summit of Mount Ball . The traverse may have been possible, but not without far more time, glacier gear, and some climbing gear perhaps. On descent, we chose to avoid the crux ascent gully, by traversing further right into a scree gully. Linda expertly traversed across and down an exposed ledge and into the gully, where a very fast escape onto easier terrain was possible. I followed and we continued down. On the way Linda, spotted a small, but very exposed pinnacle along the edge of the ridge and clambered up the sparse rock to bag it.

Descending some of the rock was actually almost as enjoyable as ascending it – a very rare case. Soon, we were back to the initial gully, and then onto the trail and a long, but easy walk back to the car. A most enjoyable scramble and wonderful day out. Thanks for suggesting it, Linda!