ASHNOLA HILLS

This hike is an atypical one in the sense that it focuses predominantly on the high altitude grasslands of the eastern side of the Cascades in southern British Columbia.  This region has reduced snow loads in the winter and much less rainfall than the western slopes of this mountain range.  This hike starts from what was a log landing area beside a branch of Peeve Creek which is accessed from a Forestry Service Road that follows along the Pasayten River for about 30 km from Highway 3.  The last few kilometers require a vehicle with good clearance but not necessarily 4-wheel drive.  The area is well suited for camping.

It is not found here in abundance.  Rather nice displays of Gentianella amarella are found here and there growing on small hillocks throughout the wet areas.  A bit higher up, the lupines dominate the flora with spectacular drifts that perfume the air.  Above treeline, the dwarf willows and arenarias, the penstemon, Penstemon davidsonii and the outstanding miniature lupine, Lupinus lepidus var.lobbii  are found in abundance in the appropriate locations.  Both Phyllodoce glanduliflora and P. empetriformis are common and the hybrid, X P. intermedia, will be found here and there, particularly near the peak.  The flower of the cross typically is intermediate in structure between the two forms and light red in colour.  Drabas, eriogonums, and numerous other plants are found throughout the higher regions.