Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut, BC Trail Run/Hike/Bushwhack

 

Columbia River (Kinbasket Lake), 63km drive on logging road besides this river

The approach wasn't easy or short, we drove 30min west from Golden, then up north on a logging road with the Columbia River right beside us for 63km exact, at that point we were suppose to see a trail heat sign (which in the first pass me missed it) and after 30 minutes of back and forth we found it.
Swan Creek Trail Sign

Overgrown and dense, we started the run, soon enough got our "freedom steps in" (that means that after avoiding getting wet, we just stepped into a deep poodle and the concern of getting wet feet was gone...




Sure a 10k run shouldn't take me more than 40 minutes I thought.... but when is in a terrain that hasn't been travel in a long time and with 1,500+ of elevation gain !! 3 hours weren't that bad...Stefan Price and Riley invited me for an adventure near BC and I didn't hesitate to say yes without asking to many details.. I told Stefan that I would try find a campsite to stay with the family and meet them there.
Found a spot for three nights in Golden RV, got there Friday night and was ready Saturday morning for the adventure ! Before I left I told Maria that I would probably be back at around 1-2pm.. (and actually showed up at 7:30pm !!).
The destination was the Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadow) Hut, amazing cabin to say the least built by Bill (from Boston) in the 60s and operated till now by ACC.
From there we kind of new that we were in the right trail.
The trails go parallel to the Swan Creek. At one point the trail disappear in front of us, and the avalanche run out challenged us to find our way between the river and the debris. It was icy and we had to be careful or we would end up in the river. 

Avalanche Pass half way up


 Two sections we found rope that were quite helpful. The footing was ok, but not a lot of visibility and in some parts the grass was covering rocks and logs to make it interesting to the ankles !!
 


Near the top, we ran on the edge of a moraine, super careful since the risk of tripping ad falling down was high. The view on this section was mega spectacular to say the least.    

Moraine near the top


We can finally see the Hut.. Built in the 60s and with a few renos after ACC took over it sure looks nice. It has enough space for 20, with propane for the winter months and nice views all around.
Bill Putnam Hut


View from the meadow




View of the Granite Glacier


Beautiful Cedar Trees 


Well, I guess the way back wasn't just rolling.. unfortunately unless you are riding a bike, there is no coasting downhill when you are on feet ! It took us a bit less going down, but not much. With 5:38 minutes moving time we cover 22kms and 1,500 mts of elevation gain. Lots of time finding trail and beautiful views all the way.

I got back to the campground to hang out with my kids that were desperate to hear the story !!
 


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