The Selkirk’s Asulkan

The Birthplace of Canadian Mountaineering

The must-visit hut in B.C.’s Selkirk Mountains. A terrif ic base for summer mountaineering and backcountry skiing. In 1905, cartographer and explorer Arthur O. Wheeler described it as, “A gem of mountain scenery. The valley feels enchanted. There’s magic in the atmosphere.” It offers glacier views, mountain scenery, waterfalls and a pleasant valley walk through forests and across avalanche paths. It is a perfect introduction to that part of the Columbia Mountains.

The name Asulkan was used by William Spotswood Green, who climbed in the area in 1888, it means wild goat. The first half of the trail is fairly easy going and has great variation in vegetation. You will likely see a number of hoary marmots sunning themselves on the flat rocks. The alpine wall across the brook forms an impressive backdrop highlighted by big waterfalls. There are plenty of pikas; their “eek” cry is unmistakable.

After four kilometres, the trail begins to climb. It ends with a stif f hike up the glacia l moraine. At trail ’s end, the lower tongue of the Il lecil lewaet Glacier rol ls away below you. The steepness eases near the end. The f irst hint of the hut is the roof of the outhouse. At the end of the trail is the Asulkan Hut. The hut is operated by the Alpine Club of Canada and is usual ly locked dur ing the day, but the front porch makes for a great picnic area. The Asulkan Glacier comes prett y close to the hut.

From behind the hut you’re looking south. The peak on the left is Young’s Peak, the col at the back of the glacier is Asulkan Pass,