Looking back after crossing Chain Lakes Reservoir
"Willow Ridge" Our last few trips were done under clouds and more of the same was forecast for Saturday — except for Longview. Here sunshine extended south to Chain Lakes Provincial Park so we settled on hiking up an unnamed ridge to the west. I refer to it as “Willow Ridge” since it lies near Willow Creek. A few people were already ice fishing when we arrived at Chain Lakes. We crossed the reservoir and hiked over two grassy ridges and one treed ridge. From the third ridge it was easy to reach the fourth and highest ridge, Willow Ridge. There was little to see from the summit because of trees so we didn’t stay long. We followed the ridge crest south where we came to a road. The road, in turn, led to Willow Creek. Actually the road crossed the creek, but we chose to follow the creek back to Chain Lakes. Most of the creek was covered in ice and much of the ice was so smooth and glassy we could see our reflections. We found the ice walk fascinating. Aside from interesting ice features, we could, where the ice was crystal clear, see the creek bottom beneath our feet. Where the ice was thin or missing altogether, we took care to stay near the creek bank. When we returned to the reservoir, we were surprised to see it crowded with people ice fishing. Although our journey wasn’t physically challenging and our ascent unimpressive, we enjoyed the hike up Willow Ridge and were especially enthralled with the ice walk along Willow Creek. On the ice, we strapped Yaktrax Pros to our boots and although good, we occasionally slipped. We'll return to hike up the creek again some day but when we do, we’ll use crampons. |
Looking back after crossing Chain Lakes Reservoir
On the first ridge
We head up the second ridge. The south end of Chain Lakes Reservoir can be seen.
On the second ridge
Third ridge lies ahead.
To avoid bushwhacking, we used a road that runs parallel to the third ridge.
A road cuts into the slope below the summit of the third ridge.
On the road mentioned in the previous photo.
We leave the third ridge behind as we ascend the fourth ridge.
View southwest, Windy Peak and Mount Livingstone on the left.
We reach Willow Creek.
We hit a dry section on the creek.
Following an icy section
Much of the ice looked like shiny plastic
Here Willow Creek appears to have flooded before it froze.
A collapsed section shows what lies beneath the ice.
Air bubbles trapped under the ice create a pattern.
Here the creek flows through one of three culverts.
Near the reservoir, willows form a thick wall
Partial panorama looking south
Langford Creek 82/J1
