Brazeau Loop - Day 3

I hiked from Brazeau Lake to John-John campsite then onward to Jonas Cutoff then arriving at Four Point campsite. According to my Coros Pace 3, I hiked 35km with 1300 metres of elevation gain. It took about nine hours. This was the highlight of the trip. I crossed a river, encountered a grizzly bear, explored a high elevation plateau, crossed a high elevation pass, saw a caribou antler, heard a wolf howling at night, and much more.

The Hike

The day started with the ford across the Brazeau river. Looking back across to Brazeau Lake campsite after crossing the river.

After crossing the river, the trail enters the forest. I followed the orange marker tape. The trail crosses a rocky area then it is easy to follow.

The trail from the river now intersects with the main trail at this point.

Following the established trail...

After following the trail, I emerged into a rocky open area.

As I moved through the rocky area, I noticed there were many berry bushes with ripe berries. I could hear a creek up ahead. Based on past experience, I knew that berry bushes, the noise of a creek, and the wind blowing into my face is a bad combination. With this in mind, I pulled my bear spray and I had it in hand.

As I emerged through the bushes on the knoll, I immediately saw a large grizzly feeding on berries. It was about 40 yards away. It was unaware of my presence. Based on past experience, I knew that if I said 'hey bear', I would surprise it. Then, it would likely charge. The trail follows just below the grizzly bear so I couldn't simply walk the trail. Using the sound of the nearby creek, I dropped down to the creek. The bear was out of sight. I quietly rock hopped along the edge of the creek toward the John-John creek bridge. I crossed the bridge. When I looked back, I couldn't see the bear because it was hidden behind bushes.

After navigating around the bear, I continued along the trail toward John-John campsite.

The trail traverses through the valley.

I stopped briefly to have a look at John-John campsite. Then, I continued onward.

Hiking toward Poboktan Pass

Emerging into Poboktan Pass

Poboktan Pass and the vast high elevation plateau.

Descending to Jonas Cutoff.

After passing Jonas Cutoff campsite, I started ascending toward Jonas Shoulder.

Continuing to hike toward Jonas Shoulder

Arriving at Jonas Shoulder

The view into Jonas Creek valley beyond Jonas Shoulder

I followed the trail into the valley.

Caribou antler...

As the valley narrows, I started my descent toward Four Point campsite.

The trail enters the forest.

Nearing Four Point campsite. Four point has several campsites, a green pit toilet, bear lockers and picnic table. The bugs seemed worse at Four Point. At about 2:00am, I heard a wolf howling. The way the sound echoed through the valley was hauntingly beautiful. After staying the night at Four Point campsite, I hiked back out to the trail head following the same trail as day one of the trip.

Final Thoughts

The Brazeau loop is a stunning traverse through diverse landscapes from the forest near the river to a stunning lake to grand vistas along a high plateau to the wide open valley leading back to the forest. It is a worthwhile destination for any backpacker. I highly recommend it.