We have been doing the Bushwhacker Loop on top of McConnell Hill for quite a few years.  We used to ski up the Sidewinder Trail then set off on the rough trail on our touring skis, which was always an adventure.   We were always setting our own track and there was always deadfall to get over, under, or around.   Once snowshoe trails were built by Overlander Ski Club, we started an annual winter trek on snowshoes.

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We set off on a grey day the Stake Lake snowshoe trails, all well-stomped in, crossing the fringes of marshes over to the Basalt Bluffs area.   The climb up to the rim of McConnell Hill is a steep one and good snowshoes with poles are a must.   Once on top, we followed the Bushwhacker Trail past several viewpoints.

We stopped for lunch at the old shelter which is on its last legs.   Snow was melting off the roof on this mild winter day.

Some patches of blue sky penetrated the cloud layer above the Lac le Jeune Lookout and the Ridge Lakes to the south.

The trail had been partly stomped in for half the route, but we were breaking trail for the second half along the top of the plateau.   The route down is steep and always a bit entertaining on snowshoes.   I prefer to head off down the untracked steeper slopes.   In the mild conditions, the snow was slabbing off, but with only 18 inches of snow, there are no risks of an avalanche on the short slope.

We returned by the Marsh Trail back to the parking area, a snowshoe of about 10km (with an extra loop around the marshes) in about 3.5 hours (including a lunch stop).   We will return to do the McConnell Hill Loop on the snow next winter.