We begin our adventure from Kamloops with a drive to Clearwater where we stop at the visitors centre. The staff were helpful in relaying predicted weather, movement of people and wildlife, and potential hazards. Today likely cloudy, tomorrow most probably raining, and Monday – who knows.  Possible Black bear or Grizzly sightings mean walking with bear bells and bear spray. Also, made aware of Devil’s Club plants that have irritant laden spines. I am thankful that there will be a few others (based on staff feedback) at the alpine camp site with the mindset – safety in numbers.

The Trophy Mountain trailhead is about 30 minutes by car from the visitor Centre on an unpaved road (4x4 vehicle not necessary). We travel a few kilometres beyond the trailhead for a one-hour warm-up hike to Silver Tip Falls. 42 of the falls in the park are named and frequently visited, and hundreds more flow in humble hideaways.  At the car park, we strap on our backpacks, grab our walking sticks and hit the trail.

For the first hour, we pass spruce and fir forests crossed by small streams until we reach the first of two alpine meadows. Some flowers are still vibrant in colour although the height of variety and colour happens in mid-July to end of August. Around 2.5 km in, we come to the frame of an abandoned cabin and an historic plaque sharing information about 1950s sheep grazing that occurred here. A newly constructed pit toilet is a welcomed trail addition. The path is wide and easy to follow all the way to Sheila Lake (5.5 km) where 18 tent pads, 3 pit toilets, 3 cookout shelters, and 3 bear/wildlife caches are offered on a first-come first-served no reservation basis. Perhaps earlier in the season might be competitive, but there are just 3 other tents here on this last weekend of summer.

We re-hydrate our packed dinner, enjoy the views, and settle in for the night. The rain is steady throughout the dark hours but in the morning we check our weather app to see that a 3 hour rain break is about to transpire. After a hearty porridge, we take the Long Hill option to get to the Trophy Mountain ridge (7 km round trip). For the most part, the trek is moderately challenging made easier as we only carry our day packs. The clouds are high enough so views of the peaks are visible. We pass several alpine lakes, see some permanent snow on the slopes, and walk across lichen covered rocks and boulders. The trees become stunted the higher we climb and the trail narrows and often disappears into the rocky ridge. The last 150 meters are becoming difficult for me and I am happy to do this shortened version of the hike versus the more challenging 10.5 km Trophy Mountain loop.

As we retrace our steps (not always straightforward as the trail splits many times and there are no signs or markers), the weather sours. We make a decision to abandon our second night of camping. Instead we make lunch, strike camp, and trek back through the Valley of the Flowers to the car park, making this next 5.5 km downhill hike in 2 hours.

As we neared the parking area, a young bear vocalizes in the bush near the trail and as we drive out, a sub-adult cinnamon coloured bear walks along the road and into the forest.

The combination of camp infrastructure, gradual incline, and abundant rewards make the Wells Gray Trophy Mountain adventure doable for hikers of most levels. This is just one of many hikes in the park. For other treks check out the Wells Gray hiking page

Other hiking blogs
Sunshine Coast Trail in winter
Mt Robson Lake Berg, Emperor Falls trek

Essentials (can be acquired second-hand or new over time).
Kitchen, first aid, tent, food and small stuff can be divided among the group

Clothing
underwear/socks
shorts (1)
pants (2)
overshirt (1 – light and quick dry)
t-shirt (1)
long-sleeved shirt (1)
wool sweater
base layer pants
rain pants
rain jacket
pack towel
sunglasses
swimsuit (summer only)
camp shoes (to get out of your hiking boots)
hiking boots
wind buff

Plus A change of clothes in the car

Bed stuff
sleeping pad (light weight roll up)
footprint for tent
tent
sleeping bag (light weight in compression bag to reduce size in pack)
thermal sheet for inside sleeping bag
neck pillow
small lantern
head lamp

Other stuff
hiking sticks
water bottle
comb
toothbrush (light weight and small)
toothpaste (small tube – make sure to pack with food in wildlife proof cache)
dry bag for food (rope to hang if no bear cache is provided)
Ziplocs including one for trace garbage
toilet paper
hand sanitizer
fire starter (where fires permitted)
carabiners

First aid
emergency blanket
compass and/or trail map or app
mat patch kit
mole skins
Band-Aids
Tylenol
SPOT locator 
rope (for tarping, safety, and clothes line)
bug spray / bug mask (in summer)
sunscreen
water purification drops

Kitchen
camp stove
fuel (extra fuel for longer hikes)
pot
frying pan
wooden spatula
small cutting board
scrubby for washing
soap for washing
utensils (knife, fork, soon)
Swiss army knife
mug
bowl
drying towel

Recommended food
plan your meals
dehydrate as much as possible to reduce the weight
bring extra snacks
don’t scrimp on the protein

Pack well and light as possible. I try to hike with maximum 25 pounds although my hiking buddies are usually good up until 35 pounds.