MOUNT VINGOLF 2585m
This is a nice mountain to climb, easy by the Dinosaur Gully route, but more difficult from the west. Shannon Lake and its environs are worth a visit on their own merits.
Difficulty: C2 (Dinosaur Gully), C3 (West ridge)
Elevation gained:
Key Elevations:
Distance:
Time:
Season: July-September
Map: 82K/4 Nakusp. Mt Vingolf is south-southeast of Shannon Lake, just east of the Northern Valhalla watershed. Northwest of Wragge Lake.
Route/Trail: Decide the route at Little Shannon Lake – Dinosaur Gully or West Ridge?
1. North Ridge. Hike the trail and once at the lake, cross the creek and immediately head up onto the north ridge. Maintain altitude on the north ridge, as it is difficult to reach the lake and the lower slopes from the ridge, and vice-versa.
2. North Ridge Variation (Dinosaur Gully): Hike the trail to the south end of Shannon Lake; the trail skirts the west side of the lake. Cross a few creeks, ascend the far left boulder field to a little bit of trail on the right edge of the boulders, to Little Shannon Lake’s north end.
From the north end of Little Shannon Lake, turn left (east). Bushwhack up to some flat meadows and continue to the cliffs guarding the north ridge. There is a well-hidden, narrow gully (Dinosaur Gully, with a rock resembling a dinosaur’s head at the top) that leads to the ridge. This variation eliminates scrambling with exposure and is better on a rainy day.
3. West Hike the trail to the south end of Shannon Lake; the trail skirts the west side of the lake. Skirt the left side of Little Shannon Lake and gain One Goat Pass, the col between Mount Vingolf and the small peak west of it on the Northern Valhalla watershed.
The west ridge is Class 3. Scramble up the west flank. Encounter a few serrations, all but one of which can be negotiated by staying on the ridge. The deep serration can be passed on the south side.
If the west ridge is a problem, descend from One Goat Col onto the south face and work way up gullies to bypass the difficult serration.
Descent: Most descend Dinosaur Gully.