Smutwood Peak

Dist: 18.2km    Elev: 880m    Summit: 8835'    Time: 5.5h    Difficulty: 4/5

In lieu of our annual backpacking trip, Byron and I were determined to tackle the infamous Mt Temple this summer. Unfortunately, due to cooler-than-average spring/summer temperatures, we were forced to choose a lower elevation alternative. Smutwood Peak had been on my radar for a while, and this seemed like a great opportunity to check it out.

The trail began by following Commonwealth Creek for a muddy yet pleasant forest/meadow walk for the first few kilometers before reaching the base of a steep rocky headwall. A steady ascent of the headwall led us to Smuts Pass with great views of the valley we had just come through to the east and of the peaks of the Great Divide to the west. The pass is also home to two picturesque alpine tarns, one nearly thawed and the other still almost entirely frozen, and we stopped here for a snack and some aimless wandering before continuing to our final objective.

From Smuts Pass the trail became slightly less obvious and began a steep and steady ascent along a wide rocky ridge towards Smutwood Peak (unofficially named due to its location between Mt. Smuts and Mt. Birdwood). The ridge was a straightforward hike until the last 100m or so, then requiring hands-on scrambling up loose scree to reach the final summit. Views were spectacular in all directions, but in my opinion the perspective of Mt Birdwood to the south was by the far the most interesting. Despite losing the bluebird weather our day began with, Byron and I enjoyed a summit lunch while taking in the scenery and making light conversation with fellow adventurers before returning the way we came.

Easy trail to start the day.

Nice waterfall along Commonwealth Creek.

Commonwelth Creek. The headwall lies at the end of this this valley, behind the trees in the middle.

Lovely meadows.

Headwall below Smuts Pass.

Looking east from the top of Smuts Pass. We came through this valley.

Beautiful Smuts Pass. The sharp peak left of centre is Smutwood Peak, accessed by the ridge to its left.

Looking west towards the peaks of B.C. The ridge to the right leads to Smutwood Peak. 

Final push to the summit. The last section is quite steep and rocky.

Almost there! Looking back at the sharp Mt Birdwood and surrounding wilderness.

Summit panorama looking south.

Celebratory summit pose.