Backnumber Vol.137 Hidaka Mountain Range - Hokkaido Ridge walk through Mt.Poroshiri to Mt. Fushimi

This story was written by Chiharu Hoshino

                                                                                                               Translated by Yumiko Mori

Despite its nothernmost location, Hokkaido experienced a sweltering summer this year. This year might be the worst as you can literally feel the heat even at the peaks of the mountains.
Adding to this crazy weather, we also had first snow fall at Mt. Kuro (Daisetsuzann) late in August which was surprisingly early for the year.


This time we embarked on our adventure that connects Mt.Poroshiri−Highest mountain in the Hidaka Mountain Range and Mt. Fushimi by the ridge.  Although there are multiple routes that lead to the peak of the Mt. Poroshiri, we chose the one starting from Birotori town side. (Furenai course) Since you will walk through the gorge, wading shoes are needed. Yet personally this trail is by far my favorite one. The trail takes you to the woods, gorge, flower beds and ridge that allows you to see breathtaking cirque view below. In a hot and uncomfortable summer, walking through gorge is the only possible escape from the heat. However it's also known as notorious route when it rains, rapid increase of the water volume makes it impossible for people to go through the route.

Walking against the stream like this.  Depending on the amount of the water it varies, but it was little above knee at the deepest spot for this time.

Poroshiri hut that locates at the end of the gorge. They don't serve meals but there is always a custodian staying in the hut. Reservations are required for an overnight stay at the hut.

 After pushing your way through the steep hill you will get to the ridge where you can see the beautiful cirque below including Poroshiri North Cirque and Seven Marshes Cirque.  You might spot a bear if you are lucky.

Mt. Totta Bestu  Photo above

The ridge connects from Mt.Totta Bestu, Mt. North Totta Bestu and Mt.1967.  Along the ridge, there are sections that's narrow,  sections that you have to push through dense shrubs and bushes and sections for scrambling. Overall my review for the trail overseeing the Hidaka Mountain Range are phenomenal. Furthermore there aren't so many people on the trail. We were the only ones at the peak of  Mt. North Totta Betsu.

After passing though the Mt.Pipairo, Mt.Fushimi awaits. In spite of the fact that this is the only stepped hiking trail in Hidaka Mountain Range, there aren't many spots you can obtain water. To make matters worse, depending on the season it can be very hard to get water once you are on the trail. Some sections on the ridge require you to go down along the gorge to get water. So I highly recommend you to do some research to know the spots that you can get water before your trip.


Thank you for reading!!