One of the first routes to clear and dry up in early spring is an off-trail route up a series of open ridges to the top of the Pimple.   This up-and back hike is 6.64 km and climbs 545m (1788 feet).   Along the way are wide-open views of the Tranquille River Valley, the flanks of Mount Mara and Mt. Wheeler, the Thompson River Valley, and the hills above the Dewdrop Range.   We started our hike at the bottom, on a short pullout road a little way around the corner and up from the bridge crossing of the river.

 

The first part of the route is on a double track which climbs up through the hills.   Although we started in cloudy weather, the skies cleared on the way back down.

 

 

Part way up the hill, we left the double track, descended into a gully and climbed the ridge closer to the Tranquille River Valley,   We stayed on this ridge all the way to the top. Across the canyon to the east were the open Tranquille – Mara Hills and Mount Mara 4 km away.

 

As we climbed higher we looked east into Pruden Pass, the low point between Mount Mara and Wheeler Mountain.

 

Even higher up, we were above some grassland benchlands on the west side of the river.   A few windswept trees stood in gullies or on protected spots.

 

Near the top, we went to the west side of The Pimple and followed a steep scree slope to the summit, where we had lunch and enjoyed the views.

We passed a number of ecozones on the way up, with some wildflowers near the bottom and lichens and mosses higher up on the edge of the douglas fir forested areas.   Hover your cursor for a caption or click an image for a larger view.

 

 

This route requires some fitness and good boots and poles would help, especially in steep spots.   Some navigation is required but in general hikers just stay close to the edge of the canyon all the way up and back down.

• Start – N50° 43.787′ W 120° 31.548′ W
• Scenic Overlook – N50° 44.815′ W 120° 31.488′ W
• Top – N50° 45.060′ W 120° 31.339′