Distance : 7.8km one way from Odegaard Falls Viewpoint trail head parking lot.
Elevation gain : 320m
Difficulty : Easy terrain, long distance.
This route offers spectacular alpine views as it winds between meadows, ponds, talus boulder slopes and snow avalanche brush trash tracts and is an ideal mountain bike excursion. Originally part of a road that connected all the way to South Bentinck Arm, it can still be driven in a 4×4 to the lookout, depending on the level of debris from the previous winter’s snow avalanches, roadside brush encroachment and cross-ditch water bars.
The lookout is spectacular with a fabulous view of the Noeick River valley, Styx Mountain and Purgatory Glacier directly across the valley. It is possible to continue walking the old forest service road downhill for more views; however, the road is brushing-in quickly. If you do make it downhill to the river, just remember it’s a long way back up to the vehicle(s).
The Noeick River valley was washed out a few times by a jokuhlaup : A glacial phenomenon where the rising waters of Ape Lake broke through the receding Fyles Glacier ice dam, dumping a wall of water down the Noeick River valley and wiping out forests and roads all the way to South Bentinck Arm.
How to get there
Access to the trailhead is the same as Hammer Lake and Ape Lake Trail. Then continue to follow the road approximately 5km to the lookout. Depending on conditions, this road may or may not be passable. Beyond the lookout, the road has been fully deactivated and is not drivable.
