Parked at the Casade Recreation Area parking lot and started the hike at 7am.

Mount Ford = 2,108m
Elevation gain = 1,480 m
Time it took to the peak = 6 hours
Time it took down = 7 hours (note: in large part because I am sketched out going down steep loose terrain)
Plus a 45 min break up top.

Walked along Dewdney Trail for just under 3 kms (flat). There were sections it was overgrown by cow parsnip, thimbleberry and devils club. Horse poop every so often.


Before a scree and a point where you could view Dry Lake on the right side, saw a forested area that looked like the way, so started heading up. It was VERY steep. Soon after saw some flagging tape and knew this was the right way. There were no bugs at this point. Reached a point where it broke out into the open. Decided to follow what appeared to be a goat trail, side stepping was not fun at all. Had enough of that, so went up a gully (very much a steep scramble and dodgy for me!) reached the ridge, then followed it to the trail that goes up Ford Mountain (straightforward path up).

The wild flowers were spectacular and in full bloom. Just amazing.

The views from the top of Mount Ford were amazing, 360 degree views of mountains everywhere. flying ants, flies and mosquitoes everywhere.



No water source, except for a couple of snow patches.

Decided that I was not going down that steep gully that had been the route up, so dropped down into the meadows after descending Mount Ford with the goal being to find a trail on the side of the mountain... had to cross three gullies, and the side stepping really sucked and was very slow going (especially slow because I am not confident on that kind of terrain and was totally sketched out. Probably won't be a problem for others), not to mention the insane amount of mosquitoes!



Finally found a goat trail. Ran out of water (had gone through just under 4 litres) Then descended the steep forested area (very slow going and sketched out). So tired, slipped a bunch of times. At the bottom, put a flagging tape around a tree (so others are clear that this is the way up). Got water on route back to the car (river to the left). Bottom of my feet were messed up (hurt every step), ripped my hand open holding my walking sticks so tightly (I do not recommend doing this steep trail without walking sticks!!)

Made it back to the car just past 9pm.

Glad I successfully completed this hike, but I'm never doing this trail again! unless there is some way up that bypasses steep dodgy sidestepping the mountain for so long. Respect for those who have done Mount Ford and Dewdney Peak in a day! (John and Katie!)