Sun, Jul 10 2016 - Mist Mountain Hot Springs (View Event Details) Event Coordinator(s): (To see who coordinated the hike, log in to the Member Area) Participants: (To see who hiked, log in to the Member Area)

  The forecast called for light rain in the morning and
thunderstorms in the afternoon. What we got was mixed sun and
cloud with light winds. It was a marvelous day!
And it is yet another example of never letting a weather forecast
get in the way of a great day in the mountains.
On the way up to Mist Mountain Hot Springs, we followed the well
worn trail to the grassy col and stopped to look at our
destination. Mist Mountain Hot Springs was a clearly visible
rusty, orange patch 2 km away on the slopes of Mist Mountain. We
turned left from the col and climbed higher onto the scree slopes.
On the scree we diverged from the route normally taken to scramble
Mist Mountain and took the lower route to the drainage below. At
times it was difficult to see a trail in the scree, but we did
follow a faint path to the small, fast flowing stream below. There
was a small snow bridge crossing the stream perched at a steep
angle. We carefully crossed the snow bridge and, once it was
completed by all 6 of us, we vowed not to use it on the way back. The
hard packed snow was just too slippery to risk another crossing.
We navigated another scree slope and then dropped down to the
hot springs.
  Mist Mountain hot springs are really just two small pools. The
upper pool can accommodate 3 bathers and the lower pool just 1 bather.
Giles got there first and, with the aid of a cowboy hat for
modesty, went "euro-style" into the small hot springs. He was
joined, in bathing attire, by Lynn and Linda. Myself, Louise and
Lorna soaked in the lower pool. We had a lovely time enjoying the
warm water and beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.
  As I was putting on my boots I bumped my pack and sent it
rolling down the steep slope below the springs. It rolled in the
hot stream for one hundred meters, over a small waterfall, coming
to rest in the stream. I was very lucky that I had my camera in my
hand at the time or else in would have been ruined. Fortunately, everything
else in the bag was waterproof or washable.
  While we were packing up to leave a group of young scramblers came to
the hot spring. They were unaware of the existence springs but saw
us from a distance and decided to investigate. Soon they too were
enjoying the warm waters and stunning view.
We took a different route back which was easier and more direct. I
mapped the route on my gps (the route will be posted) for future
reference.
  I think it's safe to say "a good time was had by all" on this
trip to Mist Mountain Hot Springs. Many thanks to the great group
of people that joined this hike and put up with the exploratory
nature of this trip. Giles, and the four L's: Linda, Louise, Lorna and
Lynn. Thank you!

Password for the photosite is: Louise

Jim Baillies