Dunster Trail / Duchastel Hut

Description:

From the trailhead on Pepper Road, the trail climbs steeply all the way to the alpine, except for a brief descent just beyond the lookout point about half way to the top. Once in the alpine one may wander in any direction. Good views of the Raush and Robson Valleys may be had. A flagged route leads around a shoulder and arrives at Bob Lake and the Duchastel Hut. Just beyond the lake a panoramic view of the Raush River Valley may be seen.

Getting There:

From Valemount follow highway 5 north to Tete Jaune Junction, then take highway 16 west to the Dunster Turnoff (Distance from Valemount: 52.8 Km.). Turn Left and follow Dunster Road across the Fraser River Bridge. Continue to Pepper Road and turn right, crossing the railroad tracks. Follow Pepper Road to its end and park at the gravel pit. The trail starts at the top of the pit. An old road may be followed from the pit if a less steep incline is preferred at the start. The old road switches back and intercepts the trail some distance above the gravel pit, but is considerably longer than the actual trail above the pit. There is currently a sign at the trailhead but a false trail has been created near the sign by people mistakenly following a small ridge of sand at the edge of the pit. This leads nowhere. The actual trail contours about 40m to the right at approximately the elevation of the signpost and then ascends the back of the gravel pit.

Hiking Time:

Allow 5 to 6 hours round trip to the alpine, 8 or more to the Raush viewpoint.

More Info and Photos: http://www.dunsterbc.net/tom%27s_cabin.html