The negative here is the terrible access road, 2 hours of overgrown 4WD each way. This trip is really a 4WD tour that gives an opportunity to hike a little on top. The views are spectacular, especially of Mt Cooper.
Difficulty: Easy A2
Elevation gain: 335m (1100′) plus
Key elevations: Last parking 2256m (7400′); Summit Meadow Mt 2550m (8366′)
Distance: 5-8kms round-trip
Time: 3-5 hours
Season: mid-July through September
Assess: Very challenging
Map: 82K/3 Roseberry, 82K/6 Poplar Creek, Valhalla Society Guide to the White Grizzly Wilderness.
Drive: From Kaslo, at junction of Hwys 31A and 31N (“A” Avenue and North Marine Drive):
0.0 Go north on 31N towards Lardeau and Duncan Lake. at
28.4km. Pass Lardeau
34.5 Pass turn off for Argenta and Duncan FSR. Pass village of Cooper Creek.
39.5km Turn left onto Meadow Creek Road, following the sign for Meadow Creek spawning channel. This turn is across from and immediately before Drifter’s Pub. Zero odometer.
0.0 Start north on Meadow Creek road.
2.9 Do not go left.
3.8 Cross Meadow Creek.
4.4 Left, Meadow Mountain road, steep
9.6 Meadow Mountain Adventure Centre on right
15.2 Right, on narrower road
17.1 Right, ascend main road
17.9km Bear right, road usually overgrown.
23.1km Go left; stream here, then steep road.
25.9km Nearby, park at A-frame cabin; trail to Meadow Mtn.
26.4km BCFS campground in meadow.
29.0km 2195m (7200′) Old road switchbacks 1150 meters (3770′) down to McKian Creek; Mount Cooper in full view – the most impressive mountain in the West Kootenay.
29.4 Park at the last viable place 2256m (7400′). Old mining road continues for another kilometre.
Route: The A-frame cabin that is open to the public for overnight use – first come, first serve and start hiking near the gap for Meadow Mt. From the last parking, the old road can be followed. Walk toward the 2561m (8400′) ridge.
Meadow Mountain: Start near the gap at 26km. Ascend north/NE into the trees and reach the alpine zone, grass, heather and scree. Summit 2550m (8366′).
Ridge beyond road’s end: Walk the road NW, the leave toward the ridge and its highest bump at 2561m (8400′). You can proceed west along the hogback north.