Canada 2024: Lake McArthur, frozen

On July 10th, 2024, Joan and I aimed our hike toward Lake McArthur, Joan's father's favorite lake. As usual, we ascended via the Big Larches (what I sometimes call the "big steps") route. After leaving the O'Hara lakeshore, a couple of intersections must be negotiated. (Click on any image to enlarge.)

After the first intersection, we passed Mary Lake.

Then, it was time to avoid being lured toward the ACC Hut route; we find the Big Larches route more scenic.

That trail soon winds alongside an imposing talus slope, takes a sharp left, and begins a tall climb.

Joan and I like to pause several times on this ascent, not only to catch our breath: there is always a chance of spotting a marmot or a pika dashing through the rocky landscape. Sadly, none showed themselves today. We did spot an interesting rock slab, a change from the usual chunky stones.

Ripples and trails from the distant past!

The view began to open up towards Lake O'Hara and Mount Huber.

Finally, the trail turned right and became more or less level. After passing the All Souls trail we soon emerged on the shores of Schaffer Lake.

We took the route forward that would take us to the Odaray Highline sign-in kiosk. We passed by this intriguing split boulder.

The kiosk was still closed for the winter, but (spoiler alert) Parks Canada would unwrap it in the next day or two.

Joan and I then crossed over to the McArthur Highline. This trail winds its way through talus slopes and, today, occasional snow patches.

A few moments later, we spotted this marmot.

A cluster of moss campion was sending forth blooms.

The trail pitched over two tall steps, then switchbacked up to the lip of the lake basin and traversed this meadow.

Our outbound route, in green:

Joan and I found a vantage point to have lunch and view the icebound lake. We enjoyed watching the changing light on its surface, speckled with open water, white patches, and almost melted ice of varying hues.

Click on the image to enlarge.

It's easy to go down to the lakeshore, but stay on the trails! Past trespassers have beaten eroding paths that the National Park is trying to restore.

Along the shore, we met a mom and daughter, who gave us sunglasses, left behind by lodge guests, for us to turn in. Then there was a mom and son who were trying to (eventually) test the water temperature. Mom waded in deeper than the youth!

 

This signpost is our unofficial lake-gauge. The water was surprisingly low, perhaps due to the delayed spring melt.

We had heard deep patches of snow lingered on the low route, so we returned on the high route. We met Brenda and her husband in the Alpine Meadow, with whom we chatted all the way to Le Relais, a short walk from our cabin.

 

Tomorrow would be a more ambitious hike Joan and I hadn't tackled since 2011 -- Monica Lake.