When we go up Clearwater Lake and then up the river to Azure Lake and then east on Azure, we are going around Azure and Zodiac Mountains.   Though they rise above both lakes they are somewhat hidden and inaccessible.   From satellite imagery there are open ridges, tarns, snowfields, and rugged peaks to explore.

The first known ascent of Zodiac Mountain – “First ascent 5 September 1975, credited to D.H. Straight, Jr. and R. Tauer. “The literal meaning of… Zodiac is ‘circle of animals.’ On our expedition we saw rainbow trout, ptarmigan, lynx, porcupine and a bear in the vicinity of the mountain…” (August 1976 letter from D.H. Straight, Jr., file B.1.37)”

“Azure Lake refers to its colour. The name appeared on a map in 1914 and in the BC Gazetteer in 1930. It was sometimes also called Blue Lake. Angus Horne may have named the lake. He settled at Blue River in the North Thompson Valley in 1912 and prospected, trapped and explored in these mountains.”

Access to the alpine would be from Ivor Creek, but there is no trail so it would take all day to get onto the high ridges.     An expedition-style exploration would be required for a few days of hiking and climbing on the 8000+ ft. peaks…..