I just returned from a trip to Jasper National Park’s Maligne Pass. The weather was cold at night and warm during the day – just right for hiking. Here are the details.

August 5-7, 2006

Pre-trip accomodations: Most of the group stayed at Beauty Creek Hostel. I stayed at Bea’s Hive in Jasper.

Photo Album

Maligne Pass 2006 Photoset on flickr.com

Saturday, August 5

Pobokotan Creek, Maligne Pass trail, Jasper National Park

Maligne Pass Junction, Maligne Pass trail, Jasper National Park

Our group, Maligne Pass trail, Jasper National Park

Poligne Creek, Maligne Pass trail, Jasper National Park

We started out on the Pobokotan Pass trail at 20 after 10 under a partly cloudy sky. Fresh snow and heavy rain the day before promised (and delivered) muddy conditions. The first 6 kilometres were a fairly easy walk along Pobokotan creek – mostly high above the creek on the slopes of the end of Endless Chain Ridge. We stopped for lunch at the Maligne Pass junction. Then we tackled the remaining five kilometres to Avalanche campground repeatedly crossing Poligne creek. After arriving and setting up camp, we lazed around the campsite for the rest of the day. Eventually dinner was cooked. A short walk after dinner to warm up was the only other main activity for the day. The campground was overflowing with at least six people in four tents who did not have permits to stay at the campground.

Stats: Distance: 11.2 km; Elevation Gain: 500 m; Hiking time: 4.5 hours including lunch break.

Sunday, August 6

Wind blown snow ball, Maligne Pass trail, Jasper National Park

Unnamed lake, Maligne Pass, Jasper National Park

Rock sculpture in Maligne Pass, Jasper National Park

Brian in Maligne Pass, Jasper National Park

Brian, Maligne Pass, Jasper National Park

Unnamed lake below Endless Chain Ridge, Jasper National Park

Waterfall, Poligne Valley, Jasper National Park

Unnamed lakes below Endless Chain Ridge, Jasper National Park

The day dawned cold and frosty. At least one muddy area from the previous day was crunchy when I walked on it- frozen solid! The plants in the meadow in the campground were covered in frost. After breakfast, we got going around 10:30 for a day of rambling in the alpine. We set off on the 4 kilometre hike to Maligne Pass. A great deal of acrobatic activity was displayed by our group as we tried to avoid the worst of the water and mud that comprised the trail. Eventually we started climbing out of the bog on the way to the pass. We started to encounter snowy patches in the trees where the sun had not yet melted off Friday’s snowfall. The day quickly grew warm (up to +20C according to our thermometer) and windy at times. We stopped at the north end of the unnamed lake in Maligne Pass for lunch. A small flock of some kind of duck was circling on the lake at the opposite end from us. After refilling our water supplies, we headed off southwest over a series of ridges. Each ridge was slightly higher than the previous ridge. When we reached the crest of the highest of these ridges, we found another valley with a large unnamed lake in it. The lake was the usual turquoise of a glacially fed lake, but no glacier was evident – rock covered glaciers perhaps? We then hiked southeast down the ridge and then along the shore of this lake for a while until we reached the southeast end of the lake. Then we climbed a low divide to the next watercourse and in the distance we could see two more turquoise lakes – again without any visible glaciers to feed them. We hiked down along the outlet stream of these two lakes until we came to a cliff band and a waterfall. A short detour northwest around the cliff band and a rock fall area brought us to the bottom of the waterfall. Then we rock hopped Poligne creek and followed it downstream until we encountered the trail again. We arrived back in camp around 4:30.

Stats: Distance: about 11 km; Elevation Gain/Loss: 300 m.

Monday, August 7

Poligne Creek waterfall, Jasper National Park

Wildflowers, Poligne Valley, Jasper National Park

Pobokotan Creek, Maligne Pass trail, Jasper National Park

We woke around 7AM, and were on the trail at 9:30. A quick 90 minute hike brought us back to the Maligne Pass junction. An hour break for lunch was followed by another 90 minute hike back to the trailhead.

Stats: Distance: 11.2 km; Elevation Loss: 500 m; Hiking time: 4 hours including an hour for lunch.

