Thanks to reports on this small peak with big views from msulkers and martin with a route starting right from Highway 99 just north of Whistler - I had this one planned for a shoulder season hike.

StevenSong and I met up in West Vancouver and drove up 99 going just past Whistler Village to park at the southbound "Welcome to Whistler" sign. From there a good trail (Bears and Ugliness) goes into the forest and winds its way upwards passing some fair sized Douglas Firs along with a couple of bluff views.


Southern view toward Green Lake with the Blackcomb/Whistler area in cloud at left, Tantalus Range centre distance and Mount Sproatt at right.

This is a multi-use trail that's in good shape with some flagging and fresh dirt bike tracks that came/went along way up the mountain side. There are some branch trails but Steven had drawn in (on his GPS) Martin's map from his TR so we had no problems getting into the sub-alpine and near to the summits.


The west and east summits (east is slightly higher).

We didn't see any turnoff to the east peak and followed the lay of the land to the base of the west peak where a stiff short scramble got us up the rock and up to the top where a very chilled wind greeted us along with some nice views. Shelter was found and extra clothing put on then we ventured out to enjoy those views and capture them.


Rainbow Mountain is dominant to the west.


To the east is The "Wedge Group" (does this range have a proper name?). Currie, Hibachi, Ure, Moe, Cook and part of Weart with the eastern peak of Cougar in front.

Broad western view up the Soo River Valley (at right) over the top of the broad summit plateau of Cougar. Rainbow, Callaghan, Buddcar and Numbers all there. Appa is way back far right.

Retreating out of the wind we ate and drank then plotted how to get over to the eastern peak. Going clockwise seemed reasonable to we headed off the rock going north then east. Minor scrambling, a bit of bushwacking (lots of micro terrain around here) then I found a break in a cliffband to ascend and we worked our way up to the east peak which has two summits of about the same height. We spent an hour or so up here as the wind wasn't as bad and the sun moved around to give better views towards the Wedge area.

Zoom on Moe and Cook - two peaks Steven had just visited the weekend before.


Blackcomb area at left then Whistler (with Castle Towers inbetween), Black Tusk and down to Tantalus.


Looking across to the slightly lower western summit and beyond.


Plenty of small tarns around here. Moe, Cook/Weart with Rethel/Wedge in the background.


Steven atop one of the high points.


1540m summit shot with Sootip and Ipsoot behind. Sisqa and Appa distant far left.

For the descent we chose to go directly down into the cleft between the east and west peaks. Cliff bands were soon encountered but I'd brought along my rope for things like this. Wrapping around a sturdy dead snag I hand-lined down whilst Steven did a quick rappel.

On the rope.

A bit more searching for a good route which had some bushiness then we pick up the trail and start back down. Time was good so we didn't rush and the views to the east were a good reason to pause once in a while.


Ure Peak at left, Moe with Cook/Weart centre and Rethel/Wedge on the right.


Mount Currie and Hibachi Ridge to the northeast.

Soon we're back to mostly forest and warmer afternoon temperatures as we hike down to the vehicle and a waiting beer for me. A little under 7 hours round trip and a good way to wrap up things up before the forecast rain (and snow higher up) arrived.

Not wanting to deal with Vancouver afternoon rush hour we stopped off in Squamish at McDonalds then again at Porteau Cove for some late afternoon views. Back in West Vancouver before 6pm still but traffic back into town was good and the day ended on a good stroke.


Late afternoon view from Porteau Cove.

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Good one to wrap up this October. Quite a good fall season.

http://stevensong.com/cougar-mountain

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would rate this informative and well presented Simon. First trip with SS? Thanks Guys!

Thanks AT. Steven and I have done a few trips together now (other two were in Washington).

Great TR. I'll have to add this one to the list.

Another sweet epic hike. Looks like a fun area, one to add to my wish list of many to do's..

K

Nice! A reminder to head back up there to explore a couple of side trails I saw.