The Full Pull, Skelu'la7 & Chain Link
Owl Lookout, about 1 hour from The Cell Tower
Having recently ridden a few of the big Mt. Currie area epics, (Wild Bill, Jack The Ripper, Resurrectum) I wanted to re-visit the Trappers descent on the Chain Link. Despite 6 or 7 switchbacks that need re-shaping (this is an old horse trail being refitted for Bikes) and a few steep tech sections, this descent is no more demanding than the other big trails. We did the “full pull” adding the now open Skelu’la7 from the Cell Tower to little Owl Lake. This trail is shown on the new map as the Mackenzie Owl connector. First Nation hunters used to cross over this ridge following game from one valley to the other. Skelu’la7 (the 7 is pronounced as a hard K) is Owl in the local Lil’wat language. The trail has been re-named in honor of the rich first nations connection to the land here. This trail is an enormous addition to the Pemberton network as hikers and bikers can now get from Pemberton over to Owl and connect with the trail networks there that lead out from the Chain to the Birkenhead or through Fowl and Ogre all the way to Tanquille.
Skelu'la7
Skelu’la7 is a great hike from the cell tower to little Owl for a swim and back. It can also be ridden as an out and back, although you’ll have to get off your bike and hike a couple of times back up to the Lookout.
Lisa and Johnny celebrating their 11th Anniversary.
The Chasm
Leaping the Chasm is NOT mandatory.
The crossing at Owl Creek is temporary for now as the ministry of Forests will soon be building a permanent bridge for us. Not to worry as their logging plans will not interfere with the new trail. Once across Owl Creek you can continue to the Chain Link and on to the Trappers descent, or up to Fowl (hiking), or down the road 4 km’s and hook up with the Resurrectum descent. We did the Chain Link to Trappers D. Five hours from the Tower to our shuttle vehicle 4 km’s down the Birkenhead River Road, not including shuttle time. A comfortable 5 hrs. as although we didn’t doddle we did have a few food and swim breaks.
Swimming in one of the beautiful Chain Lakes
If you continue past the Chain Lakes to the Trappers Cabin and down to the Birkenhead river, you’ll have about one full hour of downhill!
Wendy given er on the Trappers Descent.
Ozzy cranken the ramp to the Birkenhead Lookout.
Birkenhead lookout
There is no longer any need for Pemby locals to leave the valley for truly epic riding. We can now start (and finish) the epic right from home. Need a big ride, think Pemberton/Mt. Currie.
