We hiked up the east side of Opax Mountain and out to the open ridge overlooking Hanging Valley.    Lava cliffs face south and above is an open grassland slope with wide views.   We drove up a side road from McQueen Lake and parked near Mud Lake.   We followed an old double track road as it climbed for 2.7 km to the south flank of the mountain.   We then turned off the track and worked our way through the forest (no trail) up a slope to the top of the ridge.  

From the open slopes the lava cliffs face south and at the brink we had fine views east into Lac du Bois Grasslands Provincial Park. 

In the previous year we had traversed the open ridges from west to east.    This time, we did a small loop route near the top of the ridge, enjoying the grassland slopes surroeunded by douglas fir forests.  

We had glimpses down to Lac du Bois and Hanging Valley.

Single wind-swept trees stood on the slope break on the ridge, part of the character of the open Opax ridge.  

The open ridge on Opax mountain is a magical spot.    Here are a few images taken while wandering about.   Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption.

On the Opax Ridge

Lac du Bois

Douglas Firs on the Fringe

A Fir Skeleton in the Meadow

From the edge of the cliffs

Opax South Meadow

From Opax to Kamloops Lake

Hanging Valley

Next year we will return to hike the western end of Opax Mountain where there are open views down into the Tranquille Canyon and Red Plateau from south and west facing lava cliffs.