We hike the trail to the western rim of Opax Mountain (Wopax) every year and try to vary the season we go up the 15km return route.   It takes a bit of careful navigating on the top to go out to the right spot, especially with all the fallen trees along the old double tracks.   Now that the route goes through the Nature Conservancy of Canada lands, gates have blocked out ATV’s and trucks.   This is a good thing.   The route is best suited for hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing and we would like to keep it that way.

From Lac du Bois the route follows the double track on the north side of the lake into Hanging Valley.   The old track going up the hill is getting harder to see, especially when the grass grows high in the spring.   It winds up the side of Opax Mountain to the wide plateau above.   From there, we bear west, but it is best to go with someone who knows the route.   It ends at the open top of cliffs overlooking Tranquille Canyon.

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Some waypoints are provided here for the route:

• Turn up the hill – N50 48.136 W120 28.479
• Follow the double track up the hill
• Turn left (west) at N50 47.716 W120 40.152
• Continue west to the area near N50 47.627 W120 31.172

The views extend south and west (you can wind around the rim to get a north view too).

The western edge of Opax is mostly open and dry.   Wispy clouds were moving over the trees.

On the way back along the upper slopes, Lac du Bois can be seen nestled in the upper grasslands.

We hope to do a snowshoe of this route this upcoming winter.   Watch for our tracks.