Waterton and Goat Lake Hike

On the June 14-16th weekend, Tom, my friends and I headed south for our annual Waterton trip.

Waterton National Park.

Initially, our reason for the trip was to attempt to hike Crypt Lake, a scenic 17km trail that takes you past waterfalls, lakes, meadows and through a mountain. Unfortunately, the snow pack was too high on the trail, and we did not want to face avalanche warning and use ice axes! Instead, we opted to hike to Goat Lake.

Although we didn't see much wildlife (or any goats) on our trek, the weather was absolutely perfect for hiking. It was about 15 degrees and overcast-- cool enough for exerting yourself, with no pounding sun to overheat you!

Wildflowers were in full bloom, with a colourful array along the trail.

Wildflowers in bloom.

Indian paintbrush.

The first 5km of the trail were easy-- a slight incline along a wide ATV trail. We covered the distance quickly in about an hour. We saw a big brown rabbit with white feet, and some sort of bird-- possibly a grouse. When we reached the Goat Lake junction, the trail quickly changed to about 2.5km of intense incline. There were some pretty interesting rock formations exposed along the way, which, as you can imagine, impeded the progress of two geologists and two geophysicists.

Tom, myself, Jill and Jeff studying rocks.

Tom and I taking a break from our upward trek.

As we reached our highest elevation, we passed a scenic waterfall. Although about 90% of the trail was clear, there were large patches of snow as we approached Goat Lake.

Waterfall.

Goat Lake.

Goat Lake was teeming with fish which we could clearly see in the clear water. They were are all pretty little, but actively jumping and swimming around. Goat Lake has a backcountry campsite on it's shores, so we stopped in one of the sites to have our lunch. Of course, this also gave me an opportunity to re-adjust the various bandages and moleskin plastered all over my feet to keep blisters at bay.

Me re-bandaging my feet!

As we headed back, we took in the panoramic view.

Group shot.

And even saw a butterfly or two on our way back down.

Butterfly (or moth?)

Then we headed back to the cabin to rejoin Ashley, Steve and Gill for a Mexican dinner in Twin Butte.

Ashley and Steve enjoying the sun.

As always, good times had by all.

I think we'll try to hike Crypt Lake again later in the summer!