9:00am meet at the trail head.
2 hours 15 minutes from Salmon Arm
arrange car pooling with other families
Bring snacks and sport drink for 4-5 hour hike
Abbott Ridge
1030 m elevation change
6.5 hrs
Natural trail
Very steep
Trailhead: Illecillewaet Valley or Illecillewaet Campground*
The Abbott Ridge Trail takes you up into true alpine tundra the land above the trees and ends on a narrow ridge. For strong hikers, there are few routes that more closely simulate a mountain-top experience from the security of an established trail. During early season take the marked short cut to avoid a steep snow slope.
Out & back
Abbott Ridge is a difficult but wonderful day-hike with a lot of elevation gain. It is recommended to plan for a 6.5 hour adventure. The campground where the trailhead is located is only open July 1 to October 10, so visitors many need to walk in from the main road instead of driving directly up to the trailhead. The trail starts in the trees with a steep incline, but the elevation gain becomes less intense after the lake. The lake offers a nice view of the mountain reflected on the surface of the water. During the summer, hikers should keep going to get away from the bugs that will be present and may swarm you if you linger. Just after taking a right for the "short way," which is the verified route, you will come to a rocky area with a little view. The trail climbs up to a beautiful meadow with a great view of the mountains behind. You will see weather station equipment, and maybe a little pond that they can go up, and to the right at a little fork that goes down the long way if you go left. Most of the year, you will be able to traverse a small snow field as views of the other side of the mountain open up. Hike up the ridge, and you'll be met with a gorgeous panoramic view - with amazing mountains, snow fields, and glaciers, there is something to delight the eyes in every direction. During the winter or the shoulder seasons when there is still a good amount of snow on these trails, it is recommended to complete the loop counter-clockwise because it is easier going down in the snow than going up. The ridge path is pretty clean and only has occasional deep snow patches but it is normally firmly packed and obvious where other people have trodden. Most of the year, snowshoes are not required.