SteveR
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- Sep 22, 2016
- Messages
- 902
Better late than never, I guess. This dates back to mid July, and the culmination of a week long camping, biking and hiking trip in the east Kootenays of BC and then in Waterton on the Alberta side of the divide. On the morning of July 14, we met up with some of the usual suspects at the Akamina Pass trailhead in Waterton National Park to do the 20 km circuit across Akamina Ridge. After a superb ridge walk a few days earlier near Invermere, could it get any better? Lets see...
![P1280441-copy-2.jpg P1280441-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112668-03ebeff5284168d84103d08e28c85968.jpg)
Although Akamina Ridge is often thought of as a Waterton hike, only the first 1.5 km is in the national park. The rest, accessed via the old road to Akamina Pass- is in BC's Akamina-Kishenina provincial park.
![P1280429-copy-2.jpg P1280429-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112667-2ba0a7cd8333108dd88747f6cab283ca.jpg)
Good to see plenty of beargrass thriving in the aftermath of the devastating 2017 fire.
![P1280442-copy-2.jpg P1280442-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112669-0f4cbab9f7d5ede19a9b5dcc8b3e1014.jpg)
Lots of arnica too, adding color to the burnt forest.
![P1280454-copy-2.jpg P1280454-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112670-c47a9e08b32585415ffb22df521f4134.jpg)
A short side trip to Forum Falls
![P1280457-copy-2.jpg P1280457-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112671-201a0a50591270986f4fdf03d3dcda78.jpg)
Cascades on the trail to Forum Lake.
![P1280464-copy-2.jpg P1280464-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112672-5425f55cd3889e3f7b44d7293f45e170.jpg)
Forum Lake below Akamina Ridge.
![P1280466-copy-2.jpg P1280466-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112673-464e44995894802dec0a5f6a71d291d0.jpg)
Buttercup meadows, flooded a bit by high water from the late snowmelt. No lingering here as the mosquitos were swarming.
![P1280468-copy-2.jpg P1280468-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112674-3fda769bbf59441d2df8c83f6e28df35.jpg)
The trail is under there somewhere! We are aiming for the saddle at right.
![P1280470-copy-2.jpg P1280470-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112675-d9b2e204e0bc66264be363e7faf83db2.jpg)
Out of the trees and into winds keeping the bugs at bay. Looking back here at Forum Lake.
![P1280476-copy-2.jpg P1280476-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112676-4888d65b442f721808ab0fc8668185fc.jpg)
A view of Wall Lake, which we will get to later in the day after traversing the ridge above.
![P1280480-copy-2.jpg P1280480-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112677-5f5317070961a9b205e47f7e2e19481c.jpg)
Snack break, with the upcoming scramble section up the ridge above.
![P1280483-copy-2.jpg P1280483-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112678-e3853c0856a3fa6cecef1bad365c8063.jpg)
It's mostly just steep hiking, grovelling up loose beaten in trails.
![P1280486-copy-2.jpg P1280486-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112679-95fe3d27b57abc89fc2a4e71a348420c.jpg)
Exiting to the ridgeline via a short hands-on rock pitch.
![P1280488-copy-2.jpg P1280488-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112680-635dbeac6615085b40b6756289e62c3e.jpg)
Wall Lake, far below.
![P1280499-copy-2.jpg P1280499-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112681-3c10c5689e92434313fe2311ee4fe651.jpg)
But first- lunch. For once- the Waterton winds are appreciated, for both keeping the bugs away, and for cooling on a hot afternoon.
![AkaminaRoute-1.jpg AkaminaRoute-1.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112710-37b07992b723535d0302a5a11010a43e.jpg)
Our route will pretty much traverse the skyline.
![P1280502-copy-2.jpg P1280502-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112682-79295b2c31693c016227a87c0ed30c7e.jpg)
Onwards to the next of several bumps along the undulating ridge, via the right hand side of the pyramid.
![P1280506-copy-2.jpg P1280506-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112683-eac8a73ee7ec7a6788e5ccd880e33f52.jpg)
Flower gardens everywhere!
![P1280508-copy-2.jpg P1280508-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112684-02e1792bb074a1c98c7ec79951e7dd8c.jpg)
Typical Akamina ridgewalking.
![P1280509-copy-2.jpg P1280509-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112685-d2062322b5bb3dfd103cb49311713698.jpg)
Direct route up the ridge, as the trail below at left is still blocked by a cornice.
