Fat Dog (Pt. 6427) (Winter)

Category: British ColumbiaSummit Elev: 1,960 m / 6,427 ft 
Date: February 11, 2023 (Sat)Trip Report #: 606Partners: Sue Abegg, Marty Abegg

Route: Snow-covered trail (~9.2 miles/14.8 km round trip, 2100'/640m gain/loss, spikes + snowshoes)

A great day out in the snowy mountains with my parents.

Intro

I was visiting my parents in Chilliwack, British Columbia for two weeks. This was the first time I had been up to see them since before the whole Covid debacle of 2020-2022. For the most part the forecast during the two weeks was for the standard rain (inspiring many hours spent at Anytime Fitness, baking at least five batches of cookies, and working an endless train of jigsaw puzzles), but fortunately there was one Saturday during my stay where the weather cleared and the sun showed it still existed. The three of us (my dad, mom, and me) piled into the Subaru and drove to Manning Provincial Park for a day of snowshoeing. We decided that Fat Dog was a good destination for the day.

"Fat Dog" refers to the hike/snowshoe to the top of Point 6427 in Manning Provincial Park. The 14.8 km out-and-back Fat Dog Trail follows Fat Dog Creek and is open for winter access only, operating from December-March. The route is popular with snowshoers and cross country skiers, but can also be utilized by hikers depending on trail conditions. 

It is always a special and enjoyable experience to spend a day in the mountains with my parents. As always, my now-72-year-old parents impressed me with their athleticism and stamina. The following page gives photos from our day out in the snow.

Map, Track, and stats

GPS track (GAIA map screenshot):

GPS track (Google Earth screenshot):

GPX file download:

Total: 5 hours 45 minutes (3 hours up, exactly an hour on the top of Point 6427, 1 hour 45 minutes back to car)

PHOTOS

Driving to Manning along Highway 3.
Parking area for Fat Dog.
Trailhead.
Outhouses in Canada tend to be quite nice.
Starting the hike.
A well-signed junction along the way. 
Snow, sunlight, and trees.
Starting to break out above treeline.
The last mile to the top of Point 6427 is the best part of the snowshoe.
Parents on the final stretch to the top of Point 6427. I was standing on top when I took this photo. 
The top of Point 6427.
The top of Point 6427.
We enjoyed some hot drinks on the top.
My parents enjoying their coffee on top of Point 6427.
My parents enjoying their coffee on top of Point 6427.
My dad enjoyed one of the gingersnaps I had made a few days previous.
Beginning the snowshoe back down. The first mile is the best, as you romp along with sweeping snowy views.
Rabbit tracks.
Glorious.
Trees and snow.
Pleasant snowshoeing.
Pleasant snowshoeing.
Hozomeen in the distance.
A flag along the trail.
Trail conditions. The trail was packed down enough that I took off my snowshoes for the section in the trees.
Fat Dog Creek. Close to the trailhead now.
My parents like Fresca too. Refreshing!
Emmy looks a bit stressed out after her day watching the house. 
Gram took it easy all day in my dad's office chair while Emmy did all of the work.
Yum....fresh brownies after a good day in the snow!
My dad likes to add ice cream to the brownies....or is it brownies to the ice cream?
Another cozy evening with a puzzle. I might have to get one of these arc lights my parents have.
Enjoying having a cat on my lap. 
Gram found his reflection.

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