After teasing this video in some of my compilations since the start of 2015, I've finally completed a video for my favorite trip in the Rockies! Having tackled this on bike three times, once alone, I can finally say after my trip in 2014 that I've come back successful!
As mentioned in the write up in July of last year, I wasn't able to properly film the entire trip. I opted to complete the bike ride, over spending the extra energy filming. This came as a necessity since by the end of the 11 hour day of straight biking, I was exhausted. This said, I did have the camera out for some pieces of the trip, not forgetting that my goal was to share this with everyone. However without having enough to put a full trip together, the video is actually a compilation itself of the three trips I've taken.
This is a hike I've always wanted to try out. With a naming convention of Sunset Pass, it made me want to sit the peak as the sun was setting. I had my chance this time as I would be nearing the end of the day. Other naming conventions of this trail could be called; Norman Creek or Pinto Lake Trail.
The stop on the road after the Oil Exhibit on the way to Cameron Lake, Lineham is actually a short hike but quite a high elevation climb. I packed my girlfriend and puppy in the car to tackle this hike with full anticipation of switchbacks through the first kilometer to climb the height. Sadly I didn't get that ideal condition.
Quite possibly one of the biggest elevation inclines I've faced. I would start my hike from town at the site of Cameron Falls and travel up in the height of the Rockies to Carthew Lakes following Alderson-Carthew Trail. Truth be told I thought I would also uncover a waterfall for Alderson Lakes, although that didn't appear to be true, I did uncover one more in Buchanan Falls.
The idea on this adventure was to complete a quick and simple day trip; the bike route around Mt. Shark offered just that. There would be two of my friends joining me on this bike trip and we would explore these wide trails on our mountain bikes for roughly six kilometers and another 800 meters on foot to the Karst Spring.
Don't let the word spring put you off doing this trail, as the size of these cascading waterfalls were thunderous for being brought on by a spring. Once I made it to the placard at the end of the trail, it would explain how Karst Springs are formed. Although let it be known that the spring is powerful enough that it must be the cause of Watridge Lake!
I would return to the Pinto Lake Trail and attempt once more to venture along the many creeks in search of waterfalls. Once again I would aim for the Entry Creek and Lake of the Falls looking for tributaries and reminisce of waterfalls.
Unlike past trips I brought a multi-day pack to attempt overnights in the area in order to cover more grounds (read my earlier write up of O.D Falls along this hike). Over all I would achieve 12 Km from the staging area and along Entry Creek; though I would fall short of the Entry Creek Falls, I didn't come back empty handed.
During the higher water flow season I set off on Pinto Lake Trail with a goal to capture as many waterfalls as possible along the various side trails. I once again stopped at O.D creek and even found another path above the creek on a ridge.
The water seems to create two falls below the bridge. There appears to be a smaller upper falls (Below) and a much more prominent lower falls into the Cline River (above; as best as I could muster).
Only 2.2 Kilometers in on your hike you will cross this creek. The sad news is there isn't a good view of the waterfall. The reason for this is because you are standing atop the spot where the falls occur and the over growth of trees causes a great deal of coverage looking down on the creek. I'll have to explore the view from the Coral Creek trail to see if this offers a better broad view.
Once again back in Jasper, and once more doing the search for this elusive canyon I'm told about. The word of mouth ice climbing community has pointed me in this direction, and I find myself back with my puppy attempting this bike path once more. My initial goals were to venture on a number of trails in the Maligne Lake region, however overnight Jasper received a lightning strike along Excelsior Creek (where I planned to spend the night had I left on time the day prior). This marks the second time this trail has become my back-up plan.
Though I would love to make this trail a Plan A - with my bike!
This trip was to redeem my May plans of biking in the Ghost Region. Though I didn't bring my bike, I did bring man's best friend along with me. As my girlfriend and her uncle were tourists in Jasper for the day, I had only a couple hours with my puppy on this mountain. I would caution when bringing a dog along with you that on this mountain I have always seen goats, in a large 20 plus size family as well as the biggest cougar tracks imaginable.
This trip would be my Walk For Wildlife (+Canadian Wildlife Federation) hike of the year! I was excited for many reasons, one in particular for the CWF's Species At Risk, and as this would be the first family trip for my girlfriend and I to bring along our new puppy Loki. The real good news is he was great on camera, as a camera and even better at keeping to the trails with me.
There will hopefully be more trips with him in the future.
Named after the late Lady Agnes McDonald, Lake Agnes offers some great views from atop looking down on Chateau Lake Louise. This trail was a great day hike, at 3.7Km to reach Lake Agnes and the Tea House. So far I think this might have to be my favorite trail in Banff National Park.
Another short day hike near Canmore, Alberta. This hike has a bit more difficulty in elevation, though it ends up being shorter than the Heart Creek hike I did earlier this day. This also often intersects the Highline Trail; which is a mountain biking path. The benefit is the path is worn and I found often used by bikers. The only down side is there are a number of intersections where the Highline Trail meets up with the overlapping hiking path.
The last day that Alberta saw grass before another long winter. It would barely be a positive temperature as overnight a great snowfall would come in with a harsh cold. So I can count myself lucky that I was able to get out here to capture the waterfall I set my sights on back in March.
Just like my last post, this is a continuation of the Pint Lake Trail from Highway 11. As I passed through this region last month with a huge goal of Entry Creek (12-13 Km), this time I set that as a distant goal and aimed to explore the creeks that I passed on my journey there.
A very short day hike deep in Kananaskis Country; Cat Creek is found in Highwood region of K-Country. My first warning is this area is closed in the winter (after September 30) and only opens in the spring/summer (June 15) every year. With that said this area is still under mass repairs due to the June 2013 floods, Cat Creek included. On this day I would pass a crew working on the (what once was) bridge over the creek.
I haven't yet been disappointed by the views or the endless breathtaking moments in this region. Having started my summer off on the other side of Cline River and having completed Corall Creek for the CWF and their Walk For Wildlife; I thought this was only fitting to end my summer on the other side.
What a marvelous lake! Kananaskis Lakes are two good enough reason to want to spend hours in this park. The hike around Lower Kananaskis Lake is nothing but sublime as the view of the lake never leaves your shoulder gaze. On this occasion I would endure 30 Celcius, blue sky and a short hike towards Mount Sarrail.
Having been many months removed from this area of the mountains, I had hoped I would encounter some good weather. Although the weather outlook for the day would be a snow rain mix of 15cm/mm, I did end up with a couple partial cloudy breaks. One thing for sure though my last minute decision of bringing my snowshoes would prove an important piece to this trail.
For this late march trip I would return to Kananaskis Country, to a trip I attempted back in December 2013. Starting once again from Wedge Pond I would do the Wedge Connector and continue along the Evan-Thomas Creek until I made it to both of these waterfalls. Having previously made it to Chantilly and not be aware of it, I knew I'd be able to push however further in order to make it to the more alluring Moonlight Falls.
