First Tracks
The first snowshoe outing of the season usually happens before the snows have built up to a depth actually requiring snowshoes. At 4000 feet+ the snow gets too deep for regular hiking, so first tracks can be set in the forest. The Bush Lake North Loop was the first “snow stomp” of the season.
To follow this track, drive up the Lac le Jeune Road. Watch for a small turn-out parking loop at the top of the hill (before McConnell Lake). It is usually cleared and has lots of parking. Cross the street and go through the gate. The original track for the cross-country ski route is straight ahead, but it is now choked with fallen trees, so follow the fenceline north for a short distance and then turn west. Watch for the trail markers. It joins a good double track that sometimes gets driven on. Go left towards the Coquihalla and Bush Lake, following the open double track west. Watch for a fallen outhouse on the right, a relic of the Bush Lake Ski Trails. Near the end of Bush Lake, the trail veers right, but you can stomp down to the edge of the lake for the view.
From this point the double track enters the forest paralleling the highway. After about km, t the double track ends and a single track starts, marked by diamond markers on trees and flagging tape. It winds northeast, then east before curving back south. The last section is parallel to the Lac Le Jeune Road, eventually joining the double track. There are some sidetracks here and there, but follow the stomped in route, using the trail markers. Getting lost would be very difficult with the area bordered by the highway and Lac le Jeune Road.
The montane forest in the area has a number of older growth douglas firs and some younger spruce, aspen, and pine. Squirrel, deer, and hare tracks can be spotted in the snow along the route.
The tracks in the forest will be covered by subsequent snowfalls, but the slight indentations in the blankets of snow will show the way for those who follow.
First tracks are now set and new routes await snowshoe tracks.