One of the peaks on Catherine's list for this season has been Saddle Mountain. This distinctive peak rises just across Arrow Lake (Columbia River) from Nakusp, a mere 2 hours from home.Because it's been pretty hot lately and wanting to get an early start, we drove over on Sunday afternoon, had supper in Nakusp and then went looking for a place to camp out for the night. There was one Provincial Park just down the Lake from Nakusp, but we were a bit surprised to find it completely full. So we crossed the Lake on the Arrow Park Ferry and drove along the west side of Arrow Lake looking for possibilities. One overgrown track into the woods seemed worth exploring and we were pleased to find it ended on the shore of the Lake with no reason not to use it for the night.
The night was cool and clear but we were able to sleep in the back of the truck with a sky full of stars overhead. Coyotes could be heard a few times yipping in the distance, but it was a very peaceful night. We were up early to complete the few km drive to the trailhead.
Unlike many trails in the Koots, this one ascended gradually and was well constructed, leading in just under 2 hours to an old fire lookout right on the peak of Saddle Mtn. A few minutes scrambling up the final 50 feet brought us as high as it was possible to go. Views weren't as good as they could have been - there are still some fires in the area and the heat has increased the haze, but we were definitely on the highest thing in the area and after such an easy hike, too.
We spent some time absorbing the views and then began the descent, stopping for a short time to fill 2 containers with huckleberries. Then it was back home, delayed for a short time because of an issue with the ferry but in time for a brew before supper.
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