A Week in the Rockies, Day 5, Glacier Lake

Just a nice dayhike, not much elevation gain (220 m each way?) over 18 km round trip. I like Glacier Lake; one person referred to it as our own private Lake Louise, without the crowds.

Left Mosquito Creek Hostel fairly early, met at the TH at around 9:00, and headed out. The trail crosses the North Saskatchewan about a km from the TH and maybe a km later brings you to a spectacular outlook over the Howse River. It follows the Howse for another km or so, then climbs gradually up beside a creek to cross over a ridge, before dropping quickly down the far side. There are a number of bridges to cross on the way up, and most are in good shape. A few weathered signs, and an interesting trail marker carved into a tree by the 1928 geotopical survey that passed through.

The lake itself is a picture-perfect glacial lake, with views from the campsite all the way up to Lyall Glacier. The weather changes so very quickly; one moment the lake would be under overcast skies, then the next under bright sunshine. One consistent element, though was the cold - a steady wind drops down from the icefields and we layered up pretty quickly. With a cold wind blowing and another 9 km to go, we only stayed around for a lunch break, then headed back. Same route, with the steeper section now at the start of the hike. Back down the other side, and a nice little walk back to the parking lot.

Please sign in to reply