Back to Canada: Eiffel Lake

We chose the hike from Moraine Lake Lodge to Eiffel Lake (and back) for July 25th. It was a much sunnier day than our snow-plagued visit in September 2018.

As you can see in the above map, there was a steep climb via relentless switchbacks until Joan and I reached the junction where the Eiffel Lake and Larch Valley trails separate. On the way a gray jay inspected us,

and after it flew up into a tree, we checked it out with camera and binoculars.

Half an hour later, we came across a golden-mantled ground squirrel.

Now we were on the Eiffel Lake trail. The ramparts and glaciers on the other side of the valley began to emerge from the trees as we ascended.

Ants were busily boring a new home in this tree trunk.

With the late spring, flowers were still in bloom, including this coiled lousewort,

and some western columbine.

The path went ever on and on ...

The thinning of the trees revealed the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Joan and I began to encounter patches of snow on the trail, deeper when it dipped in and out of ravines. With our boots on, these patches were walkable if we were careful.

Of course, we weren't the only hikers on the trail. In this image, Eiffel Lake is visible below Wenkchemna Pass.

The trail does not dip down to the lake, but loops past it on the way to the pass. Snowbanks became more frequent.

Joan and I decided to snack and then begin our return trip. Because we were facing east, the various peaks and glaciers were visible for a long while.

The upper reach of Moraine Lake put in an appearance, dressed in glacial blue.

The Larch Valley trail rejoined us, and we began our descent on the switchbacks. This spruce grouse (male) surprised us partway down. (Click on the image to enlarge.)

At the lakeside, we rejoined the throngs at Moraine Lake and made our way back to our cabin, well-satisfied with our day.