30.08.2017
Trail was in great condition. There are a few large trees down in the first 2 km's that you have to scramble over, and a wooden bridge that has a decent sized hole in it. After that the trail is clear of debris, and well maintained.
Started at Strawberry Flats, and hiked the Skyline Trail I to the junction, then took Skyline II to Mowich Camp. This involved hiking through Despair Pass, which earned it's name. You think you make it, and then you turn a corner and its more switchbacks.
The first section is in the trees, with no views and is a gentle, but constant uphill hike.
Then you pass through a gorgeous valley, full of wildflowers, bees, and your first real views.
Then it starts to have more challenging uphill sections, mostly because it opens up out of the trees, and the sun is a little less forgiving.
You get a nice level section for a bit, but it is also a very narrow trail, with steep dropoffs. But the view is breathtaking along this stretch.
At the junction you can go up to continue the Skyline I trail loop to Lightning Lake, or go down into Despair Pass along the Skyline II trail. Down we went, and then it was 45 minutes of unforgiving switchbacks.
You pop out with some amazing views of neighbouring mountains, and a great spot to take a lunch break.
We called it quits here, as we started later in the day, and wanted to make it back to Strawberry Flats before it started getting dark.
Trail is challenging, but definitely worth it.
Decent amount of people on the trail for a Saturday hike, so we never felt alone.
Saw a bobcat or a lynx at the beginning of the trail, lots of furry woodland creatures, and bees/wasps - but no mosquitoes.
Around 12km each way.
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