Blakiston drainage North


    
 
May 21, 2022
 
Elevation gain:    590 m
Round-trip time:  4.5 hours
 
Solo scramble and snowshoe.
 
A dismal weather forecast is always a good excuse to explore new terrain, without the summit of anything as a goal. On this cloudy day I chose a drainage on the north side of Mount Blakiston. The drainage did lead to a significant peak northeast of Blakiston’s summit, however, I had no delusion of being able to ascend over 1200 metres of elevation with all the snow presently residing on the peak.
 
After hiking about a kilometre past Blakiston Falls, I forded Blakiston Creek, and started up the drainage. Right off the bat I was pleasantly surprised to encounter multiple cascades of water, running down red argillite rock. Three minutes up the drainage and the trip moved onto my “Repeat with perfect weather” list! Some foliage encased in ice also provided scenic interest and a few photos ops.
 
Eventually, the rock scenery gave way to snow scenery - on with the snowshoes. I was able to ascend a decent portion of the peak, but the summit of that highpoint would have made for an epically long day on increasingly dangerous terrain – no thanks; time to retreat.
 
A surprisingly good day out and I will return with clearer skies and less snow.

Approaching Blakiston Falls



Time to ford Blakiston Creek



The drainage is red argillite magic right from the start



It is also cascades and waterfalls throughout























Approaching a very scenic waterfall



Direct Sun and blue sky would definitely enhance the red rock



Closing in



Same as above



The waterfall



Distracted by some ice-encased foliage



Close-up



Even closer







Back to the waterfall



This one reminded me of something from the movies Aliens or The Thing















Looking across the valley to Anderson Peak's east summit



At times, staying in the drainage was not possible


    








More ice-encased stuff







This one was especially cool with the red argillite behind it























Snowshoe time



Close-up of the northeast highpoint of Mount Blakiston



Anderson again and my snowshoe track



The bluest sky of the day. Unfortunately it wouldn't last.



Good path between these rock outcrops



The distant summit block of Blakiston



Definitely still winter at this elevation



Lost Mountain, Mount Bauerman, and Kishenina Peak join the view



Close-up



About as high as I made it



View to the north



View to the west



Lone Mountain at the left



Round 2 of red argillite magic on descent







One advantage of the snow is that it makes spotting bear prints very easy



Back near the beginning of the drainage



Ready to recross Blakiston Creek



Back on the other side, with a parting look at the route and Mount Blakiston

The End

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