![P1280510-copy-2.jpg P1280510-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112686-a8dcc93fa7a1cf6af9592fc0322a01b6.jpg)
Philip, topping out.
![Untitled_Panorama1-copy-3.jpg Untitled_Panorama1-copy-3.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112712-8349be1638afe561243fa45a24d585c4.jpg)
Panorama looking south into Glacier National Park, Montana. The border is less than a km away here.
![P1280535-copy-2.jpg P1280535-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112687-7d0fc93a5c6efcfc43cfae1557100ce1.jpg)
Jacob's Ladder sways in the wind.
![Untitled_Panorama1-copy-2.jpg Untitled_Panorama1-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112711-7ea38e81367993e1034dd56a17ee24f4.jpg)
Heading towards the highpoint, with Upper Kintla lake far below in Glacier. From here to the end of the ridge several km away, there's not a lot to say except that it was a great afternoon of strolling at a relaxed pace- taking it all in.
![P1280536-copy-2.jpg P1280536-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112688-cb465fbaead580d6cb7633c707aa404d.jpg)
![P1280540-copy-2.jpg P1280540-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112689-99a6bbb90f2706a185b8435bea05ccef.jpg)
One of hundreds of colonies of low lying alpine wildflowers.
![P1280548-copy-2.jpg P1280548-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112690-eb9c6d7ad4843950bb4a8d94ab1ed486.jpg)
![P1280549-copy-2.jpg P1280549-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112691-b4ed6d470c0b0fa8f0e52584484190f6.jpg)
![P1280550-copy-2.jpg P1280550-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112692-f926f6ca77748c625ab82085e2399e47.jpg)
Up and down along the easygoing crest of the ridge.
![P1280560-copy-2.jpg P1280560-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112693-87028d0148dcda37e15c1b47b5b7c7c7.jpg)
![P1280569-copy-2.jpg P1280569-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112694-d0d1baf45cc65a3eacc98d4130bc9c45.jpg)
Heading for another break in meadows before the final significant hump.
![P1280579-copy-2.jpg P1280579-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112695-0446c3543424b2ad04ab5b3f38a389e9.jpg)
![P1280588-copy-2.jpg P1280588-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112696-e76a009f0f929a980f97b777778d4084.jpg)
![P1280596-copy-2.jpg P1280596-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112697-01efcda5ee5c7c650d897d4a3600ce03.jpg)
![P1280600-copy-2.jpg P1280600-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112698-f87075776cb5eb4c40838408ba0eb12f.jpg)
![P1280615-copy-2.jpg P1280615-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112699-98184d21243e70435e87338beaa2d9ff.jpg)
Wall Lake comes into view again.
![P1280622-copy-2.jpg P1280622-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112701-0f3532150ac75b1bde145fadb024a8c1.jpg)
A look back at where we came from, just before dropping into some intact forest above Wall Lake.
![P1280620-copy-2.jpg P1280620-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112700-6b8b5d9c2919c8808cf51e95c8a5a550.jpg)
But there's still more ridge to go.
![P1280623-copy-2.jpg P1280623-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112713-56f04f34968956710ff8df7cdf06cc14.jpg)
Glacier lilies enliven the larch forest.
![P1280628-copy-2.jpg P1280628-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112702-06c14c1d45f0f3024bcb1fca818a2d9e.jpg)
Descending to Wall Lake.
![P1280630-copy-2.jpg P1280630-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112703-5f3282914db8b4406002ad33ce3f3893.jpg)
Easy travel on firm avalanche debris.
![P1280637-copy-2.jpg P1280637-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112704-248025eba75a5c8e135f39b608b79435.jpg)
Wall Lake!
![P1280640-copy-2.jpg P1280640-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112705-f8968f96eca4ab03c73570b10c0a2b44.jpg)
Akamina Ridge skyline.
![P1280651-copy-2.jpg P1280651-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112706-aaa29d4ec19a1d91ed8d5873dae156f4.jpg)
Nature's cycle underway in the vast burnt area...
![P1280659-copy-2.jpg P1280659-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112708-ecaa5684bc44de70d81285494bcc8910.jpg)
![P1280652-copy-2.jpg P1280652-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112707-f6cd3e5e4df18c8ab4735d4f00e59d87.jpg)
Closing the loop by returning to Akamina Pass on the Wall Lake trail.
