The trail begins from Illecillewaet Campground. A well-marked Parks Canada trail leads up to the start of the ridge. Beyond the end of the official trail, the route is mostly easy scrambling with a short section of moderate scrambling just before the peak of the ridge. It’s possible to continue from Abbott Ridge to the summit of Mount Afton, but the weather did not cooperate for us and we turned back at the peak of Abbott Ridge.
Starting out the day crossing the Illecillewaet River, gazing up at another popular day hike in the area: Glacier Crest.The beginning of the hike passes around the relics of Glacier House, a historic railway stop which ceased operation in 1928.An easy trail leads past Marion Lake. Roughly 300 m past Marion Lake we kept right at a Y to take the direct route straight up. If physical fitness is a concern, the more gradual path to the left looks easier.We were treated to the authentic BC experience. Our route took us up and into thick clouds for most of the day.After passing though a meadow, a few short switch-backs lead the ridge.The misty cliff to the left is the start of the ridge. The trail bypasses around to the right and then gains the easier west side.Past the cliff, we turn left with the trail and easily walk up the gentle slope.The rocky, interesting terrain begins once on the ridge.Continuing south along the ridge. The steep slope to the left had been above us when hiking in through the meadow. The trail had bypassed around the toe of the ridge to gain the easier right side.The official Parks Canada trail ends approximately here. Beyond this the route changes from hiking to scrambling. It was easy scrambling up to the dip seen ahead in the ridge. A few moves of moderate scrambling were needed to gain the peak of the ridge (right of center, in clouds). Mount Afton is in clouds at the far right.Looking back at Dan as he follows me along the ridge.Looking forward, typical travel along most of the ridge.The clouds cleared just enough to catch a glimpse of the peak of Abbott Ridge (center) and Mount Afton (right).Crossing the dip in the ridge to the start of the moderate scrambling.Looking back as Dan crosses the dip in the ridge.Beginning the scramble up to the peak of the ridge. The last few moves to gain the peak of the ridge are on smooth sloping slab. The moves are moderate, but any moisture would make this section difficult. We evaluated and decided to scramble up, tag the peak of the ridge only, and then get back down this section within 5 minutes. Continuing on to Mount Afton wouldn’t be reasonable in these conditions.Dan follows up the slab ramp.One quick photo of “the summit views”.Immediately returning back down the slab ramp section.Dan follows back down the slab ramp. The route poses no issues when dry and we made sure to get back down it while it remained dry.Returning to the dip in the ridgeI continue north along the ridge, disappearing into the mist.As we neared the official trail we were surprised to hear several voices. The toe of the ridge held a couple dozen hikers breaking for lunch. This trail is much more popular than our early start had led us to believe.Hiking back out through the meadow below the ridge, looking across the valley to Avalanche Mountain.One last glimpse of the toe of Abbott Ridge. The trail avoids the cliff bands by circling around to the right side of this photo.
The peak of Abbott Ridge was a worthy objective on its own. We hope to eventually head back in clear skies to also bag Mount Afton. But, having both grown up in BC, we know what a rare occurrence clear skies are! We considered ourselves lucky that the rain held off long enough for us to summit Abbott Ridge and were happy to be back in our dry vehicle by the afternoon.
Peak Bliss 