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Okay. Where did summer go? After not hiking as much as I had hoped to in July and August, I was looking forward to Labour Day where I’d finally have the time to tackle a decent peak. Unfortunately, the forecast was horrible and despite hoping that it would change closer to the weekend, it was not to be.

Indeed, it was pouring this morning when I picked Brad up at his house and it continued all the way to the Crowsnest Pass. Low clouds meant that we couldn’t see any mountains – either from a distance or from directly below. Knowing that it was going to be a wet day with zero views, we’d already resigned ourselves to hiking a low ridge.

After discussing a few possibilities, we decided to pick a south approach up Willoughby Ridge. Both of us had ascended Willoughby before, with Brad using the usual fire road approach and me using a winter scramble up the northwest end back in November 2013; though deep snow kept me from reaching the Ironstone Fire Lookout. So, the chance to explore a new part of the ridge and for me to actually reach the Lookout, sounded like a good plan.

Thankfully, the rain turned to mist and drizzle by the time we’d reached the south end of Willoughby and our starting point on the Lyons Creek road. As expected, everything was soaking wet and we couldn’t see much due to low cloud cover. The trip itself was uneventful and quick, and the only obstacle involved navigating our way over wet deadfall that was strewn over two low points along the ridge. This was time-consuming but the ever-present thought of slipping and ending up like Andy Bernard at Jim and Pam’s wedding kept us focused. 😂

Arriving at the Ironstone Lookout in a mere hour and a half, we were surprised to see that it had already been shut down for the season – that or we were in a Stephen King novel and the mist had already taken the observer into the abyss. With not much to look at, we returned to my truck the way we came and that was it. We discussed trying another low ridge in the area, but as we were soaked to the bone, we decided to call it a day.

Despite the terrible weather, at the very least, we were in the mountains and that is always a great place to be. 🙂

To get to the south route up Willoughby Ridge, we drove west from Lethbridge to the town of Blairmore. We then turned left at the first entrance to the town past the bridge (20 Ave) and then took out first left (113 St). After crossing the tracks, we followed 113 St. for 3 blocks until we came to 17 Ave, where we turned right. One block away we turned left again on 132 St and followed it for one block until we came to 16 Ave, where we turned right and followed the street as it turned into 131 St. as it left town. We then followed 131 St. until it turned into Lyons Creek Road. We then followed the road for ~9.2 km until we came to the where the road crossed the south end of Willoughby Ridge. This was our starting point.

From the parking area we started up the ridge and once on the crest, found a small and sporadic path on the east side of the ridge that allowed us to avoid a thick stand of small trees. Once back on the crest, it was easy to follow all the way to the summit with the exception of two sections of deadfall located in the cols between the high points. Otherwise, there was nothing complicated. For reference, from my truck to the summit it was ~2.9 km hike (365 m elevation gain) that took us 1 hour and 30 minutes. If not for the deadfall, that time would be much quicker.

After enjoying the views 😂 we returned the way we came.

Our total roundtrip distance was ~6 km and our total elevation gain was 471 m. Our total roundtrip time was 3 hours even.

Gearing up at the south end of Willoughby Ridge. Oh, what a glorious day for a hike! 😂

Starting under a light drizzle.

The vegetation and trees were soaking wet…

And it didn’t take long before we were as well.

Looking back to our starting point after gaining the ridge.

On the ridge and it wasn’t looking too fun – or dry.

However, we found a small and sporadic trail to hiker’s right (east side of the ridge) that led past the stand of small trees.

The trail would eventually lead us back onto the ridge.

Back on the ridge. Brad did his grad studies in Newfoundland and besides a degree, he brought home an authentic fisherman’s rain hat.

It was smooth sailing up to the first high point.

However, our progress slowed as we descended into the col.

We could avoid some but not all, of the wet deadfall by staying to hiker’s right.

Looking back to the first high point.

Despite the haze, travel along the ridge was interesting.

Heading up to the second high point.

The east side of the second high point had a small but dramatic set of cliffs.

Descending into the next col. This was where we encountered the worst of the deadfall.

Brad be nimble. Brad be quick. See Brad jump from stick to stick. 😂

Seriously though, the wet logs were slippery and we were mindful of the ever-present threat of becoming a eunuch. 😂

Finally past the deadfall and on our way to the summit. It was easy peasy from here.

Looking back as we near the top.

Like a Bond villain’s lair, the Ironstone Fire Lookout appears eerily out of the mist.

As it was such a beautiful day, we were tempted to sit and enjoy the views. 😂

The sign on the side of the lookout.

We were surprised that it was already closed for the season.

Arrrrgggghhh. Cap’n Highliner on the summit of Willoughby Ridge (2079 m). 😂

Me on the summit. For reference, it took us 1 hour and 30 minutes over ~2.9 km (365 m elevation gain) to reach the lookout from my truck. (Photo by Brad Wolcott)

I use the helipad to signal the mothership. 😂 (Photo by Brad Wolcott)

After a quick stay on the summit, we headed back the way we came.

They were beautiful, those gorillas in the mist. 😂

Probably the coolest photo of the day.

By staying a little further to the east side of the ridge, we were able to navigate the two sections of deadfall slightly quicker.

Descending back to the road.

Arriving back at my truck ~6 km and 3 hours after starting. We were soaked from head to toe, but nevertheless, it was still a fun day in the mountains. Thanks again to Brad for his great company! 🙂