August 2, 2022, Lake Oesa out and back, 9.2 km, 348 m elevation gain, 348 m elevation loss, 5 hrs.
Hike Day 1 in Purple.
Elevation profile for Day 1. It was uphill but not really that steep.
Laura already for the morning adventure. It was not overly warm out. I like using my backpacking pack for day hiking as it is just so comfortable.
The road and entrance to the campground.
Very nice signage.
Our first view of Lake O’Hara.
The clouds stayed with us for the entire trip.
Making our way around the lake. Odaray Mt (3139 m).
Canadian bunchberry (Cornus canadensis).
Laura happy to be exploring Lake O’Hara.
We are headed up over the cliffs to the alpine bowl behind the peak in the distance. Glacier Peak (3283 m) on the right and the bulk of Mt Lefroy (3423 m) on the left.
We have to go up through the gap but there is a trail with switchbacks we will utilize.
Lake Oesa up and right.
To say the trails are well designed is doing the trails an injustice.
We have gained quite a bit of elevation. Laura still reveling in the joy of just being at Lake O’Hara.
Lake O’Hara looking south-west. The massif in the background begins on the right as Mt Schaffer (2692 m) the prominent peak on the very left is Mt Biddle (3319 m). We will get a clear view of Mt Biddle tomorrow when we hike to McArthur Lake.
Steadily gaining elevation on good trail. Happy Hiker.
Getting above treeline the trail deteriorates as we make our way through an old rockfall.
Its a fun hike.
Marmot Alert! Love marmots. Did not have my long lens but pretty happy with the photo. This marmot entertained us for a few minutes making sure we were not up to no good.
Can you find the the human. Despite how it looked the trail was never difficult.
Heart Leaved Arnica (Arnica cordifolia).
It’s me.
Some long exposure shots of the tumbling waters from Lake Oesa. Was happy that Laura let me mess around with the camera for a few minutes. It takes time to set up these shots, they don’t always work out but I find the entire activity rewarding.
It is a nice rock.
After doing a week of trail maintenance I cannot imagine the work and dedication it must have taken to construct the trails in and around Lake O’Hara.
Not far from the top now. More long exposure tripod work.
Small pond formed from the outflow of Lake Oesa.
Arrival at Lake Oesa.
It is impossible to capture the grandeur of the scene. It has to be seen to fully appreciate the setting.
A long exposure timer selfie. I am quite pleased with the shot. The peaks from right to left, Yukness Mt (2847 m), after the gap Ringrose Peak (3278 m) and the prominent peak on the left is Glacier Peak (3283 m).
Happy couple at Lake Oesa.
We spent a little over half an hour exploring Lake Oesa. We took the time to sit and just take in the scenery. Even thought the campground and the lodge were full we were the only people at the lake. It was glorious to have it to ourselves to share the view privately for just a little while. A cool breeze and the little of activity brought a chill to us signally a time to head back down to Lake O’Hara.
Passing by a lovely waterfall.
Back down to lakeside. Going to head over to the small stream flowing into the lake which is at the base of Seven Veil Falls.
Another marmot on guard.
The trail up to Seven Veil Falls. It would have been a lot of back breaking work to move all the rocks to create the path for the trail.
Seven Veil Falls.
Long exposure photo of Seven Veil Falls.
Some information board with a somewhat sad story.
Our day two hike to Lake McArthur.
Our day three hike.
We should be glamping but we have re-hydrated pasta. But it looks like wine is on the menu. Dinner was at 6 pm which for us is quite late.
Do not have to pack the garbage or recycling out.
Get every last drop of goodness with the finger.
After dinner was all cleaned and everything was packed away in the bear lockers we grabbed our wine and chocolate and headed out to site by the lake and enjoy the evening.
The beautiful soft evening light reflecting on an almost mirror like lake.
Wine, chocolate and bear spray.
Laura brought her chair. The puffy would indicate it is a little on the chilly side.
The view does not get much better than this.
Wiwaxy Peak (2700 m) with the towering form of Mt Huber (3354 m) still capturing the evening sun.
Me attempting to be a little artistic.
From left to right. Mt Huber (3354 m), Mt Victoria it tucked up out of sight behind Huber, Mt Lefroy at centre and Glacier Peak just visible around the corner of Yunkess Mt, peak of Yukness not visible. The peak at the back of Yukness is Hungabee Mt (3492 m).
Laura looking intently at the waters of Lake O’Hara. The peak visible through the trees at the end of the lake is Cathedral Mt (3189 m).
8 pm and we arrive back at the campground after our little post dinner adventure.
Seen this before during our 2018 trip to Hermit Meadows. Since you are camping on platforms you attach the lines from your tent to nails. Works great.
8:30 pm. Time to head to bed.
Good night after an amazing first day at Lake O’Hara.
