Akamina Pass and Wall Lake

It felt great to be back on the trail today, after missing 3 days. Late this morning the sun started to show through the clouds and the sky began to clear. It wasn't warm, exactly, the temperature on the trail was in the upper 30s, but in the sun and after some exertion we began shedding layers.

No more mountain peaks that are just massive and dark. Now the geology of the peaks stand out due to snow at higher elevations. This is looking south from our campground.

Snowy trees that are on the mountains that are just at the edge of the campground.

The view south from the trailhead for Akamina Pass.

A mile from the trailhead, we crossed into British Columbia and Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park, which was established in 1995.

We took a short spur trail off the main trail to Wall Lake and visited Forum Falls. The sun was streaming over the falls and illuminating the mist that rose from the base of the cascade.

Wall Lake is situated at the base of Akamina Ridge that rises 2,475 feet above the lake. We came to Wall Lake on the north side and took a trail around the west shore.

Across the lake to the east. Look carefully and you will see that the cliffs are reflected in the water below.

I liked these frosted trees on the side of the ridge in the picture above.

Some more beautiful, frosted, trees. 

At the far end of the path around the western side of the lake we came to this lovely lagoon where we ate our lunch. Because the ridge is so high here, the sun was already behind it and just sitting still, it was plenty cold - about 37 degrees. Once more I practiced the skill of eating with my gloves on.

Akamina Ridge above Wall Lake. I think they don't show in the picture, but there are numerous waterfalls is the crevices of the ridge wall.

Looking south across this beautiful, emerald lake.

On the way back, just after leaving Wall Lake, the trail crosses a large avalanche path, allowing great views of the surrounding peaks.

Back at the trailhead, this couple from Lethbridge, Alberta, was preparing to ride two and a half hours up the trail we just descended to spend the night. She is giving him directions on the balancing of the load on the pack horse.

Hike statistics:

Length - 7 miles

Elevation gain - 363 feet (105 floors on the Fitbit)

Duration - 4 hours