Sunshine Valley/Hope Slide Exploration trip

[rayhyland]

Hi Folks,

We have been doing some exploration around Sunshine Valley, there are a number of very cool deactivated roads that lead into the back bowls and mountains south of Hwy 3 and the Hope Slide. We drove up the south access of Mt Potter yesterday, which leads to the eastern approach to Eton Lake, and last month we reached the base of Mt Rideout. We could in theory also reach Silvertip Glacier's lower valley, so far we have crossed the old ski-hill there. The scenery is pretty cool and the nice thing is that the area is only 10 minutes from Hope.

It is of course much safer to do this kind of stuff with a few trucks, so I am checking if anyone wants to come and do some exploring? We could make it an overnight trip or a single-day affair depending on what gets more interest. (or possibly both if some want to stay later than others).

The river crossings we've driven so far range between 1 and 3 feet deep, and the main obstacles we have seen are washouts/slides on the roads, and thick brush overgrowing the sides of some of the narrower/older roads. So be prepared to bring some loppers or tree saws, and maybe to do a bit of digging on the more extreme side-slopes.

Also expect a bit of pin-striping possibly on the narrower trails. There are roughly 150km of dirt tracks here so there should be enough to keep us busy and give us some variety if we want to go for harder/easier obstacles.

We can also explore/drive the debris runs around the base of the Hope Slide. I have spoken to the developer who owns the rights to the area and they are fine with us doing some exploration around there. The 11 mile-creek road has been steadily improved by a buddy of mine this summer for his ATV so we may be able to drive to nearly the top of the Hope Slide along the back of Manson Ridge as well. It's a gated road but I can most likely get the key from the mining company.

So far I am thinking of the Sept long weekend (5-7th) or Sept 19/20.

Post your questions and comments and we will see what everyone prefers. This will of course be a family and dog friendly trip.

Cheers

Ray

[John]

Ray,

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread as I have not poked around much in this area. I might be up for a day trip or even an overnight if the timing allows.

John

[rayhyland]

I forgot there is already a trip on the 19/20 weekend, so we should probably look at the long weekend. Once we get into October the weather may not be very good for exploring on deactivated mountain roads.

[ANDYD]

Hi Ray,

Sounds like a cool trip, I'm in for sure! Always wanted to explore that area & like you say, not to far to go to get to the trail head.

I am just waiting to confirm the dates for the Poison Mtn run before comitting, count me though!

Cheers,
Andy

[rayhyland]

are the dates for Poison Mtn Confirmed Andi?

Ray

[ANDYD]

Hi Ray,

Poison Mountain trip now confirmed for the weekend of Sept 18th & 19th.

How does the long weekend look for the Hope Slide exploration run? Monday is not good for me but Saturday to Sunday can work?

Cheers,
Andy

[rayhyland]

Saturday/Sunday look good. We can use my house as a base camp if we want, pitch tents in back field for anyone who is overnighting and that way everyone has access to water, etc. And we can cook and eat in the kitchen if we want to as well. Of course if everyone prefers to camp in the back country we have that option too, it is very scenic and there are some nice spots to camp.

[ANDYD]

Hi All,

Ray has come up with some interesting exploration runs up and around the old Hope Slide. He also hopes to get some keys for areas that haven't been open to the public for some time. We also have the choice of using his large garden at Sunshine valley for base camp or we can find a spot along the trail to make camp.
The Plan is to meet at Whatcom road Tim Hortons, exit of Highway 1 at 9am Saturday morning, departing at 9.30am sharp.
Then on to meet Ray at Sunshine Valley (a few km's past Hope) approx 10.30am.
Camp out Saturday night and continue to explore Sunday morning. Heading home Sunday afternoon.
For those wanting a 1 day trip could opt to head home at the end of Saturday. This is a great chance to explore some new territory!

let us know if you are coming so we can look at for you,
cheers,
Andy

[PaulC]

yup i'm looking for something to do this weekend besides running. I may just make it a one dayer since i live in the Wack

[rayhyland]

my avatar pic is of the area where we are looking to go so you get an idea of the terrain. I will send some other sunshine valley pics to Bill to post in the gallery, showing some of the roads we will be exploring.

Ray

[Bill E.]

I've posted the photos ray sent in the gallery.

[ANDYD]

Hey Billy,

Are you coming out to play?

Paul, will you be at Whatcom road or straight to Hope?

At least the rain will keep the dust down :wink:

cheers,
Andy

[rayhyland]

I think we will use my cabin as base-camp since it is not forecast to be camping weather this weekend. I have lots of extra beds for whoever wants to stay over

Ray

[PaulC]

My buddy Ken will be meeting me at 09:30 my house and we'll head directly to Sunshine Valley.

[rayhyland]

OK, my house is easy to find, you go straight through the stop sign at the entrance to the valley and it is the second driveway on the left. You cant miss the black 110. We will meet there and then head out.

[PaulC]

Ok sounds good Ray see you guys in the morning

[PaulC]

Ray & Andy

Not going to make it for prt2. Thanks for the guided tour and donuts. :D

[rayhyland]

Cheers Paul,

thanks for letting us know.

Ray

[ANDYD]

Hi Ray & Marianne,

We all had an excellent time exploring the Hope Slide area, thanks again for being Tour guide / B & B / hosts for the trip, even the weather was good to us!

We conquered many trails and left many "for another day", its an unbelievable beautiful area just 5 minutes out of your back door!

Photos to be posted soon ....

Cheers,
A,B & L

[rayhyland]

We had a lot of fun too, thanks everybody for coming out, and looking forward to seeing the pics since my camera was out of commission all weekend...

[ANDYD]

Hi Ray,

Photos of us on, over, around and above the Old Hope Slide are now posted in the Gallery (thanks again Billy).

Cheers,
Andy