Sat, Oct 13 2007, Sun, Oct 14 2007 - Overnight Radium and Sat. and Sun. Moderate Hikes (View Original Event Details)
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We managed to pack a lot into our one night/two day trip.
SATURDAY
Our first stop was Marble Canyon. This hike has just been reopened after the 2003 devastating fire. It is very different than when I last saw it in 2002...with all the trees burned, the views have opened up. The canyon is still as interesting with many bridges allowing views into the deep, narrow chasm.
Our next stop was for lunch at the picnic tables by Numa Falls and a quick visit to the falls with its carved rocks.
We stopped for the view at the Kootenay lookout and then about half a km later turned into the Cobb Lake trailhead. This was a pleasant forest walk down to a peaceful, calm lake, 5.4km return, 200 metre elevation gain.
We arrived at the Misty River Lodge at about 3:30 and had free time until 5:30 when we started our potluck/BBQ supper. The sun, which had been glorious all day, was still shining on the big deck, so we dined al fresco.
When the sun went down, it was cold quickly and then we felt inspired to warm up in the Radium hot springs. We were there about two hours enjoying the very hot pool, the medium pool and the cooler lap pool.
Back at the lodge it was time for tea and pie then off to bed.
SUNDAY
We enjoyed the mist off the river over breakfast then headed to the forestry road that would lead us to Diana Lake. Unfortunately the road was too impassable for a two wheel drive car so we had to make a Plan B.
We decided to head in the direction home and do the Twin Lakes loop. Interestingly, on the way, we saw a black bear at the side of the road only metres from our stopped cars. We parked one car at the bottom of Altrude (hike 33 in Canadian Rockies Trail Guide) and one at Vista Lake and started on the Vista Lake/Arnica Lake trail (hike 34). Unfortunately, Debbie felt sick and had to go home and Stephanie kindly offered to accompany her, so they missed this hike. We weren't sure when we started whether we would do the whole loop or just head back after Arnica Lake, but we did do the loop. This is a D4 hike, 835 metres elevation gain, 15.9 kilometres, which we completed in just under 6 hours. In this recommended direction, it is actually 5.8 km up, with the high point Arnica Summit, and 10.1 km down, passing the Twin Lakes on the way down and then following the stream from Lower Twin Lake. We were rewarded with 3 lakes, great views and a sundog. It became icy on the way up, but was warmer and only muddy on the way down.
The three fellows on this trip are all new to the club and very brave to make their first outing a two day event!
Thank you for joining me on this jam-packed adventure! Laura L