29.07.2017
We didn't make it to the summit, but this looks like a gorgeous destination. The meadows and valley are stunningly picturesque. We turned around at the first big tarn/lake we came to, about 500 m off the pass. We'll definitely be back, but will allocate a whole day to enjoy and explore. It's also a good excuse to circumnavigate Tenquille Lake too :-)
We followed Matt Gunn's description of the route which is still accurate and now easier to follow. The trail is in excellent shape (and follows part of the Owl-Tenquille traverse). The junction at the tree stump is now marked with a sign saying "Barbour's Valley": take that trail. Also, where he mentions turning right off the trail up into the meadows below Barbour, there is now a well-established trail which seems well used by mountain bikers.
The trail does cross two creeks, the second of which can run deep enough to fill your boots (it's the creek that drains the meadows below Barbour). I'm sure it would be less of an issue later in the season. Currently there is one large fallen tree blocking the trail near one of the creek crossings mentioned in the book. Here the slope is very steep making it very difficult to go around; going under is only an option for dogs or small children. It's possible to get over, but it's a bit tricky, especially if you don't have long legs!
Other cool features of the trail include old mining claims and other artefacts, and the ruins of a prospector's cabin (possibly Barbour's himself).
Flowers: see my main Tenquille Lake report. Lots in the meadows.
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