Tracking a Grzzly

October 24, 2012, Grizzly Bears still roam in the mountains in the snow. At least that is what my brother Ken and I observed on our hike over the Akamina Pass and into to Forum Falls.

We started out our hike on this day at the barricade on the Cameron Lake road in about 5 inches of fresh snow and as we got into the upper elevations the snow depth was closer to a foot. The freshly fallen snow provided perfect conditions for studying animal tracks. My brother and I find great interest and satisfaction in interpreting the tracks we find. Mostly it is speculation as to what made the track and when they were made. As we got close to the top of the Akamina Pass we encountered a new set of tracks coming out of the trees and onto the trail. We had no trouble identifying them as Grizzly Bear tracks. 

It was encouraging that the tracks were heading away from us.  Ken’s comment was “is it a good Idea to keep going?”. My reply was to the effect that this isn't the first time I have followed fresh Grizzly tracks in the snow,the other occasion would have been on a hike in 1992, in early September, while on a hike into the Nigel Pass in Banff National park, Ken and I looked up the trail we saw the tracks but no bear so decided "well there are the tracks and I don’t see the bear so it should be okay to walk as far as we can see". We became a little more cautious if it looked like the tracks went back into the trees. Then I would move ahead more vigilantly until I was certain the tracks went on down the trail. We followed the tracks this way for about a kilometre. Just before the junction where the trail to Forum Lake and Forum Falls starts the bear tracks formed a 'J' and it was clear to us that the bear had turned to look back down the trail in our direction. We were pretty sure the bear was close enough to be aware of us. The tracks continued on the trail toward the campsite area and Ken and I took the trail to Forum Falls.

 As for me I had confidence that since the bear was heading steadily away from us it had little concern with our presents. If this bear was digging or had been feeding I would have left the area the way I came.

Seeing Forum Falls subdued by it’s encasement of fall ice and snow was a pleasant scene.

On the hike back we saw a Three Towed Woodpecker.

When we reached the Akamina Pass trail head  decided to hike over to Cameron Lake. At Cameron Lake we observed some water fowl on the lake. There is a Nuttal’s Cottontail Rabbit living around the information buildings. Next we walked the trail to Akamina Lake and observed a Dipper working the shore where Cameron Creek exits the lake. The Dipper is a curious site as it walks in and out of the frigid water, it regularly completely submerges itself as it forages for submerged aquatic insects.

On the hike back we took the trail through the trees instead of the road. More drama was apparent on this trail where the track of a fox and a Snowshoe Hare meet and the gate of the hare clearly changes to great leaps and continues that way until it takes an abrupt turn and vanishes into the underbrush.

I can walk for hours in the woods and never see a thing but when walking after a fresh snow fall the tracks in the snow give me proof there is an abundances of activities happening by the creatures who make this place their home. Ample reason for me to tread lightly and be a respectful guest of my unseen hosts.

Total distance = about 11 km. in about 5 hours 15 minutes.

Ascent was about 729 ft, max. elevation 5953 ft.

The Leprechaun Trail

Oct. 13, 2012, I am in the interior of British Columbia staying in a ski hut at a place called Grizzly Den with my 2 older brothers. The day before yesterday we drove the Hungry Creek forestry road to the trail head and then hiked the 6.5 km into the hut. Yesterday was a snow day but by today the snow had stopped falling and much of the snow on the ground was already melting.

From the ski hut there is a day hike I have wanted to do on past visits to this place and today would be my chance to check out the trail. The trail is called the Leprechaun Trail. We started our hike at about 8:30 AM by walking back down the Grizzly Den trail to the Leprechaun trail junction.

Just by a wet meadow on the Grizzly Den trail a Rough Legged hawk silently swooped by and perched in a near by evergreen tree. As the three of us were observing the hawk a Merlin swooped in, dove at the Rough Legged hawk and drove it from its perch. As the larger Rough Legged Hawk retreated the smaller and much more maneuverable Merlin gave chase and they soon disappeared from view down the slope and across the meadow. In moments both birds reappeared from the direction they had gone, the Merlin still tenaciously pursuing the larger, less maneuverable Rough Legged. They swooped back past us and disappeared up the trail into the woods. As we proceeded on our way down the trail we speculated about what would provoke an attack on the larger by a smaller bird but we were not able to come to any solid conclusions. The best we could come up with was the Merlin was defending its territory.
 Several hundred metres down the trail we flushed a grouse off the trail and into a tree. We know there are three species of grouse in this area the Ruff grouse, Blue grouse and the Spruce grouse. I am reasonably sure this was a Blue Grouse. 
The Leprechaun trail is a steady hike up through evergreen woods. Much of yesterday' s snow was gone as there was no snow below about 5000 feet. As we hiked up the trail and we got back into some snow. Hiking in fresh snow facilitates the chance to observe what has and is happening in the woods and who or what resides there. As we moved along the trail we observed tracks of squirrel, marten, grouse and weasel. I noticed a burrow with tracks in and out. Maybe a Martin. Is this where it lives or was it just checking it out as part of it's hunt for food?

The Leprechaun ridge and the peak were windy but afforded us a grand view. The descent of the peak is steep and rugged but it isn't far down to Pat's Pass. We had some lunch in the shelter of trees then hiked up to Pat's Peak and another great view.

By mid afternoon we were back at the hut with good memories of a very satisfying hike.

The total hike was 7.21 km over about 5 hours.

Total ascent 2055 feet.

Maximum elevation 6169 feet.

 For more information about where the Grizzly Den and Raven Lake trails are and how to get there go to: http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Raven-Lake-near-Prince-George-BC-2741