Simpson River Trail

In order to celebrate a successful year and welcome 2020 the right way, Andrea and I decided to spend December 31st in the backcountry. It would also be our first winter camping trip of the year together. Our options were limited as far as destinations because the avalanche warnings were pretty much all at “Extreme” across the Rockies. But there was one place I knew we would be safe at low elevation: the Simpson River in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. Yes, again! I love this place.

For this mini adventure, we had our full winter gear that I pulled using my homemade pulk (sled). We arrived at the trailhead at noon and as expected, the parking was empty. The trail conditions were not that bad. Despite a lot of snow, there were ski tracks that we were easily able to follow and the pulk was tracking perfectly.

We only hiked 3KM before finding a decent camp spot over looking the river on a little plateau. I was happy to see a big snow load because I knew from my hike in the area last summer that this place was filled with fallen burned trees. After compacting the snow we set up our tent and proceeded with the usual camp chores: finding wood, sawing wood, melting snow and so on.

Anyone ever had champagne in the backcountry? We ended up opening this bottle at home when we got back. We were too tired the night before!

Our accommodations for the night. The tent held up pretty good. We woke up to at least 3 inches of fresh snow. We both slept comfortably in our -30°C sleeping bags and the outdoor temperature was comfortable all night long at around -10°C.

One of the challenges of winter camping is to not loose your gear under the snow. We made sure that everything was carefully packed at the same spot before going to bed.

Our first moments of 2020! 🙂

The winter scenery around the Simpson River is very dramatic in the winter. It’s almost a monochrome view. What a change from the turquoise water in the summer.

I was happy to try my new Caldera Cone alcohol stove setup. It id the job and I am really excited to experiment with the Kojin stove on my future trips.

Staying organized is key. I have been using an organizational pod for the last year on the trail and it’s been really helpful.

We were ready to go after packing up the pulk. Because we had quite a lot of gear, I opted to use my waterproof duffel bag that fits the pulk perfectly. And I always use a tarp to cover everything using what I call the “burrito method” to keep the snow out of it.

And off we go. Our plan was for me to break the trail again with my snowshoes on and Andrea would be able to follow behind without hers.

I looked like a mule but the only thing in my backpack was my bulky sleeping bag and my sleeping pad on top of it. It allowed me to have a pulk with a low center of gravity and a lightweight pack on my back. These are the ideal conditions to prevent the pulk from flipping on its side and also to help with my balance having only a weight load on my harness and not on my shoulders.

Resting proved to be difficult in such deep snow. I sank every time and Andrea had to come and help me to get back up on my feet!

This picture sums it up pretty good: layers on, layers off, layers on, layers off… Walking in deep snow will make you sweat a lot. Regulating our body temperature was time consuming but a necessary hassle to stay comfortable. Just another winter reality!

The snow had stopped and while looking back at the Simpson Valley, I couldn’t prevent myself from thinking about my future packrafting attempt next summer on the Simpson River.

Gorgeous views of the Simpson River from the top of the plateau. Negotiating this steep downhill was fun. I had to unhook my harness and slide the pulk downhill in front of me.

The last stretch of the trail was in marvelous snow covered spruce trees. We were both hungry and eager to make it back to the truck to have quick meal before hitting the road.

Yes honey, we are almost there! 🙂

The bridge above the Vermilion River at the trailhead.

Andrea took care of the snow removal while I heated up a nice spicy black bean soup. I am very happy that I was able to test the pulk in real winter conditions and I am stoked about the next winter trips I have in store.

Winter wonderland on our way back home.