As Ramblers climbed past the tree line into sub-alpine meadows at roughly 2,000 meters, the air grew hazy with wildfire smoke. Upon reaching the restored abandoned fire lookout, which now serves as a public shelter, we joined a trail heading east toward the summit ridge. Despite the heavy haze obscuring distant panoramas of the Rocky Mountain Trench and Robson Valley, the hike was enjoyed by all. The smoke lent an eerie, muted atmosphere to the alpine environment, hiding the usual spectacular views but highlighting the rugged, immediate terrain and the resilience of the sub-alpine vegetation.

Photos submitted by Lori Sproull and Elizabeth Dabels.