Akamina Ridge / Wall and Forum Lakes - Day trip to Waterton - Sat, Aug 28 2010

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Akamina Ridge / Wall and Forum Lakes - Day trip to Waterton (8/28/2010)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Scramble

Event Location:

Waterton National Park

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Aug 28 2010 9:30 AM (Carpool Departure: 6:30 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Aug 27 2010 12:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

7-8 hours + 2.75hr driving each way

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Derek Y
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests:

Minimum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests Per Member:

Number Registered So Far:

6 (Log in to see who's signed up.)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Please read the ENTIRE description before signing up. Thank you!

The best hope for decent weather this weekend in the mountains is in Waterton on Saturday, which currently calls for a mix of sun and clouds and a high of 15. The current plan is to head to Akamina Ridge, considered a premier trip in "Don't Waste Your Time in the Canadian Rockies". Should conditions be unfavourable (this trip should only be done when there is no risk of storms), another hike/easy scramble may be done in the Waterton area. Please check back for updates on Friday evening.

Update (Aug 26): Forecast for Saturday has improved (sunny, high of 19). Current forecast can be found here.

Elevation gain: 985m
Distance: 18.3km round trip

This legendary ridgewalk is considered the crown jewel of Waterton and encompasses everything that is beautiful around the mountains here. The hikers who can hike up to this windy ridge are rewarded with expansive views of both Waterton and US Glacier Park. To complete the loop, we will start at Forum Lake and ascend to the obvious, low saddle. The scrambling here represents the most demanding portion of the trip.

Please note that the coordinator has not done this trip before. Please allow time/patience for unforeseen circumstances.

1. This is prime bear country. Expect to hike as a group. If you are unable to respect this safety guideline, do not register.
2. Akamina Ridge can be fiercely windy - windproof clothing is a must regardless of the weather forecast.
3. You must have completed at least a couple of events at a D5 level THIS SUMMER to register as this is a difficult hike/easy scramble. This event is best suited to strong hikers. There is a steep section leading to a rockband (short scrambling section) that need to be surmounted from the saddle onto Akamina Ridge proper.
4. Due to distance, we will need to move at a STEADY moderate pace. If you are unable to maintain this pace, please do not sign up.
5. Very early start and late return to Calgary guaranteed therefore only sign up if you are serious about this event and committed to the whole day.

After the hike, we will be stopping on our way back for dinner in Fort Macleod to break the journey as it is located about 105 kms from Waterton.

Required Items to Bring:

A willingness to endure a long drive and enjoy a long day outdoors
Plenty of water
Lunch and snacks
Proper hiking boots and gear (including wind and rain gear, regardless of forecasts)
National Park pass or $$$ for park entry
Plastic bag for your dirty hiking boots for the way back

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Rock helmet
Gaiters
Hiking poles
Bear spray
First aid kit
Camera

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

To get to Waterton, head south out of Calgary on Highway 2 all the way to Fort MacLeod. Head west on Highway 3, then south on Highway 6 and finally take Highway 5 which will take you into Waterton park. From the junction just north of Waterton townsite, drive Akamina Parkway 14.6 Km to the Akamina Pass trailhead. The parking area is on the left side of the highway, the trail on the right.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

525Km

Carpool Departure Time:

6:30 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $157.50 (calculated at total Km * $0.30, effective Saturday, April 20, 2024). This is based on $0.16/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.

Notes:

- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:

Voluntary Donations:

Although there is no cost for this event, please note that the club survives on voluntary donations. Please consider making a donation based on the value you feel you receive from the club. See our How You Can Help page for more information.

Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: