Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake, Paul Peak & Grindstone Trail — Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023

The gray, dreary, damp, and foggy drive to the trailhead had me questioning my plans for the day. Shortly after the pavement gave way to gravel, I escaped the low land clouds and fog and found blue skies and sunshine!

Road + Parking

The road to Mowich Lake Road is closed for the season; the gate is a scant way past the Paul Peak Trailhead. When I rolled into the parking lot around 10 AM, there were 2 other cars and room for a dozen more.

The road itself has sections of washboard and potholes. None of the potholes are particularly deep, so most cars will do fine with some care.

Trail

I did a 16-ish mile counter-clockwise loop starting on the Paul Peak Trail, which had a single blowdown. It was easy to step over and was the only trail hazard for the day.

When the Paul Peak Trail met the Wonderland Trail, I began my upward journey towards Mowich Lake, where I passed someone enjoying a rest at one of the campground picnic tables. I continued onward and upward toward Ipsut Pass and ran into another pair of individuals on their way out.

At the trail junction, I got off the Wonderland and headed towards Eunice Lake and the Tolmie Peak lookout. A short way past the junction, I heard a rustling and looked uphill to see a bit of brown fur. I thought yay, an elk! I cautiously continued forward, hoping not to startle it, only to find it wasn't an elk. It was a bear! Hey, there, bear! The bear and I watched each other for a few moments, and then my fuzzy friend continued on their way, and I on mine.

The rest of my uphill slog went by without issue, and soon, I was at the Tolmie Peak Lookout. The Lookout is closed for the season, but I had a lovely time lounging on the deck, enjoying the views, making friends with the birbs, and generally just soaking in the tranquility. Eventually, it was time to quit lolling about, and I was on my way down the trail, shortly back at Mowich Lake. Once you are headed down the road, keep your eyes peeled for the unsigned Grindstone trail. It does have orange reflective markers in the trees. This trail allows you to bypass a few road switchbacks and saves close to a mile of road walking.

Eventually, you do have to walk on the road, but it's only for 2 miles and closed, so there is zero traffic. It is a small price to pay for a bit of solitude in what is typically a very popular area.

There is little in the way of fall colors in this area, but if you are a Funghi fan, you are in for many mushroom treats!