![P1280662-copy-2.jpg P1280662-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112709-8aa5ad987eee3344e467c2e35ca9d13a.jpg)
One final beargrass shot, because. What an amazing day- it may well be prove to be the pinnacle of our 2022 hiking season in the Rockies!
![P1280441-copy-2.jpg P1280441-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112668-03ebeff5284168d84103d08e28c85968.jpg)
Although Akamina Ridge is often thought of as a Waterton hike, only the first 1.5 km is in the national park. The rest, accessed via the old road to Akamina Pass- is in BC's Akamina-Kishenina provincial park.
![P1280429-copy-2.jpg P1280429-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112667-2ba0a7cd8333108dd88747f6cab283ca.jpg)
Good to see plenty of beargrass thriving in the aftermath of the devastating 2017 fire.
![P1280442-copy-2.jpg P1280442-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112669-0f4cbab9f7d5ede19a9b5dcc8b3e1014.jpg)
Lots of arnica too, adding color to the burnt forest.
![P1280454-copy-2.jpg P1280454-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112670-c47a9e08b32585415ffb22df521f4134.jpg)
A short side trip to Forum Falls
![P1280457-copy-2.jpg P1280457-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112671-201a0a50591270986f4fdf03d3dcda78.jpg)
Cascades on the trail to Forum Lake.
![P1280464-copy-2.jpg P1280464-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112672-5425f55cd3889e3f7b44d7293f45e170.jpg)
Forum Lake below Akamina Ridge.
![P1280466-copy-2.jpg P1280466-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112673-464e44995894802dec0a5f6a71d291d0.jpg)
Buttercup meadows, flooded a bit by high water from the late snowmelt. No lingering here as the mosquitos were swarming.
![P1280468-copy-2.jpg P1280468-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112674-3fda769bbf59441d2df8c83f6e28df35.jpg)
The trail is under there somewhere! We are aiming for the saddle at right.
![P1280470-copy-2.jpg P1280470-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112675-d9b2e204e0bc66264be363e7faf83db2.jpg)
Out of the trees and into winds keeping the bugs at bay. Looking back here at Forum Lake.
![P1280476-copy-2.jpg P1280476-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112676-4888d65b442f721808ab0fc8668185fc.jpg)
A view of Wall Lake, which we will get to later in the day after traversing the ridge above.
![P1280480-copy-2.jpg P1280480-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112677-5f5317070961a9b205e47f7e2e19481c.jpg)
Snack break, with the upcoming scramble section up the ridge above.
![P1280483-copy-2.jpg P1280483-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112678-e3853c0856a3fa6cecef1bad365c8063.jpg)
It's mostly just steep hiking, grovelling up loose beaten in trails.
![P1280486-copy-2.jpg P1280486-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112679-95fe3d27b57abc89fc2a4e71a348420c.jpg)
Exiting to the ridgeline via a short hands-on rock pitch.
![P1280488-copy-2.jpg P1280488-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112680-635dbeac6615085b40b6756289e62c3e.jpg)
Wall Lake, far below.
![P1280499-copy-2.jpg P1280499-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112681-3c10c5689e92434313fe2311ee4fe651.jpg)
But first- lunch. For once- the Waterton winds are appreciated, for both keeping the bugs away, and for cooling on a hot afternoon.
![AkaminaRoute-1.jpg AkaminaRoute-1.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112710-37b07992b723535d0302a5a11010a43e.jpg)
Our route will pretty much traverse the skyline.
![P1280502-copy-2.jpg P1280502-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112682-79295b2c31693c016227a87c0ed30c7e.jpg)
Onwards to the next of several bumps along the undulating ridge, via the right hand side of the pyramid.
![P1280506-copy-2.jpg P1280506-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112683-eac8a73ee7ec7a6788e5ccd880e33f52.jpg)
Flower gardens everywhere!
![P1280508-copy-2.jpg P1280508-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112684-02e1792bb074a1c98c7ec79951e7dd8c.jpg)
Typical Akamina ridgewalking.
![P1280509-copy-2.jpg P1280509-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112685-d2062322b5bb3dfd103cb49311713698.jpg)
Direct route up the ridge, as the trail below at left is still blocked by a cornice.
![P1280510-copy-2.jpg P1280510-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112686-a8dcc93fa7a1cf6af9592fc0322a01b6.jpg)
Philip, topping out.
