Unnecessary Mountain
July 28, 2010
1548m
North Shore Mountains, BC
This is an interestingly named peak in Cypress P. Park near West Vancouver. Dad, James Li and I summitted it on a hot July day via Howe Sound Crest Trail. We didn’t stay long on St. Mark’s Summit since our plan was to watch sunset on Unnecessary Mountain. The trail was easy to follow, but the grade up towards the south summit was steep. Dad was falling behind now and it was James and I marching up. We did get some nice views from the south summit, but we couldn’t see West Lion, so we continued to the north summit, which is higher. Because dad was not following, after some photos we quickly made our way back to the south summit, and we regrouped there. Sunset was on the way, and it was the time to soak in the views, rather than worrying about the descent.
There were some opening areas on the trail.
Panorama view of the mountains towards west
James playing on a snow patch
East Lion seen from the south summit
Me on south summit, soaking in the views
James hiking up to the higher north summit. South summit behind
Me with the low angled sun behind
James
Looking towards Bowen Island from the north summit
The Lions from north summit
Getting closer to a drop-off. I was very nervous about these things.
The higher peak on right is Brunswick Mountain
Howe Sound
Back to the south summit, looking towards East Lion
The smoke did intensify the evening colours
I was ready for the sunset
Bowen Island and Howe Sound
James
Panorama view
Me with the sunset behind
A closer look
Grouse Mountain to Crown Mountain group
Sun almost got down!
Another panorama. Sun was down already. Time to worry about the way home!
After observing probably one of the best views I’d ever seen to date, we started the descent. None of us owned a head-lamp. However, we did bring up a mini flashlight, plus an iPod and a cell phone. It was hard to stay on trail near a couple rockier sections and dad almost brought us down a wrong way. Glad I made the call that we were off route. It took us a long time to get back on track, and we even considered bivying on the summit since it wasn’t that cold. Once on the trail, we took time carefully descending in dark, and it was already 1am when we made back to car. James’ mom was very worrying about our safety.
Steven's Peak-bagging Journey 