Cerise Creek Winter Route (Keith's Hut)

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Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Snow often lingers late into the year along this trail, so be prepared for winter conditions and avalanche risk, even when other areas are snow-free. This trail is very popular with numerous outdoor adventurers for routes up and along Mount Joffre, Mount Matier, Mount Slalok, and Mount Spetch. Due to its popularity throughout the year, the hut could be full at any point in time, so it is likely wise to bring a tent in the event that there is no room in the hut.

The Cerise Creek Trail is a short run, snowshoe, or ski that starts from Highway 99 and ends at the Keith Flavelle Hut, which allows for a comfortable overnight stay when spots are available, especially during cold weather. This hut is located in a basin that offers vast views of the Joffre range.

Views along the trail include Joffre Peak, Mount Matier, Vantage Peak Mount Hartzell, Mount Howard, Twin One Glacier, Snowspider Mountain, and the Anniversary Glacier. There are abundant opportunities for adventuring in and around these mountains beyond the hut, and the valley holding Joffre Lakes can even be accessed via backcountry travel from the hut.

Keith's Hut can be accessed in three different ways: a summer route, a winter route, and switching between these two routes based on the conditions of each trail. The winter route has several creek crossings that can be difficult and hazardous as the weather warms. The summer route can be too steep when covered with snow, so is often avoided during the winter. Some users of the trail will switch between the two routes based on conditions and experience.

Bears, birds, etc.