Mt. Kerr
Mt. Kerr is the highest peak in the Marble Range at 7480 feet. It is a challenging route since it is a 22 km out-and back hike. The trailhead is the same one we use for Mt. Bowman or Wild Horse Ridge (links at the bottom). The approach is on a high-clearance track which follows the power line and ends at 11 Mile Creek, the stream between Mt. Bowman and Mad Dog Mountain. The forested trail is a good one, but could use some deadfall clearing. The first 3 km goes east, following the north side of the stream to a junction. The left turn goes up Mt. Bowman; the right (straight) turn continues to Wild Horse Ridge, passing through a burned forest (2009).
As the trail climbs to Wild Horse Ridge, we can look back (west) down the valley between the mountains. The Edge Hills, the Fraser River (below), and the Camelsfoot Range all lie west of the Marble Range.
Ahead, the trail ascends onto Wild Horse Ridge, then goes over a series of ridges to Mt. Kerr, to the southeast. There is no trail for much of the route, but there are no trees either so we just follow the ridgelines, always climbing.
On a clear day the route is clear, but it is still a long hike to the summit.
From the highest point parts of Wild Horse Ridge are series of barren ridges with lots of up-and-down hiking, but no scrambling is needed.
Most sides of Mt. Kerr have ragged limestone faces. It would be shorter to attempt Mt. Kerr from the east, but the approach from the west is long, but more reasonable.
An outlier peak of Mt. Kerr would require some scrambling and some exposure on the final pitches, so we left this for an equipped party on another ascent.
Along the way were wildflowers in the forest, on the ridges, and above treeline on a warm day in late June.
 single delight |
 globe flower |
 agoseris |
 mountain avens |
This longer hike has many wonderful views of remote and rugged peaks of the Marble Range. To our southwest is the 8 km Lime Ridge, a return hike planned for next year.
We have hiked all of the designated trails in the Marble Range, but there are more routes to add over the coming years.
More Information:
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