Helen Lake

Last Friday, I participated in a hike to Helen Lake located a little more than an hour from home, along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. I had been there several years ago and was pleased to return in the company of some great hiking companions, Julie and Stewart Hamilton, Ann and Ed Kerwin and Liz and Sal Lovecchio. It’s a moderate hike, beginning with an ascent through a wooded area that circumvents a ridge bordering an open valley that leads to our destination. Emerging from the trees, we turned northward toward Cirque Peak, a prominent landmark showing us the way to our destination. It’s a round trip of 12 km (7.5 mi)  and an ascent of 420 m (1,380 ft) to an elevation of 2,370 m (7,775 ft). It was a great day for hiking, albeit a bit chilly. The conditions for photography were not ideal, mainly overcast with occasional glimpses of sunlight. Having seen photos already from my fellow hikers, it was nonetheless a successful day, taking full advantage of the spectacular scenery en route to and around Helen Lake.

I have a few pictures to share today , beginning with this view southward down the valley, along the Icefields Parkway toward Lake Louise. I took advantage of a break in the trees in the course of our ascent to capture this image of four prominent peaks.

The photography in the mountains is not always about the magnificent vistas. On the way up through the forest, we passed many fascinating photo subjects including this old and very weathered tree root.

Upon emerging from the forest and heading northward, the presence of Cirque Peak becomes very evident. It dominated my attention for much of the day. I was able to get several good shots of it and I had to resist using too many of them in this post. .

Another very prominent geological feature is Dolomite Peak, which borders the valley on its East side. It’s a chore to avoid going overboard with photographing this one too!

We reached our goal, Helen Lake in about 2-1/2 hours. We stopped in the lee of Cirque Peak for lunch, hoping we might get some respite from the wind. We had a pleasant break but didn’t tarry long before starting our downward trek.

 

The return was focused on hiking with considerably less photography. I did get a few pictures along the way, including this view looking southward. The mountain ridge on the right doesn’t seem to have a name of its own. That may be because it appears to be an arm of Cirque Peak. The mountain in the background is labeled Bow Peak.

Just to be clear, the white patches on the ground are not wildflowers. I did say it was chilly.

We reached the parking lot in the early afternoon, enjoying the satisfaction of an invigorating hike and the contentment of a good day of sightseeing, photography and pleasant fellowship.