Tricouni Peak Day Hike – A Stunning Adventure on July 27, 2025

On July 27, 2025, we joined a memorable day hike to Tricouni Peak with the Pacific Northwest Outdoor Association (PNOA), expertly led by Lao Wan. The weather forecast had me slightly worried, predicting a chance of light rain in the afternoon. But as if the mountain gods were smiling down on us, we were greeted with clear blue skies and perfect hiking conditions—crisp air, gentle breezes, and breathtaking views that made every step worthwhile. Special thanks go to Susan and Angel for their incredible support throughout the journey, keeping our group motivated and safe.

The Journey to the Trailhead

Getting to the trailhead was an adventure in itself. The road to Tricouni is notorious for being rough, demanding a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with plenty of horsepower. Even then, nature had other plans: a massive washout caused by a rushing stream forced us to park about 3.4 kilometers short of the official trailhead. This added an unexpected 6.8 kilometers roundtrip to our journey, but with Lao Wan’s leadership and the group’s enthusiasm, our spirits remained high.

The Trail: Rocks vs. Mud

The route to Tricouni Peak offers two distinct paths: a muddy trail through forested sections or a rocky boulder field that tests your balance and agility. Wanting to keep my shoes and pants relatively clean on the ascent, we opted for the boulder-strewn path. The endless hopping from rock to rock was exhilarating but took a toll on my still-recovering knee, which started to grumble halfway up. Lesson learned: slow and steady wins the rock-hopping race!

Contrary to my expectations, the trail didn’t involve much technical climbing until the final 160 meters to the summit. This last stretch required some scrambling, but the challenge was rewarding. As we crested the peak, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys unfolded like a postcard—absolutely worth every effort.

Lakes and Vistas

One of the highlights of the hike was the trio of alpine lakes along the way: Pendant Lake, Reflection Lake, and Spearpoint Lake. Each was a shimmering jewel nestled in the rugged landscape, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky and surrounding peaks. Pausing by these lakes felt like stepping into a painting, with moments of serenity that recharged us for the climb.

The Descent: Embracing the Mud

For the return journey, we chose the muddy trail, expecting a messy slog. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as anticipated. The path was soft but navigable, and with Susan and Angel’s encouragement, we avoided the worst of the muck with careful steps. The descent offered a different perspective on the landscape, with the late afternoon light casting golden hues over the meadows and forests.

The Stats

By the end of the day, we had covered 20.4 kilometers with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,480 meters. It was a long, demanding hike, but with Lao Wan’s guidance, the stunning scenery, and the camaraderie of our group—especially Susan and Angel’s support—it was an unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts

The Tricouni Peak hike, led by Lao Wan, is not for the faint of heart—between the challenging drive, the extra distance from the washout, and the varied terrain, it demands preparation and determination. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the rewards are immense: pristine lakes, jaw-dropping views, and the satisfaction of conquering a rugged peak under perfect summer skies. Special thanks again to Susan and Angel for their unwavering support, which made the day even more special. If you’re planning to tackle Tricouni, bring a sturdy vehicle, some reliable hiking buddies, and a sense of adventure. You won’t be disappointed.

2025年7月27日 Tricouni Peak 登山记

2025年7月27日，我们在老万的带领下，与太平洋西北户外协会（PNOA）一起，踏上了前往不列颠哥伦比亚省Tricouni Peak的单日登山之旅。天气预报曾让我有些担忧，称周日下午山上可能有小雨。然而，老天似乎格外眷顾，当天晴空万里，微风轻拂，景色美不胜收，让每一步都充满了期待。特别感谢Susan和Angel在整个行程中的支持，她们的鼓励和帮助让这次徒步更加顺利和愉快。

通往起点的艰辛

前往Tricouni Peak的路程本身就是一场冒险。通往登山起点的道路崎岖难行，需要底盘高、四驱且马力强劲的车辆。即使如此，我们还是遇到了阻碍：一条被山水冲刷出的大缺口迫使我们将车停在距离正式起点3.4公里的地方。这让我们的行程额外增加了6.8公里的往返距离，但在老万的带领和团队的热情鼓舞下，我们斗志昂扬。

登山路径：石阵与泥泞

通往Tricouni Peak有两条路线：一条是泥泞的林间小径，另一条是布满巨石的石阵。为了保持鞋子和裤子的干净，我们选择了石阵路径。跳跃在大小不一的石头上虽然充满乐趣，但对尚未完全康复的膝关节来说却是个挑战，半路上它开始“抗议”。这次经历让我明白，石阵虽有趣，步伐还是得稳！

我原以为这次登山会涉及大量攀爬，但实际上只有最后160米的登顶路段需要手脚并用的攀登。到达峰顶的那一刻，360度的壮丽山景扑面而来，仿佛置身于明信片中，所有的努力都变得值得。

沿途的湖泊与美景

这次徒步的一大亮点是沿途的三个高山湖泊：Pendant Lake、Reflection Lake和Spearpoint Lake。每个湖泊都如宝石般镶嵌在崎岖的山间，清澈的湖水倒映着蓝天与群山，令人心旷神怡。在湖边小憩，仿佛时间都停了下来，宁静的美景为接下来的攀登注入了能量。

下山：迎接泥泞

回程时，我们选择了泥泞的小径，原本以为会是一场“泥泞大战”，但实际情况比预想的要好。虽然路径湿软，但在Susan和Angel的鼓励下，我们小心迈步，避开了最糟糕的区域。下山时，夕阳的余晖洒在草地和森林上，为这片壮美的景色增添了一抹金色。

数据总结

当天我们总共走了20.4公里，累计爬升1,480米。这是一次充满挑战的徒步，但在老万的带领下，结合令人叹为观止的自然风光和团队的默契配合——尤其是Susan和Angel的鼎力支持和帮助——让这次经历令人难忘。

总结

由老万带领的Tricouni Peak登山之旅并不轻松——从艰难的路况、额外的步行距离到多变的地形，都考验着准备和毅力。但对于愿意接受挑战的登山者来说，这里的回报是无与伦比的：清澈的湖泊、震撼的山景，以及在完美夏日天空下征服高峰的满足感。再次特别感谢Susan和Angel, 你们的支持让这次旅程更加特别。如果你计划挑战Tricouni，记得带上一辆可靠的四驱车、几位志同道合的伙伴，以及一颗探险的心。这样的旅程，绝对不会让你失望！

Video Courtesy of Cynthia