Today’s Walk – Stenson Creek Basin

July 6, 2025

Stenson Creek is a tributary of the Kaslo River, and the basin has seen considerable mining exploration over the years. I’ve hiked this area in the past, climbing Reco Mountain and traversing the ridge toward Texas Peak. This time, I chose to drive and then hike up an old mining road into the eastern side of the basin. Along the way, I came across this old log cabin that must have been connected to the mining activity.

I don’t think there was ever any significant actual mining activity here, but a lot of exploration, with several kilometres of bulldozed tracks carved into the slopes.

Despite the level of disturbance, it’s still a lovely area with abundant wildflowers, insects, birds and critters. I was happy to see silky phacelia growing here – one of my favorite alpine flowers. The bumblebees and other insects were happy to see it as well, apparently.

I got the sense that this little chipper was just a toddler. It carried on sanguinely with its grooming routine, unconcerned that I was only a few feet away.

It took me a while figure out what was going on here: a hairy woodpecker flew over to perch on a dead tree trunk. Nearby, I heard the tap-tapping of another woodpecker. Then, the other bird flew over to the first bird, but quickly flew away again. More tap-tapping, and the same scenario: a quick visit to the bird on the tree and then an equally quick departure. Finally I got it. The bird stationed on the tree trunk was a fledgling and its mother was foraging food to bring for her baby.

The mining trail climbs steeply, with several switchbacks, right to the top of the ridge, where there are spectacular views in all directions. At one high point, someone had hung a string of Buddhist prayer flags, beyond which was a vista that included the Kokanee glacier.

In the distance, the Devil's Couch Mountain in the Valhalla Range

A telephoto view of the Four Squatters glacier in the Purcell Mountains

A view across the shoulder of Reco Mountain to the New Denver Glacier, with Idaho Peak in the middle distance.

A view northward into the Goat Range

The wildflowers along this ridge included many of the more ubiquitous species, but also a few that I don’t come across that often.

Subalpine buttercup and budding alpine anemone

An insect foraging on an alpine speedwell blossom

Red-stem saxifrage

Golden fleabane

Alpine anemone

The Retallack backcountry recreation outfit has developed a network of mountain biking trails here, some of which descend into the basin from the ridge to the south.

As I trudged back to my vehicle, I was surveilled by a whiskeyjack (aka Canada jay, aka gray jay) observing from its high perch.

Even though I've been in this general area before, it was gratifying to explore a corner that I hadn't yet seen. Every outing is different and delivers new discoveries and wonders. As a bonus, I enjoyed a few moments with this magical little waterfall on my way back down the valley.

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