Total Stats: Distance: about 33 km; Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 m.

Edited: 2008-02-24 – Updated photo links to Flickr and edited the story.

July 1-3, 2006

Pre-trip accomodations: Mount Edith Cavell Hostel

Photo Albums

Tonquin Valley 2006 Photoset on flickr.com | [piclens-lite-link]

Saturday, July 1

We started out on the Astoria River trail under a clear cloudless sky. Much sunscreen was applied! We stopped for lunch at the Astoria campground. At the Chrome Lake junction we stopped to fill our water bottles. Then we tackled the switchbacks in the heat of the day. A lot of sunscreen, insect repellent and water were consumed. We stopped again for water at a stream above Switchbacks campground and were swarmed by mosquitos. We then hiked through the mosquito infested slopes of Old Horn mountain until we reached Clitheroe campground.

Stats: Distance: 16.9 km; Elevation Gain: 400 m; Elevation Loss: 150 m. Hiking time: 8.5 hours.

Sunday, July 2

Another hot and sunny day. Our objective for the day was to explore the Eremite valley. We started off down the hill from mosquito infested Clitheroe campground, past the warden cabin, and through the bog at the southeast corner of Amethyst Lakes. When we reached the bridge over the outlet stream, we were pleasantly surprised to find very few mosquitoes were present. So we parked for a while and enjoyed the sunny day. We counted at least two dozen rainbow trout lingering in the outlet stream. Eventually we dragged ourselves from the bridge and back onto the trail. A short walk later, we arrived at Surprise Point campground where we took a snack break. Not as many mosquitos as Clitheroe campground but still more than enough. Then we hiked down a very rocky trail to Chrome lake. We stopped on the shore of Chrome lake for a mosquito free lunch break. Next we decided to visit the Wates-Gibson Alpine Club of Canada Hut on Outpost lake which is reached on a very steep trail. After a short look to see what the hut offered in terms of facilities, we returned back down to the Eremite valley junction. The mosquitoes were quite hungry at the hut. It was getting late in the day and we decided to leave the Eremite for a future trip and we returned to camp with another long lingering stay at the Amethyst Lake outlet stream.

Stats: Distance:about 12 km;. Elevation Gain/Loss: Unknown.

Monday, July 3

Freedom from mosquito day! We woke early, had breakfast and got out of the campground as quickly as possible. A water stop above Switchbacks campground ensured that everyone had enough water to reach the bottom of the switchbacks on the third hot and sunny day in a row. We stopped for lunch and water near the Chrome Lake trail junction. A nice breeze was blowing and keeping the mosquitoes down. And that was the end of them for this trip. Another break at the Astoria river bridge and then the long trudge back uphill to the cars at the trailhead. On a hot day, that last 4.5 km is very monotonus and tiring.

Stats: Distance: 16.9 km; Elevation Gain: 150 m; Elevation Loss: 400 m; Hiking time: 7.25 hours.

Total Stats: Distance: 46 km; Elevation Gain/Loss: Unknown.

Edited: 2008-03-02 – Updated photo links to Flickr and updated the story.

July 30 to August 1, 2005

Pre-trip Accomodations: Castle Mountain Hostel.

Photo Album

Egypt Lake 2005 Photoset on flickr.com | [piclens-lite-link]

Saturday, July 30

Got a late-ish start as our group slowly got organized. We set off from the Sunshine Village parking lot and headed up the Healy Pass trail. Nothing much but forest for the first several km, but then we started to break out of the trees into wildflower filled meadows. The most spectacular that I can remember seeing. Unfortunately my HP Photosmart 935 camera didn’t do it justice. We continued our upward trek to Healy Pass through the wildflower meadows under bright sunny skies. Perfect weather for a day in the alpine meadows. We did meet a ranger near the pass who told us to keep our eyes open for a young grizzly that had been sighted in the area over the last few days. (We didn’t see it). After a break in Healy Pass, we headed down the other side towards the Egypt Lake campground. Once in the campground, we heard more rumours of bears in the campground area, so we made sure that no “smellables” were left in our tents that night. (Again, we didn’t see any bears).

Stats: Distance: 12.4 km; Elevation Gain: 655 m; Elevation Loss:

Sunday, July 31

Sunday, we dayhiked to Whistling Pass, Scarab and Mummy Lakes. That’s saying a lot in a few words! The trail from the Egypt Lake campground up to Whistling pass is fairly steep in places – especially between Egypt and Scarab Lakes. You do have to climb a headwall afterall! The wildflowers were spectacular around Scarab Lake so we took our time crossing the meadows. We took a lunch break at Whistling Pass and enjoyed the view down the west side. Eventually we packed up and headed back down to Scarab Lake where half our group decided to linger to enjoy the warm summer sun. I led two others on the “trail” to Mummy Lake. The trail here disappears into a rock pile at one point, and the only guide you have is that you need to go up the gully to the top. Pick your own route! Mummy Lake was spectacular, but there was little in vegetation along its shores – it was all rockslides. Eventually we headed back, made a brief exploration of the outlet stream from Scarab Lake as it approached the precipice above Egypt Lake, collected the others and headed back to camp. After supper, we headed back out for the short hike to Egypt Lake which was as smooth as glass in the evening light.

Stats: Distance: ??? km; Elevation Gain/Loss: ??? m.

Monday, August 1

Day three, we returned over Healy Pass to the trailhead. It was another sunny summer day. The wildflowers were still spectacular, the views were magnificent, but we were all tired. Due to this fact, we “lost” two members of our group when we passed a junction. They turned off the main trail instead of continuing downhill. This incident made me realize that the rules I set in place at the beginning of every trip need to be followed on every trip. I now make someone wait at every junction for the last member to arrive. Previously, If it seemed straightforward enough, I wouldn’t bother. But when you’re tired, it’s easy to make mistakes. That and the signs pointing to “Sunshine Village” didn’t help since I had told everyone that’s where we were headed. In my mind though, we were headed to “Sunshine Village” when in reality we were headed to the “Borgeau parking lot”. Live and learn. Fortunately no one was injured.

Stats: Distance: 12.4 km; Elevation Gain: ??? m; Elevation Loss: 655 m.

Total Stats: Distance: ?? km; Elevation Gain/Loss: ??? m

Edited: 2006-06-25 – Updated photo album links.
Edited: 2008-02-24 – Updated photo links to Flickr and wrote the story.

June 4-5, 2005

Camping: Owl Camp – group campground. This was the GMMC’s spring get together.

Photo Album

Owl Camp 2005 Photoset on flickr.com | [piclens-lite-link]

Saturday, June 4 – Prairie View Trail

We set off from the Barrier Dam trailhead in the pouring rain – many umbrellas were put to good use that morning. This trip had originally planned to scramble to the peak proposed to be named in honour of Grant MacEwan, but the poor weather side tracked us to this lower, more sheltered trail. Twenty-six intrepid adventurers headed up through the forest with the goal of reaching a viewpoint or two. Eventually the rain stopped and the rain gear got packed away. By the time we reached the site of the old fire lookout the clouds had cleared enough to give some nice views of Barrier Lake, Barrier Mountain and points south. A little higher at the Prairie View viewpoint, we had a good view of the prairie for which the viewpoint is named. At that point we stopped for lunch before heading further up the ridge to the current fire lookout site. After an all-too-short stop at the fire lookout, we retraced our steps back to the viewpoint. The return journey was peppered with light rain in the latter stages as we hiked back down through the forest to Barrier Lake and the cars. Wildlife sightings: Near the fire lookout, one male spruce grouse; and a raven with a badly torn wing (in flight). Distance hiked: 12.2 km. Elevation gain to lookout: 600 m.

Saturday, June 4, evening

An enjoyable game of (modified) Cranium was enjoyed in the Owl Camp hall. In addition to the standard Cranium game cards, an additional category of Scuplture was added to the game. The goal of the sculpture category was to try and build something and have your teammates guess what you were sculpting. Thanks go out to Claire and Christine for organizing this entertainment.

Sunday, June 5:

When I awoke on Sunday morning, the mountains had ceased to exist. The clouds were hiding everything, but at least it wasn’t raining. As I was eating my breakfast, I proposed a short hike to Grassi Lakes in Canmore. By the time I finished breakfast, the rain had resumed and did not let up. The hike was cancelled and David and myself headed back to Edmonton. No photos taken on Sunday.

Edited: 2006-06-25 – Updated photo album links.
Edited: 2008-02-23 – Updated photo links to Flickr and the text of the story.

September 4-6, 2004

Photo Album

Fryatt Valley 2004 Photoset on flickr.com | [piclens-lite-link]

Saturday, September 4

Saw bear scat a couple of times in the first 7 km, but no other sign of bears. We encountered a couple who crossed the Athabasca river in a canoe around 7.2 km. We stopped for lunch around 8.6 km at a viewpoint of the Athabasca valley where we had the worst rain of the trip – not much of a view because of the rain. The hill after the Lower Fryatt Campground is quite steep. This section felt like a rain forest with its very lush vegetation and plentiful fungi. Finally after crossing some gravel flats we arrived at Brussels campground where we stayed for two nights. Parks Canada needs to revise the trail between the Fryatt Creek Bridge at km 15.9 and Brussels campground as it is crumbling into the creek in a few places. Hiking time: 6.5 hours (including breaks).

Stats: Distance: 17.2 km; Elevation Gain: 450 m.

Sunday, September 5

We had some rain during the night which stopped before morning. We hiked from Brussels Campground to the Alpine Club of Canada’s Sydney Vallance hut. While hiking along Fryatt lake, it rained a little. After leaving the lake, we followed Fryatt creek up to Headwall campground. Then we hiked on up the very steep headwall section of the trail. The hut at the top is well worth staying at in the future. A trip to the hut should consist of a canoe to cross the Athabasca river, and lighter packs due to the amenities of the hut. It would also enable more exploration of the valley above the hut, which we didn’t have time for on this trip. In our very short hike up-valley from the hut, we saw a flock of about half a dozen Harlequin ducks on Fryatt creek.

Stats: Distance: 9.6 km; Elevation Gain/Loss: 340 m.

Monday, September 6

We awoke at 6AM in the cold and dark and hit the trail around 8AM. Picnic tables, wooden bridges and tree roots are quite slippery before the frost melts off them. After leaving the Lower Fryatt Campground, the sun started to break out of the clouds and the day grew warmer – but still not a heat wave. We could actually see the view from the Athabasca valley viewpoint this time. Hiking time: 5.5 hours (including breaks).

Stats: Distance hiked: 17.2 km; Elevation lost: 450 m.

Total Stats: Distance: 44 km; Elevation Gain/Loss: 790 m.

Edited: 2006-06-25 – Updated photo album links.
Edited: 2008-02-22 – Updated photo links to Flickr and the text of the story.

I just returned from a trip to Jasper National Park’s world renowned Skyline Trail. The weather was excellent, and we had a great weekend. Here are the details.

Photo Album

Skyline Trail 2004 Photoset on flickr.com

July 31-August 2, 2004

Pre-trip camping: Snaring River overflow campground

Saturday, July 31

Unnamed Lake, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Butterfly on a flower, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Wildflowers, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Hiking up to Little Shovel Pass, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Richard and John at Little Shovel Pass, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

The Skyline Trail through the Snow Bowl, Jasper National Park

Wildflowers at stream side, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Wildflowers in the Snow Bowl campground, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

We set out from Maligne lake on our hike of the Skyline trail. The first 4.8 km to Evelyn creek campground was a pleasant walk through the forest. Upon leaving that campground, the trail set off uphill with a vengeance – switchbacking many times en route to Little Shovel campground where we had lunch. The day was warm and sunny which was very nice. After leaving our lunch break, we set of uphill again to Little Shovel Pass at 10.3 km. Views in either direction from the pass were spectacular. We were being watched by bighorn sheep on the ridge top. Then we dropped down into the Snowbowl where Snowbowl campground is located. There was no snow present in the vicinity of the trail or campground. There was also limited water at the campground. The wildflowers were plentiful as were the mosquitos.

Stats: Distance: 12.2 km; Elevation Gain: 550 m; Elevation loss: 160 m.

Sunday, August 1

Hiking through the Wildflowers, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Mountain Stream and Wildflowers, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Cotton Grass, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Wildflowers and Curator Mountain, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Brian at Big Shovel Pass, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Looking back over Curator Lake towards Big Shovel Pass and Curator Mountain, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Brian at the Notch; Curator Lake below, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

The Skyline Trail along Amber Mountain, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

The Skyline Trail and the Colin Range, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

We started out from Snowbowl campground in the morning and meandered our way through alpine meadows to Big Shovel Pass. Wildflowers were again plentiful. From Big Shovel Pass we dropped back down into the upper Wabasso valley – a very barren looking region with little vegetation. We stopped near the shores of Curator lake for lunch all the while looking at the trial trail before us. From our lunch stop to the Notch, we climbed 270 metres in 2.6 km. Ultimately we made it to the top of the Notch. Some of our group who had energy to spare decided to scramble up an adjacent peak while the rest of us took it easy. Views included Mount Edith Cavell to the southwest, the Ramparts in the Tonquin Valley to the west and Mount Robson, 90 km distant, in the northwest. Eventually we set off along the ridge crest of Amber Mountain with the ground dropping off to the left and right of us – excellent views all around. Finally we dropped off the skyline and into the valley with Centre lake and Tekarra campground, our destination for the night. The mosquitos were plentiful again.

Stats: Distance: 18.7 km; Elevation Gain: 535 m; Elevation loss: 555 m.

Monday, August 2

Hiking through the Wildflowers, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Pyramid Mountain, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Mount Tekarra’s northmost peak, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Wildflowers, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

Wildflowers, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

The group at trail’s end

Moss Campion, Skyline Trail, Jasper National Park

We headed off from our last campsite with one last surprise in store for us – the next 5 km were still above treeline! We had been anticipating dropping below tree line and heading back to the cars in short order. Instead we had another 5 km of wildflower filled alpine meadows to traverse before we dropped down the Signal Mountain fire road. Views were not quite as good due to a light haze caused by forest fire smoke drifting in from BC’s fires. The final 8 km down the fire road were a monotonous trudge through the forest. (un?)Fortunately we had John telling jokes to entertain us.

Stats: Distance: 13.2 km; Elevation Loss: 900 m.

Total Stats: Distance: 44.1 km; Elevation Gain: 1085 m. Elevation Loss: 1615 m.

Edited: 2006-06-25 – Updated photo album links.
Edited: 2008-02-22 – Updated photo links to Flickr and the text of the story.

Photo Album:

Tonquin Valley 2004 Photoset on flickr.com | [piclens-lite-link]

July 1-4, 2004

Pre-trip camping: Whistlers campground, Jasper National Park

Thursday, July 1:

We started out on the Portal creek trail under cloudy skies. The lower valley featured a fair number of wildflowers. We lunched at the Portal creek campground under a light drizzle. As we left the campground and headed up to Maccarib Pass, the sun broke through the clouds for a while. Then as we approached the pass the clouds returned bringing rain with them. We didn’t linger in the pass because of the rain. The trail in the pass was quite muddy (gumbo) with some snow patches lingering. As we headed down the long alpine meadows to Maccarib campground, the sun broke through again and we had an enjoyable afternoon. Clouds rolled in again as we approached our campground, but the rain held off until everyone had their tents set up and tarps set up for our dining room. The mosquitos were very annoying although the rain and wind kept them away for the most part.

Stats: Distance: 20.1 km; Elevation Gain: 730 m; Elevation Loss: 213 m.

Friday, July 2:

Our objective for day two was to move camp 10 km down the Tonquin valley to our campsite for the next two nights. It was also the best day weather wise for the whole trip as you can see from the photo. We set off and after a brief walk through open forest, we reached the north end of the Amethyst Lakes. We then wandered along the east shore for a couple of kilometres. We stopped for lunch not long before we left the shores of the lake. The trail then headed uphill towards Switchback campground. Fortunately the switchbacks are after the campground when hiking in this direction. The mosquitos were bad again at the campground.

