Parker Ridge

Along with Wilcox Pass, Parker Ridge is the other "most popular" trail in the Columbia Icefield area so we returned to the icefields to complete the hikes described by Tim Jensen in his book, Best Day Hikes in the Canadian Rockies. The weather cooperated and didn't turn cloudy until we returned to Jasper, so we were able to hike in the sunshine. The temperature was in the mid 60's.

We switched-backed up through a subalpine forest for about 1 km before we emerged onto an alpine meadow. At the summit we had some terrific views - one of this waterfall.

The trail continued across the meadow to the best viewpoint of the Saskatchewan Glacier, the largest ice field south of the Arctic Circle.

There is a little sign, which isn't in the picture, right behind Frederick that says, "End of Trail." There was a little patch of kruppleholz, you know, nature's bonsai.

Some more mountain views from the summit.

Down below we noticed this little, emerald-colored, lake.

There's the lake, bottom right, in its mountain setting.

We also explore some of the other short trails on the summit to alternative viewpoints. We saw these markings and wondered if they were fossils on one of the rocks on the trail.

Then we saw what looked like fossil shells - but, who knows?

There were some marvelous fields of wildflowers alongside the trail. These are light-colored Paintbrush.

At the end of a wind-swept viewpoint we were able to get a clear picture of this mountain peak and glacier.

Up on the wind-swept ridge a family found a stone shelter in which to enjoy their lunch-with-a-view.

Today we were on the other side of the Icefields Parkway from Wilcox Pass, yesterday's hike. But, that's Wilcox Pass, the dip between the two peaks a center right.

On the way down. You can see the Icefields Parkway in the valley.