This was an epic, but one of the most challenging journeys we’ve faced to date. The Kiwa Glacier is a pristine area that has been on our list of places to explore and finally after a recon and early season access attempts we finally made it to the Lake! Some of the challenges that we faced:

1. Started with a flat tire

2. Check Engine light

3. Grizzly bear at the trailhead

4. 12 km of the worst alders I’ve pushed through

5. Very sketchy river crossing (all the water goes into this 1 river)

6. 4 km of the wettest meadows we’ve ever circumnavigated

7. Bliss at the lake

8. Attacked by a porcupine at 1am, almost punctured my sleeping pad

9. Could NOT cross the river as it had risen a few feet (even with the tiny amount of rain less than 1 mm) that fell during our stay

10. Hiked 16 km on the wild side of the river, making 100 meters every hour for the last 3 hours with headlamps in the dark, cliffs above and raging river below

11. Bliss at the truck, our bodies long ago gave up but our spirits pushed onward.

Thsi is a very challenging place to navigate and should only be attempted by experienced and prepared backcountry enthusiasts due to the need to route find and deal with quickly changing water levels, abundant grizzly bears, ever changing weather near the glacier and a 99.9999% chance you will not see another soul the trip.

Photos:

Videos:

July 2024:

Multiday trip day 1:

Multiday trip day 2:

Multiday trip day 3:

Trekking with Taz: