Mount Pugh — Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025

A Summit Revisited—With Age, Smoke, and Resolve

This was a trip for the ages—though perhaps not one meant for the aged. Years ago, Steve and I had reached this summit with relative ease. But now, at 84 and with Steve ten years younger, the mountain posed a far greater challenge.

It was a warm day, and the surrounding peaks were shrouded in forest fire smoke, muting the grandeur of the landscape. Three of us set out from the trailhead at 08:20, reaching Stujack Pass around noon. Just above the pass, at a scenic viewpoint, Kory decided to wait while Steve and I pressed on.

We climbed along the ridge, crossed the saddle, and reached the base of the summit block. There, we stashed our trekking poles and began scrambling up the rocky slope, following a faint and sketchy trail. Not long into the scramble, cramps hit us both—slowing our pace and testing our resolve. After some stretching and self-massage, we pushed forward, determined to reach the top.

Six hours after leaving the trailhead, we stood on the summit. Though the famed panoramic views were obscured by smoke, the satisfaction of reaching our goal made the effort worthwhile. We snapped a few photos, enjoyed a quick snack, and began our descent.

On the way down, we reunited with Kory and continued toward Stujack Pass. Nearing the pass, Kory and I were delighted to spot a Ptarmigan perched proudly on a rock. As I took photos of the bird, something caught my eye—tiny movements among the stones below. Looking closer, I spotted several chicks scrambling for cover, their downy bodies barely visible as they darted beneath the rocks. In an instant, the mother and her brood vanished, blending perfectly into the alpine terrain.

We descended through the talus field and forest, arriving back at the trailhead around 20:00. Along the way, we documented several large fallen trees blocking the trail—potential targets for future clearing. Previously, we’d worked with the BCCCrew to clear obstructions up to the 4,000-foot mark, and this trip added a few more to the list.

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/nabuckley/albums/72177720328832461