This is such a delightful walk it deserves to be seen. All the rush in the past for Indefatiguable, Northover, Sarrail and alike made me totally unaware of little trail that links Boat Launch and Interlakes in upper K-lake area. Wonderfully laid it travels along little bays and beaches dotted with tree-stumps with grand views all around. Probably busy on weekend, but as after-work leg stretcher from Canmore well-worth the drive. Very good light didn't hurt either; spent couple of very peaceful hours with camera around my neck. About an hour each way, flat and wide.



Panos


It pays off to slow down and find time to stop and smell the roses. Really

Same walk, 7 months later. Different scenery with upper lake still mostly frozen, lower lake about 50:50. So quiet and pristine, just plain beautiful. Couple of pics:


Upper lake from Rawson trailhead:


Interlakes (note how low is the water!)


Frozen little bays with nice views to Sarrail group

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This should really be separate report, but as I have this upper K-lake pictorial going on, I'll post here.

Nov '15: Did a circuit, going counter-clockwise around entire upper lake. Lake is getting frozen, snow is lying on the ground and crystal bluebird skies make everything look absolutely magical. Parked at Interlakes with an idea of just walking half an hour or so on sunny north side, then nest on the beach and enjoy afternoon reading. But my outdoor explorations always take unexpected turn. Trail well broken, no need for snowshoes, fairly warm and I just kept on going. Arriving to Palliser slide below Mt. Indefatiguable I realized I never went around the whole lake (Hidden lake turnoff on south side, Three Isle lake junction on north side, but not the part in between). Beautiful scenery lured me forward; I scraped reading plans and thought I'd hike to Point campground then return the same way. Arriving at Point, I wanted to check bridge across Kananaskis river, then I realized I was already near half-point and decided to do the whole thing. Switched gears and started jogging lightly on good trail - still boots only - and in no time arrived past Hidden lake turnoff to open part of south shore where I enjoyed couple of tranquil moments in true winter wonderland and beautiful light as sun was setting down. Past Rawson lake junction trail became a highway. Pictorial in chronological order:

[North shore about 1km from Interlakes looking back; Pocaterra ridge behind]

[Hoar frost on ice surface make things look surreal]

[Good thing about north shore this time of year is that it gets all the sun, because of "V" gap between Mt. Sarrail and Mt. Lyautey -- which is also the direction of Aster lake trail]

[West side of the lake near Point campground]

[Views across the lake from the south side; pyramid-shaped cone of Mt. Indefatiguable reflected on the ice]

[Looking towards upper lake parking lot, about 1km east of Hidden lake turnoff]


[South side pano as sun has set down, about 1km before Rawson lake turnoff]

This is fantastic time to do this hike scenery wise and I can't recommend it enough. Whole circuit is 16-17km and can be done in 4 hrs easily, although there are so many wonders waiting just behind every corner you are likely to take more. Last thing - all bridges are fine, except Sarrail creek crossing near Rawson lake turnoff -- but this is very easily negotiated right now, and judging by the snow prints whole army has made it without any trouble over the weekend.

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Awesome photos of the lake(s)..

Great shots all of them

K

I'm not a photographer but I thought I could add another seasonal picture: searching for the way to Point Campground at the end of March. Really beautiful lake!

It is a nice photo Kokanee; good angle into talus slope where Aster Lake trail goes too, now obviously snow covered.
Might go back soon for another walk while lake is still all white. Would really like to get up Rawson ridge for aerial. Stay tuned.

Hoping to make it back up to Aster at some point this year, would love to finish Northover Ridge (last attempt was thwarted by a fantastic Kanananskis thunderstorm)

Northover ridge is real classic. I've done it as day trip I led for COC way back in 2007. Upper lake -- Aster Lake -- Northover ridge -- 3 Isle Lake -- back to Upper Lake. That was when I met CT' Granticulus -- guy in red shorts on these photos: http://public.fotki.com/calgaryoutdo.../2007/08/4664/

When we topped at start of the ridge below Mt. Northover he was practically salivating to go up Mt. Northover, but it was official club trip & I couldn't allow. To his credit he behaved and obeyed (not sure I would ;=)

Early November '16 edition

Chinook Arch with unseasonable warm temperatures and belated fall conditions at Kananaskis Lakes. Was heading for Mt. Indefatiguable, but ended up doing full circuit around upper lake yet again. 20km and 5 hrs, with tons of breaks. Explored around Point campground (what a great place to spend a night!). Was warned about "male grizzly near the bridge", but saw nothing. South side had some snowy/muddy sections, but whole thing can still be done in running shoes. Took quick side trip to Hidden Lake (Aster Lake trail) and was quite surprised to see it completely gone --- what is impassable till late July in typical year due to high water level, is now just a mud pit. Fresh bear tracks in the mud though. Couple of photos:

[Pano on that lovely 4km section between boat launch and Interlakes; I just adore this place!]

[Views at Point campground; there are some 'waterfront' sites that have such view -- what a place to wake up!]

I have made now full report on my site as well, with lots of high-res photos, map and usual GPS track.

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Very nice Zeljkok

I always look forwards to your trip reports. You've posted some very nice stuff this past year, catching the good light!

Allan A

Thanks Allan! Kind comments are very much appreciated and key reason why I keep posting such reports

I looked through the old photos on the way down - what incredible frost flowers! The water doesn't look as high as I'd have expected for November, but looks like a nice clear day.

Did you take Highway 40 down, or were you coming on the 742 from Canmore? If 742, what's the snow situation back there?

Fantastic! And incredibly, a place I've been too

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I took Hwy40. Haven't been on Spray road recently, but I'm quite sure it is snow free at the moment.

What beautiful shots these are. thanks.

Such a treat to view after these months of endless coastal rain.