Adventures for Wilderness, Rummel Lake Fall Hike – Sept. 25, 2022

September 25, 2022

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Text: Chris Saunders

Photos: Debborah Donnelly

Led by Chris Saunders

 

At about 10 am on September 25, 2022, 11 hikers assembled close to a parking spot on the west side of the Spray River just off the road to Mount Shark, ready to start on the hike to Tryst Lake. The hike is not well known but is one of the best in the area for seeing alpine larches in their autumn colours. However, the area is popular with grizzly bears which leads to occasional trail closures. The group found, as they headed into the parking area, a closure notice posted by Alberta Parks, probably very early that morning. There would be no hike to Tryst Lake that day.

After a short discussion the group settled on Rummel Lake, as an alternative destination. The trailhead being only about a mile away on the east side of the Spray valley and the trail difficulty being similar to Tryst Lake.

The weather was warm and sunny and the group set off in good spirits. The trail climbed through forest of mainly spruce until a viewpoint was reached at about halfway. This gave magnificent views to the north, south and west. The trail continued up through sub-alpine forest eventually reaching the lake in time for a late lunch. A beautiful lunch spot was found, offering views of the lake, the larch trees and the surrounding peaks. Most of the larch trees had not yet changed to a spectacular golden colour and were still green. This is unusual for the last week of September, perhaps a sign of climate change.

The group returned to the cars by the same route.