A steep hike into an area of beautiful blue lakes and easy peaks. It is best done as an overnight trip.
Location:
Difficulty: C3
Elevation gain: 750m (2500′) to the lakes; 1200m (4000′) to the peak
Key elevations: Summit Mt Sitkum 2420 (7950′)
Distance: 7-8kms to the lakes
Time: June through October
Access: HC at end
Season: late June through October
Map: 82L/8 Mt Fosthall
Drive: Drive Hwy 6 to Frank’s Store, 50km east of Vernon.
0.0 Start north on Sugar Lake FSR.
16km Just before the dam, turn right on Kate Lake FSR
18.2km Stay right at fork. Keep left for next 6km. 27.5km Road doubles back at creek and crosses it
28.1km Turn right on spur coming form behind.
37.1km Go left. Last few kms rough.
42.1km End of road. Park for only 2-3 vehicles. Turning around difficult.
Trail: Walk up skid road and at 200m, cross creek (last water until lakes). Climb steeply for 45 minutes to a rough meadow with large boulders. Cross to an avalanche path with a sketchy trail up to another ridge. Traverse right and descend to the lakes. Mt Sitkum is about 3 hours return form the the lakes.
Or continue directly along the ridge to Mt Sitkum.
Although this trip can be done as a day trip, it is best done as an overnight hike.
Climb Goat Mt, west of Mt Sitkum, up an obvious gully from the trail.