Open area after creek with route to the top right
Wednesday August 6th 2014
“The Pig’s Back” is an unofficial name for a nameless peak under the shadow of Commonwealth Peak. It is situated between Commonwealth Lake and Commonwealth Creek. The trail starts from the first parking area on the left after crossing the bridge at the Engadine Lodge/ Mt Shark turn off from the Spray Lakes road. Hike along the old road, past Tryst Lake turn on your right, until the road forks. To the right is the Smuts /Birdwood Pass trail. To the left the trail to Commonwealth Lake and “The Pig’s Back”. The first obstacle is a fast flowing creek. There is no bridge so look for a couple of places with fallen trees to help you ford Smut’s creek. The trail then comes to the open area as shown above.
Sawmill showing trail
Next is the Old Sawmill photo above.
The climb up through the woods
Then there is a steep climb up through the trees, followed by the beauty of Commonwealth Lake.
Commonwealth Lake
There is another opening after the lake and the main trail bears left. We took off to the right on the way up and forged away up to the Col. On the return we returned via the main trail. Photo’s are in the gallery.
Grand view of the Pig’s Back
This view is from the Col with the summit and peak in view.
Tent Ridge left and end of the ridge
Commonwealth Lake
From the far end of the ridge Commonwealth Lake comes into view.
Coming down from the summit ridge
Distance return 13.0 km Time return 7 hrs ( inc 30 min lunch ) Elevation Accumulated gain 800 m Elevation to Summit 620 m Summit height 2440 m
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