Skihist Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skihist Mountain |
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 Skihist Mountain
Location in British Columbia
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,968 m (9,738 ft) |
| Prominence | 2,463 m (8,081 ft) |
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| Geography | |
| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Parent range | Cantilever Range, Lillooet Ranges, Coast Mountains |
| Topo map | NTS 092.I.04 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Unrecorded (prospectors or First Nations) |
Skihist Mountain, sometimes called Skihist Peak, is a very tall mountain in British Columbia, Canada. It's the highest point in the Cantilever Range and the entire southwestern part of British Columbia. This impressive peak stands about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of a town called Lytton. It's also the tallest mountain in the Lillooet Ranges, which are mountain chains found between the Lillooet and Fraser Rivers.
Skihist Mountain reaches a height of 2,968 meters (9,738 feet) above sea level. This makes it one of the most important peaks in the region. It's a significant landmark in the Stein Valley Nlaka'pamux Heritage Park.
Contents
Exploring Skihist Mountain's Features
Skihist Mountain has a long ridge that runs from north to south. This ridge forms the main part of the mountain.
Waterways Around the Peak
Several creeks flow from the mountain's slopes.
- Kent Creek drains the northern parts of Skihist.
- Nesbitt Creek collects water from the south and west sides.
- Both Kent and Nesbitt Creeks eventually flow into the Stein River.
- On the eastern side, North Kwoiek Creek starts at Skihist Lake. This small mountain lake is about three kilometers (1.9 miles) southeast of the summit.
Climbing Skihist Mountain
For those who like to climb mountains, the easiest way to reach the top of Skihist Mountain is from its southern slopes. This route starts from the North Kwoiek Creek area.
What Does "Skihist" Mean?
The name "Skihist" has an interesting history and a couple of possible meanings.
The Mythological Leap
According to James Teit, an expert who studied Indigenous cultures in 1917, the word skihist means "jump" or "leap." This name comes from an old story about a giant. In this myth, the giant would leap back and forth between Skihist Mountain and another peak called Akasik Mountain.
The Peak Between Ridges
Another idea about the name comes from Helen and GPW Akrigg. In their book about place names in British Columbia, they suggest that "Skihist" comes from Sk-haest. This phrase means "peak between two ridges." Both explanations give us a clue about the mountain's shape or its importance in local stories.
Skihist Provincial Park Connection
There's a place called Skihist Provincial Park, but it's not right next to Skihist Mountain. It's located across the Fraser River and further up the Thompson River. The park was named "Skihist" because it offers a great view of the mountain. So, even though they are not close, they share a name because of the view.
