ALKI CREEK AND MURPHY PASS -- SOUTHERN PURCELL MTS.
Information Sheet sent to Janice Strong by Don Drew Kimberley summer 2010. All information in this file is unedited by Janice and routes and trail details may change anytime.
The trail work was appoved by the MTCA (Ministry of Tourism, BC who now look after trails etc.)
The route has an overall rating of difficult, and only experienced, properly-equipped hikers should attempt the full circuit. It requires approximately 7-8 hours to make the counterclockwise circuit from the trailhead to the first mine site, Murphy Pass, down to Alki Pass and return. The altitude at Murphy Pass is approximately 7,800 ft giving an altitude gain of about 3,400 ft from the trailhead. There is no cellphone coverage in the area, so in case of an accident, help can be a long time in coming.
The Alki Pass trail (turning right at the sign at the first mine site) is of moderate difficulty; beyond the tarns to the Pass requires some route finding up the valley although trail markers have been placed in this section. The Murphy Pass route (left at the sign) is rated as difficult, and requires some route finding through some rough, steep sections into the sub-alpine. Trail markers have been installed along the route and blazing was done as well. Despite these aids, hikers need to pay close attention to the route in some sections.
Bear spray/bangers, a first-aid kit, sturdy hiking boots, a windbreaker, navigation aids and adequate provisions are strongly recommended. Snow remains in the upper reaches of the Alki and Murphy Pass areas well into July, making conditions wet and muddy in sections.
To access the trail, travel 17 km along the St. Mary Lake Road from the Riverside Campground, and turn right at the sign post, immediately before the concrete bridge over Alki Creek. From there, drive 3.1 km up a steep, sometimes rough forest service road to the start of the trail.