![Untitled_Panorama1-copy-3.jpg Untitled_Panorama1-copy-3.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112712-8349be1638afe561243fa45a24d585c4.jpg)
Panorama looking south into Glacier National Park, Montana. The border is less than a km away here.
![P1280535-copy-2.jpg P1280535-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112687-7d0fc93a5c6efcfc43cfae1557100ce1.jpg)
Jacob's Ladder sways in the wind.
![Untitled_Panorama1-copy-2.jpg Untitled_Panorama1-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112711-7ea38e81367993e1034dd56a17ee24f4.jpg)
Heading towards the highpoint, with Upper Kintla lake far below in Glacier. From here to the end of the ridge several km away, there's not a lot to say except that it was a great afternoon of strolling at a relaxed pace- taking it all in.
![P1280536-copy-2.jpg P1280536-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112688-cb465fbaead580d6cb7633c707aa404d.jpg)
![P1280540-copy-2.jpg P1280540-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112689-99a6bbb90f2706a185b8435bea05ccef.jpg)
One of hundreds of colonies of low lying alpine wildflowers.
![P1280548-copy-2.jpg P1280548-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112690-eb9c6d7ad4843950bb4a8d94ab1ed486.jpg)
![P1280549-copy-2.jpg P1280549-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112691-b4ed6d470c0b0fa8f0e52584484190f6.jpg)
![P1280550-copy-2.jpg P1280550-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112692-f926f6ca77748c625ab82085e2399e47.jpg)
Up and down along the easygoing crest of the ridge.
![P1280560-copy-2.jpg P1280560-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112693-87028d0148dcda37e15c1b47b5b7c7c7.jpg)
![P1280569-copy-2.jpg P1280569-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112694-d0d1baf45cc65a3eacc98d4130bc9c45.jpg)
Heading for another break in meadows before the final significant hump.
![P1280579-copy-2.jpg P1280579-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112695-0446c3543424b2ad04ab5b3f38a389e9.jpg)
![P1280588-copy-2.jpg P1280588-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112696-e76a009f0f929a980f97b777778d4084.jpg)
![P1280596-copy-2.jpg P1280596-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112697-01efcda5ee5c7c650d897d4a3600ce03.jpg)
![P1280600-copy-2.jpg P1280600-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112698-f87075776cb5eb4c40838408ba0eb12f.jpg)
![P1280615-copy-2.jpg P1280615-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112699-98184d21243e70435e87338beaa2d9ff.jpg)
Wall Lake comes into view again.
![P1280622-copy-2.jpg P1280622-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112701-0f3532150ac75b1bde145fadb024a8c1.jpg)
A look back at where we came from, just before dropping into some intact forest above Wall Lake.
![P1280620-copy-2.jpg P1280620-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112700-6b8b5d9c2919c8808cf51e95c8a5a550.jpg)
But there's still more ridge to go.
![P1280623-copy-2.jpg P1280623-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112713-56f04f34968956710ff8df7cdf06cc14.jpg)
Glacier lilies enliven the larch forest.
![P1280628-copy-2.jpg P1280628-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112702-06c14c1d45f0f3024bcb1fca818a2d9e.jpg)
Descending to Wall Lake.
![P1280630-copy-2.jpg P1280630-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112703-5f3282914db8b4406002ad33ce3f3893.jpg)
Easy travel on firm avalanche debris.
![P1280637-copy-2.jpg P1280637-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112704-248025eba75a5c8e135f39b608b79435.jpg)
Wall Lake!
![P1280640-copy-2.jpg P1280640-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112705-f8968f96eca4ab03c73570b10c0a2b44.jpg)
Akamina Ridge skyline.
![P1280651-copy-2.jpg P1280651-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112706-aaa29d4ec19a1d91ed8d5873dae156f4.jpg)
Nature's cycle underway in the vast burnt area...
![P1280659-copy-2.jpg P1280659-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112708-ecaa5684bc44de70d81285494bcc8910.jpg)
![P1280652-copy-2.jpg P1280652-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112707-f6cd3e5e4df18c8ab4735d4f00e59d87.jpg)
Closing the loop by returning to Akamina Pass on the Wall Lake trail.
![P1280662-copy-2.jpg P1280662-copy-2.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/112/112709-8aa5ad987eee3344e467c2e35ca9d13a.jpg)
One final beargrass shot, because. What an amazing day- it may well be prove to be the pinnacle of our 2022 hiking season in the Rockies!
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