The three of us hiked this mountain as the plan B after a failed (due to bridge repair and resulting impassable road) attempt at Mt Downing.
The FSR to the Hale Creek (and Harrison Lake Lookout) was in a decent shape, but bumpy.
Our driver managed to get us to 940m elevation on the spur road which was significantly rougher and sported several deep water bars near the end. In a Jeep, we reached practically the end of that road.
We crossed the creek and ascended through the forest staying on the climber’s left side of the creek. Snow conditions were good despite the late start.
After reaching the ridge we put the snowshoes on and continued towards the summit reaching it withing 2 hours from the start. The snow covered many features that would be otherwise unpleasant - bush, mossy boulders, etc.
Views from the summit were great. After a late lunch we made an easy ascent back to the vehicle retracing our steps. The slopes were a bit too steep for snowshoes, but the postholing was still tolerable.
Overall, a rather pleasant outing. Perhaps the best time of the year for this objective.
The densest bush on the road:
Mt Urquhart above Harrison Lookout:
Mt Clarke:
