Sat, Jul 13 2013 - Helen Lake to Ridge - Slow Pace (View Original Event Details)
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With the longer days, it is a good opportunity to go on a hike in the Icefields Parkway area, which is almost a three hour drive.
The Helen Lake hike starts with a fairly steady climb for the first three km, with increasingly good views down to Bow Lake and the Crowfoot Glacier. There was a flower packed meadow in an area of burnt trees.
Once we topped that ridge we were in the alpine with more flowers and great views of Cirque Peak and other peaks.
We came upon Helen Creek in a lovely cascade flowing alongside the trail. The creek was running high but luckily Charlie P from our group gave us a helping hand and helped some strangers too.
A cool wind was steadily picking up and by Helen Lake we had all our layers on including toques and gloves. While it remained overcast for a little over an hour we at least did not get rained on, although we saw a few flurries.
We then climbed the approx. 100 m ridge which gave great views down to Helen Lake and the meadows on one side and Katherine Lake and Dolomite Pass on the other.
We found a sheltered spot by the outlet creek from Helen Lake to have our lunch. The rest of the descent went smoothly and a vote in the parking lot had us going to the café in the Lake Louise hostel for supper. We thought the food was good and the service efficient.
A long day like this is only possible with willing drivers and so a big thank you goes out to our two Charlies. And another thank you goes out to everyone who joined me and made this day so enjoyable. Laura L