Stats: Distance: 10 km; Elevation Loss: 15 m; Elevation Gain: 118 m.

Saturday, July 3:

The day started off foggy and rainy following a night of rain. Many of the group were ready and willing to hike out to the cars but didn’t want to break camp in the rain. So we waited for a while. Finally we decided to do a day hike and almost as soon as that was decided, the day turned nice. We headed back down the trail a couple of kilometres and then headed off trail and uphill, ultimately reaching a rocky outcrop well above treeline where we had lunch. Then we scrambled upward a little more to another rocky outcrop. No mosquitos at these upper elevations. Half the group went higher still before descending to our campground. The other half descended from this point.

Stats: Distance: approx. 10 km; Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 m.

Sunday, July 4:

We packed up camp and headed down the switchbacks (they’re not too bad when you’re going down them) to the Astoria river valley. We then followed the Astoria river downhill until we crossed Verdant creek. Then we hiked gently uphill to our waiting vehicles. The weather started out cloudy but as the day went on, the weather improved. We all crammed into two vehicles and drove back to the starting point where the other vehicles were waiting near Mount Edith Cavell.

Stats: Distance: 14 km; Elevation Loss: 408 m; Elevation Gain: 46m

Total Stats: Distance: 43.7 km; Elevation Gain: 1394 m; Elevation Loss: 1136 m.

Edited: 2006-06-25 – Updated photo album links.
Edited: 2008-02-22 – Updated photo links to Flickr and the text of the story.

Photo Album:

Owl Camp 2004 Photoset on flickr.com | [piclens-lite-link]

June 4-6, 2004

Camping: Owl Group Campground. This was the GMMC’s spring get together.

Friday, June 4 – Arrive and Set up camp

We arrived at the campground to clear skies at sunset. I quickly grabbed my camera and snapped this shot of McConnell Ridge before setting up my tent for the weekend. The rest of the evening was spent socializing with other club members.

Saturday, June 5 – Prairie View Trail

We set off over Barrier Lake dam on a bright sunny morning. I paused to take photos of Barrier Lake, Barrier Mountain and a chipmunk. Then the trail headed steadily up through forest until we reached the site of a former fire lookout. For the next little while, we had views of Barrier Lake, Barrier Mountain and the valley south into the heart of Kananaskis Country. Eventually we reached the Prairie View viewpoint where we stopped to have our lunch and take pictures. There were a few early wildflowers in the area including some Prairie Anemone. After lunch, we hiked up to the location of the current fire lookout before heading back down to the Prairie view viewpoint. From that location, the view encompassed all that was visible from the Prairie View viewpoint, plus views northwest up the Bow Valley towards Canmore.

Then we did something I won’t likely do again – we headed down the back side of the ridge. This led us on a lengthy trek through the forest with little in the way of views or wildflowers. It seems that this is a popular mountain biking route as we were passed by at least 10 mountain bikes. The most notable feature on this whole trek was Jewel falls which still had large chunks of ice in the falls. During the final stretch along Barrier Lake, the wind picked up and tried to blow us off the dam. Just as we got to the cars the rain hit. All in all, it was a good early season warm up hike. In the future, I will hike to and from the viewpoint on the same trail though. It’s not worth the effort to go around through the forest.

Stats: Distance: over 16 km; Elevation Gain: 600m.

Sunday, June 6 – Heart Creek Trail

Heart Creek Trail is a very short (3-4 km) trail along a pretty little creek. The first section parallel’s the Trans-Canada Highway, so if you’re seeking peace and quiet, this is not the trail for you. After it turns off and follows the creek, it’s very nice – it seems to be most popular with rock climbers. It’s a good early season excursion if the trails at higher elevation are still snow covered, but not really worth the effort. There’s a waterfall at the end of the trail, but you have to wade into the creek to see it. I would only hike this trail as a family nature hike or if you intended to go rock climbing.

Stats: Distance: approx. 8 km; Elevation Gain: 100m.

Edited: 2006-06-25 – Updated photo album links.
Edited: 2008-02-17 – Updated photo links to Flickr and re-wrote most of the story.

