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Porcupine Ridge

Hiker with a red backpack sits on a rocky ledge, overlooking lush green valley and jagged mountains under a bright blue sky.

* Dayhike, in and out. No sign or toilet at trailhead. Dogs must be leashed.

* Distance:  10 kms return (roughly 4-5 hrs)

* Elevation gain:  Roughly 730 m

* Difficulty:  Intermediate/difficult

* Trailhead: Unofficial parking lot on Hwy 40 at Porcupine Creek (16.5 kms from Hwy 1). You can also park at Wasootch Day Use and hike through the forest to meet up with the trail at Porcupine Creek, but this will add about 2 kms to your day.



Trail description

Walk down the well-defined path, on the left along the wide creek, for about 1 km until you hit the bridge. You can cross the bridge if you’d like; this is the connector trail that runs through the forest to Wasootch (about 2 kms away). Either way, you'll eventually have to cross the stream a few times further down, so choose the side of your liking.

Forest landscape with a rocky stream, tall pine trees, and mountains in the background. A person stands on a trail, sky clear and blue.
You can spot both trails on either side of the creek here, but you won't always have two options.


Not long after the bridge, you’ll notice the trail will disappear. This means you'll have to meander your way across the stream; there are usually lots of rocks and logs to step onto (hiking poles help here). 

Hiker in orange cap crossing a rocky stream on a narrow log, using trekking poles. Background features a rocky cliff with sparse trees.

If water levels are high or if it’s rained over the last few days, you might consider bringing a pair of water shoes or even an extra pair of socks in case you get a soaker.

Hiker on rocky path by a small stream in a lush forest with a mountain background and clear blue sky.
Approaching the first hump of Porcupine Ridge

At the end of the rocky stream, you’ll spot a few blue ribbons in the trees. The first ‘hump’ of Porcupine Ridge looks almost like a rock wall, with a faint dirt trail leading right up. This is the way. Time to roll up your sleeves, and make sure you have plenty of water.

Hiker in blue looks up at rocky trail in forest with trees, blue markers tied around trunks. Sunny day, peaceful nature scene.
The dusty, loose trail will seem even looser on the way down; poles are highly recommended.

A small creek weaves its way through a narrow rocky valley.
Looking back at Porcupine Creek before starting the steep ascent. You're likely to spot a few climbers at this popular crag.

After about 30-40 minutes of pushing upwards and gaining almost 300m of elevation, you’ll emerge from the trees onto the open, rocky ridge. The good views will keep coming from here on.

Hiker in orange sunglasses and vest smiles with tongue out, in a forested mountain landscape under a cloudy blue sky.

The trail stays relatively open from this point and the elevation does level out, even though it’s another (more gradual) 400m to the true summit.


Keep walking along the ridge to reach the end of the first, never-ending hump. You’ll spot the second hump looming in front of you. It looks much more daunting than it actually is. 

Pine forest with rocky ground and distant mountain peak under a blue sky with clouds. The scene conveys a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
The second hump of Porcupine Ridge was reached more quickly and easily than I estimated when I took this photo.

Many people stop here, have a bite to eat and turn around, as the views are pretty stunning. I urge you to push on.

Hiker with a backpack stands on a rocky path, overlooking vast green forest and majestic mountains under a bright blue sky.

Jason and I were on a time-crunch on this day, so he pushed on ahead of me to get as high as possible. The photo below is as far as he got.

Hiker in sunglasses and cap smiles on a mountain trail with lush trees. Majestic peaks and blue sky with clouds are in the background.
Pretty amazing views all around

The trail apparently gets a bit more technical and scrambly as you approach the ‘true summit’. I had no problem ending our day here.

A mountain range under a blue sky

The beauty of these types of hikes is that you can turn around anytime after you’ve reached the open ridge and still feel like you got your money’s worth of panoramic landscapes. Whenever you get tired, just retrace your steps. 


You’ll want hiking poles for the steep descent and for the creek crossings, especially if the water is high. In shoulder seasons, bring small crampons in your bag for the steep descent. 


See you on the trails!

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