Once established at Quiniscoe Lake, there are two premier hikes, although they can be combined into one long day (14 km) and can be done in either direction.   The Cathedral Rim hike offers a good route up to the rim of the bowl above the lakes of the park.   To do this hike in a counter-clockwise direction, start at the parking lot behind the lodge and look for the Scout Lake trailhead.   Follow this trail through the forest and stay left at the junction until you reach Scout Lake.   Take the left fork again to start the climb up Scout Ridge.   At the next junction, stay left.   The right fork joins the Wall Creek/Centennial Trail (a 20km trail down to the Upper Ashnola River).  A fork (right) off the Wall Creek/Centennial  Trail is called the Diamond Trail, a loop around Scout Mountain.   Scout Ridge lies at 7200 feet and is a wonderful place for wildflowers, tarns, and generous views.

It should be noted that trail guides, topo maps,  and BC Parks don't agree on the names of the mountains.   On this topo map, you can see 3 peaks surrounding the bowl above Quiniscoe Lake, and it names the peak to the north as Red Mountain, but all other sources call this Scout Peak and the one named Quiniscoe Mountain as Red Mountain.    The third peak to the Southwest is unnamed.

We have seen this a number of times.   We can rely on the physical features on a government-issued top mapo, but names and placement of minor roads can be inaccurate.   Try to use several sources for any hike in the wilderness.

The route up and down Red Mountain is not always well-marked.  Look for cairns amongst the ragged, barren broken basalt and talus slopes.   The top of Red Mountain is fairly flat and good spot for lunch.    Quiniscoe Lake lies below, and the other lakes can be seen sparkling in the sun.   The ragged ridge of mountains to the southeast invites more hiking.    Grimface, Macabre, Matriarch, and Denture Ridge are scrambles.    Boxcar Mountain can be accessed by trail from Goat Creek.   Border Peaks to the south and the Cascades show that the area is remote and mountainous.

From Red Mountain, pick your way down through the rocks for the first part, then follow the cairns down to the saddle.   From the saddle, there is another steep climb to the top of Quiniscoe Mountain, which is also called Bomford Mountain.    This is the highest point on the Rim at 8370 feet.   There are two rocky summits and open views to every direction.   Follow the cairns down to the saddle on Cathedral Ridge.    At the lowest point of the saddle, a trail descends down to Glacier Lake and back to camp.