Pre-trip camping: Lake Louise campground

Saturday, September 13: Our group consisted of Russ, Kay, Isobel, John, Eleanor, Dave and Dave. We started out on a cool September morning and headed up the trail to Skoki. The first 4 km or so were on a Lake Louise ski area access road. Once we passed the Temple Lodge at the ski area, we left civilization behind. Along the well built trail, in shaded areas, the snow of the previous day was still slowly melting. The next couple of kilometres climbed gently until we reached Halfway Hut where we stopped for a chilly lunch break. The day never got very warm. Then we climbed up and over Boulder Pass to Ptarmigan Lake. Then the hard work began as we climbed up to Deception Pass – that kept us warm. From there, it was all downhill to our campground in Merlin Meadows. The view of the two Skoki Lakes was incredible. We stopped at Skoki Lodge for a break. Most of the group headed off to see Merlin Lake, but Russ and I stayed put in the warmth and comfort of the lodge where we enjoyed a cup of tea. At the campground that evening, we built a campfire and sat around talking amongst ourselves and with Yonnika and Martin from the Netherlands. Distance hiked: 15.6 km. Elevation gained: 787 m. Elevation lost: 366 m.

Sunday, September 14: Overnight it rained but the rain stopped when we woke in the morning. We finished breakfast and getting packed up and then the rain started again – but only for a few minutes. We hiked back to Skoki Lodge and then took an alternate trail. Instead of hiking back over Deception Pass, we hiked out over Packer’s Pass via the Skoki Lakes. The Skoki Lakes are individually named Myosotis (forget-me-not) and Zigadenus (camas lily). The trail approaches a waterfall and looks like the trail ends. Then you realize that the trail actually climbs up near the waterfall – at one point with a large boulder poised overhead forming a tight tunnel. The rocks along the shore of the lower lake were very slippery. We then climbed up to the upper lake where we paused for a lunch break amid the larch trees. After lunch we headed up to Packer’s Pass – a very steep climb – and we were welcomed with snow flurries. Then it was back down to Ptarmigan Lake, Boulder Pass and Halfway hut where we stopped for a snack break. The we hiked the rest of the way out to the cars and headed back home. Distance hiked: 15.6 km. Elevation gained: 366 m. Elevation lost: 787 m.

Total distance hiked: 31.2 km.

Pre-trip accomodations: Mount Edith Cavell hostel.

Photo Album:
[cpg_albumrand:24,6]

[cpg_imagethumb:24,Tonquin2002_047.jpg]Saturday, June 20: This trip was originally supposed to go to Maligne Pass, but apparently the trail was under water in a few places. So our leader looked around for an alternative, and found campsites in the Tonquin Valley. We started out under cloudy skies and headed off down the trail. It began to drizzle in the first 2 km, so we all stopped and broke out the rain gear – this was the first time I saw anyone using an umbrella while hiking. We saw several spruce grouse along the trail before we crossed Verdant creek. We paused for lunch at the Astoria campground and the sun obliged us by showing itself. After lunch, the real work began as we started climbing the switchbacks. The mosquitos also came out to play – they’re vicious enough to bite right through clothing! It got so bad that at one point, I couldn’t take it anymore – as long as I was moving, they weren’t too bad, but if I stopped I became a banquet for the little buggers. So I trudged up the last few switchbacks without pausing. We stayed at Switchback campground – which was even buggier than the hike up the switchbacks. In order to eat supper, you had to walk around – if you stayed too long in any one spot, you got swarmed. After supper, we went for an additional hike along the high ground north of the campground to get away from the bugs. Distance hiked: 14 km + 10 km. Elevation lost: 46 m. Elevation gained: 408 m.

[cpg_imagethumb:24,Tonquin2002_057.jpg]Sunday, June 21: We hiked back to the trail head today under mostly sunny skies. Once we were down off the switchbacks we left the mosquitos behind. At trail’s end, Mount Edith Cavell was visible over Cavell lake. The group included Rene, David, Russ, John, Helene, Isobel, Nancy and me. Distance hiked: 14 km. Elevation lost: 4086 m. Elevation gained: 46 m.

Total distance hiked: 32 km.

Edited: 2006-06-25 – Added photo album links.