Synopsis: A stunning ridge walk with spectacular views.
Access: Northbound, you need to get to the Parson Repeater via Whiskey Creek. Southbound, you need to get to Flattop Mountain.
Trailhead: Northbound, the Parson Repeater. Southbound, Nathan's cairn on Flattop Mountain.
Trail Northbound: From the Repeater, head northwest, cross the rocky area, and descend the slope to the col. Head up the ramp to the west of the next peak. Follow the ramp over the hump and slightly down the north side, until you are at the top of a very steep drop into the bowl. Head to the west slightly and descend the talus to a rocky dike on the ridge.
This is the one spot where you'll absolutely have to take your hands out of your pockets. It is probably easiest to downclimb (northbound) on the west side of the dike, among small shattered rock. Not very far, but a bit of a scramble.
At the bottom of the rock, follow the ridge again, keeping aware of the large dropoff on the east side. At the north end of the ridge, you'll find another rock dike, which can be easily skirted on the east side. Once past this spot, descend down to the col. If you stay to the west, you will hit the easiest spot to get into the valley, travelling down a shale mud slope. As you descend, you'll notice a goat trail snaking east on the hill on the north side of the col. Head for it.
The next part is both easy and beautiful. Think of it as a giant S. Head east on the goat trail and gain the alpine meadow to the east of the ridge. Head towards the north end of the bowl, and you'll discover the next col, which leads into alpine meadows on the west side of the next peak. Stay low in the meadow until you get to the north end, where you will pass the bottom of a rock slide, gain the next slight crest, and come to the other mildly problematic area. There is a slope of shattered rock that you will have to sidehill gouge your way across. Head for the gap between the two groups of trees. From the trees, follow the goat trail, which stay high on the slope, close to the base of the cliff.
Once you are past the rock, drop to the col and climb the steep but heathered slope towards Flattop. There will be another bare slope of shale and mud, and then the final push to Nathan's cairn atop Flattop.
Trail Southbound: Descend Flattop towards the grey shale area and drop down to the col. Climb up the other side towards the rocky ridge. At the bottom of the ridge, head across the shattered rock towards the gap between the two groups of trees. There is a slight goat trail here, close to the base of the cliffs. Once you are past the rock, head up and to the right to gain the flat alpine meadows. Head south on the west side of the peak, then angle east towards the next col. Now, cross the col and head down the alpine meadows on the east side of the next peak, dropping down into the following col on the goat trail. If you go the the west end of this valley, you can climb the steep shale mud slope. No technical difficulty, but you'll be breathing hard when you get to the top.
Once you are on the ridge, you immediately encounter a rock dike right on the ridge, which can be skirted to the east (your left) for about 50 metres. Follow the ridge across the top of the huge bowl on the east until you get to another rock dike in the way. Southbound, the east side (your left, larger loose rocks) is probably the easiest ascent. This short pitch is the most difficult part of the trip.
Once you regain the ridge, head up the steep hill and gain the ramp that leads down to the last pitch up to the Repeater. Easy walking here, and the Repeater is clearly visible.
Cautions: