If the time is available to go beyond Plateau of the Lakes, then a climb to Long Hill and/or Trophy 2 is recommended, especially for the added views and just getting to the top of the mountain.

To go up Long Hill (west of the plateau), go beyond the last lake underneath Trophy 2, and aim to the high col (lowest point) on the ridge.    Stay to the left of the stream and wind up the grassy slopes.   The final 150m is on rock.   Views of the Murtle Plateau, Mahood Lake and the Cariboo Mountains beyond greet the hiker.   To summit Long Hill turn left and climb for 10 minutes up to the cairn.   The route to the right goes over the final section of  Long Hill on the way to Trophy 2.   It is mostly hiking on a rock slope which can be slippery in wet conditions and cold in windy conditions.    It is a fairly easy traverse on a broad slope over to Trophy 2.

You can go directly up Trophy 2 by going through the col to the west end of the ridge, or you can go up Long Hill first.   They are about equal difficulty, but Long Hill will add some distance and time.   There is no discernible trail to the col so aim at the steepest section, then angle upwards to the left staying on grassy ledges to the lowest point.   Once in the col, the broad ridge of Trophy 2 is a slow climb across loose rock.   The ridge becomes narrower near the top and the back side has some significant drop-offs.   At the top is a small shelter (from the wind) built from rocks and a cairn.   There are wonderful 360 degree views of Trophy 1, seven of the 9 Trophy Peaks, Cwem Cwm Lake (more on this area in a subsequent post), Raft Mountain, Table Mountain, Battle Mountain, Stevens Lakes, Kostal Peak, Pyramid Mountain, and the Monashees and glaciated Premiers Range beyond.    For most hikers, this will be the end destination.

There is a route down between Trophy 2 and Trophy 1 that can be hiked/scrambled.   It looks formidable (see the photo), but we found it to be reasonable in dry conditions.   Because much of the rock is covered in a black algae, it becomes slippery in wet conditions.   We summited Trophy 2, traversed to Trophy 1, then came down the southeast ridge to Cwem Cwem Lake, then crossed the gully back to Plateau of the Lakes.   This is an ambitious route and the traverse would probably be called an alpinists’ route (scrambling).

For most hikers, a climb to the col on Trophy 2 is rewarding enough and the trek up to the peak adds time, but is a reasonable objective.

We have even skied up to the col in May because the slope (below the col) is not too steep, nor prone to avalanche, but watch out for cornices on the north side.

Put Trophy 2 on your must-do list!

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