A meandering trail, originating from the parking lot at Upper Kananaskis Lake above the hydrogenating station, leads hikers past the northern end of the lake, through a debris field caused by calving of the last mountain in the Spray Range sometime in the distant past. The trail edges along a river and marsh, past the Upper Kananaskis Falls, and ultimately to a small isolated alpine lake. For those with patience to look, fossils can be found among limestone fragments. White pine, demonstrating incredible hardiness, line the path and can be found on the barest perch taking advantage of soil that collects in the rocky crags. The hike does not gain significant elevation, unlike many of the paths in the park, instead gaining only a few hundred meters gradually over time. The hikers are treated to a rolling topography offering views of the debris field, the surrounding mountains, and the lake. Except for the wooded areas near the falls, the trail is generally rocky providing excellent traction for those wearing proper hiking boots.
I could only guess at how old these ancient sentinels were.
A few benches were strategically places offering a chance to rest and enjoy the view.
Once you re-enter the forest, wildflowers carpet the ground.
Part of the trail is a loop, one path taking you along the shore line, the alternate path provides greater vistas of the mountains.
The marsh, cut by a small river.
View from above the falls.
.
Comments
Post a Comment