Porteau to Deeks Peak to Deeks Lake to Porteau July 21, 2003

Round Trip: 24 km
Base Elevation: 190 ft
Peak Elevation: 5490 ft
Elevation Gain: 5300 ft
Time: 10 hrs

WHAT A GONG SHOW……..!!
You never know what your getting into on an adventure but usually it’s pretty straightforward, usually being the key word. For hikes, you know where your going – usually, you know the elevation gain – usually etc….. Well, this one was an experience/adventure I won’t soon forget for a number of reasons.

Dave, Kronos & I got an early start as we were thinking 8-10 hrs return. Starting in Porteau Cove (along the Sea to Sky hwy) at the trail head, you get right into it, climbing that is. Came across what looked like a trailhead but was severely overgrown. Looking at a sign on the main trail, figured this is our route. Here we go….the hiking book I use, is usually accurate, but in this case the “overgrown” sections were oohhh….. about 5km, starting from the trailhead. We were in brush over our heads, it had rained the previous night so all the brush was loaded with water. We were soaked in the first 20 minutes, I mean soaked to the bone, feet were wet and the whole 9 yards, felt like I had just got out of the shower with my clothes on.

After a good thrashing on by the prickly brush I had to put on my pants. Dave luckily left his in the Explorer, doh! And paid for it. Finally get up to the Kallahne Creek crossing where the brush thinned out, soon after making it up to Kallahne Lake and the well maintained Lost Lake cabin. From here we ascended in a creek bed that introduced us to SWARMS of mosquitoes, honestly, I haven’t had to deal with this type of mosquito bombardment for a long time. We couldn’t stop moving otherwise we would be covered and surrounded by hundreds of them. Brought the bug dope, but they were what seemed a genetically modified strand of mosquito. They seemed to enjoy Kronos’ company especially, no time to stop. Dave said “you look like the guy from Peanuts”, I was thinking Charlie Brown, Snoopy???? “you know Pig Pen with dust clouds around him” except the dust clouds were mosquitoes. Our new found winged friends followed us right to the top of Deeks Peak down into the pass between Deeks Peak and Mount Windsor and all the way down (~2000ft) to Deeks Lake, they must have put out a hikers APB as the crowd just kept growing.

Finally at Deeks Lake, the intention was to go for a swim, brought extra trunks and a towel. It was overcast but the sun did manage to peek out here and there. It was a little chilly in the water so the swim was short, but enough to enjoy the beautiful water. Low and behold, we get out and all our friends had left……this allowed us to chill out and relax…..finally. Had a bite to eat some Altoids and bid farewell to the lake. Deeks Creek was very impressive; a narrow, extremely steep creek, roaring with runoff. Found a nice place off the path to take it all in, enjoy the sights and sounds. Onward, surrounded by large Douglas Firs and Cedars we stopped frequently to gaze at their splendour.

Down to the main trail, another 3km ahead of us to get back to Porteau, one foot in front of the other. Back to the truck, 10hrs later, tired and ready to EAT!!! Back in Van, we got some Greek to go and down to the beach to watch the sunset. We truly live in an amazing place.

This is not to say don’t do this hike, but if you do… bring a sharp machete or two, lots of DEET, a compass and map.

Life’s one road trip after another…..

Crew: Chris, Dave & the Kronos dog
Pics: Chris & Dave