Canada 2024: Helen Lake

On July 18th, 2024, Joan and I chose to tackle a hike to Helen Lake, and preferably further. Long ago -- before this blog began -- we trod that trail and were fascinated by the sight of rollicking marmots. But we had been frustrated when trying to get further; snow had lingered on the narrow, rocky climb beyond the lake. This time promised to be different.

 

First, a map copied from this information-packed website. (Click on any image to enlarge.)

Those contour lines are in meters, not feet!

The lodge on the shores of Bow Lake is a black spot in the upper left of the map.

 

The parking area for Helen Lake was a short distance south on the parkway. It's a popular hike, so get there early. As you can see on the map, the trail began with a climb in the woods; the footing involved rocks, roots, small streams, and the occasional dried horse poop (only on the lower stretches). Then we turned towards a low shoulder on Crystal Ridge. This photo looks back towards Bow Lake.

At this elevation and latitude, spring flowers were in abundance. They especially pop out at old burn sites, where there's plenty of sunlight.

Sometimes there were open spots while in the woods ...

The woods began to thin, and the switchbacks proliferated.

The next range of mountains hove into view as we swung around the shoulder.

Soon we saw a foraging Clark's nutcracker, one of a flock in this spot.

Occasional streams trickled down from the heights to the west. Sometimes we walked through one without breaking our stride, but a few careful steps were needed when the path resumed at an offset to the left or right.

The trees began to peter out, and a gushing stream promised a lake ahead. Unfortunately, generations of hikers have braided and widened the beaten path.

Finally, Helen Lake appeared, with Cirque Peak (altitude 9,819') looming in the background.

People had already reached the lake, of course. I avoided including them in photos whenever I could. We found a festive atmosphere, a dog show, with at least five dogs now and more coming up. Taking a canine along seems almost de rigueur these days -- and of course, no marmot dared appear, even though all the dogs were on a leash.

After a snack, Joan and I continued east on the trail and then ascended switchbacks on a rocky, narrower path. In this photo, we're partway up and looking back at Helen.

The extra climb was worth it. Katherine Lake lies on the other side.

Joan and I walked to the far point of our petite ridge and looked down.

Even up here, flowers can bloom.

This was the view back to Cirque Peak. Rather barren looking!

Two hardy souls were slowly making their way up to the peak. My camera zoom couldn't resolve them,

but through our binoculars we saw tiny figures slowly making their way up that 45° slope. (They did succeed.)

It was now time for our return hike. At first it was easy enough, wandering past hikers and dogs, but after rounding the corner it became a slog, in the very heat of the day. The folks heading up were red in the face; some asked us, "How much further?" A late start makes the hike ten times harder.

 

We were relieved to finally reach the parking area. After dinner at the lodge, Joan and I took an evening stroll around the grounds that were so clogged with humanity during the day. It had been a great hike, and we were glad to have ascended the ridge above Helen Lake this time. Hmm. Could we make it to Katherine Lake in cooler weather ...