Flat Iron Overnight Hike-In Alpine Camp

For Environmental Science 11/12 and Outdoor Education 11/12

Welcome to the Applied Outdoor Ed Program at SRT. We would like to start the school year off with an overnight backcountry trek to Flat Iron Mountain in the Coquihalla Range on Friday, September 25th to Saturday, September 26th.

Details of this challenging hike:

The hike ascends from the parking lot of the Coquihalla Summit Rest area, which is a 2 hour drive from SRT.

The trail is steep through the forest for the first 3.5 km – gaining over 750 meters in elevation during this first kms.

The trail then flattens out for a km while zig zagging over rock outcrops with beautiful sweeping views to surrounding mountains and valleys below. We continue another km to an area beside a small alpine lake to camp. The total elevation gain is 850m.

There are no facilities in this region. No outhouses or tables and no fires allowed.

Students will practice a pack in, pack out model. Every aspect of this adventure will be focussed on respect for the environment we’re in.

Students will use classroom time to learn about the ecology of the sensitive area. They will pass through 4 biogeoclimatic zones on this 10.2 km round trip hike.

Students who have completed the classroom modules and have proven they understand backcountry safety, environmental protection and hiking etiquette will be selected for the trip.

We will have to “create” a designated toilet area for students once at camp, as there are no outhouses available. There is limited privacy from other backpackers, as we will be in the alpine where trees and bushes are small and low.

No reservation is required to hike and stay overnight in this area, which means we also have no control over what space will be available. There are several flat areas surrounding the small lake to set up tents.

Students will pack their own food and drinks and gear. They will be responsible for their own set up and take down of camp, cooking all their meals, keeping their area clean, storing their food in a safe way to keep animals away.

The school has light weight tents, small stoves, pots/pans, butane gas, mattress pads, sleeping bags and large backpacks to loan to students. They will be required to share tents in groups of 2 – 5 people.

There will be mandatory packing and preparedness classes that must not be missed.

We will all drive together in the SRT van and/or chaperone’s personal vehicle to and from the starting point. 2 hour drive each way.

Students must have decent hiking shoes or a solid pair of runners with grip and support. Poles are highly recommended.

This is an OPTIONAL trip to enhance the Outdoor Ed Program which is taught by Mr. Penacerrada and Mrs. Davies and the hiking portion will be facilitated and hosted by Ms. Tracy Adams (Education Assistant) and Mrs. Allison Wall (SRT vice principal).

Please communicate with your son or daughter before signing them up, to ensure they want to go, and have the capacity to carry a 35lb backpack up a steep mountain with various terrain features such as roots and rocks and slippery sections. This includes researching the area and understanding the challenges of the hike. There are 14 spots available, so not everyone in the class will be able to attend.

Please note: Attendance on this trip is not graded, and students will not lose marks if they are not able to attend. This is an optional learning experience, and participation will not impact a student’s academic standing.

There is very limited cell reception. Weather conditions may vary but students must be prepared for cold weather and high winds. The area is exposed and stands at 2000m in elevation. Preparedness for alpine conditions is essential.

If a student falls ill or gets injured during the trip, a certified Wilderness First Aid attendant will assess and create a plan to safely get the student to an area where parents could drive to pick them up or attend, as needed. Please ensure emergency info is up to date and that someone is available during the time we are away.

Please email carlo_penacerrada@sd42.ca, sarah_davies@sd42.ca, or tracyd_adams@sd42.ca if more information is required.