Phil Armitage posted an excellent trip report of their 2010 adventures on the Slims West trail, 64km (40mi) return.
Here’s their view from Canada Creek campsite:
… From the campsite at Canada Creek it’s 19km (12 miles) roundtrip, with 1200 meters (3,900 feet) of climbing, to the summit of Observation Mountain.
That doesn’t sound like a particularly strenuous day hike, but there’s Canada Creek to cross (twice, with the second crossing likely be harder than the one on the way out, as the water level rises during the day) and no trail for most of that distance.
The summer days are long at these high latitudes but still, don’t underestimate the time required. Most of the parties we met found the hike to be harder and longer than they had anticipated. …
read more – hiking the slims river west trail to the kaskawulsh glacier overlook on observation mountain
Their photos are STUNNING.
… On my trip I never made it past the first creek crossing.
Route finding is tricky. You might need gills to cross some streams in flood. And know that there’s been at least one hiker killed by bear there. Parks Canada shuts it down when the bears are sighted.
Phil recommends special footwear for the water and mud.
besthike.com 