Sat. 23
November: Troll Falls
and Hummingbird Plume Lookout
 |
| Troll Falls. Water was flowing behind the ice. |
Troll Falls takes on a new appearance every winter,
depending on how the ice builds up. This
year, it has already created a gigantic icy pillar, yet the water is still
falling from the cliffs above, hidden behind the wall of ice. Hanging from the overhanging rocks were tall
icicles, like stalactites in a scary cave.
Meanwhile, the ugly troll sits unmoved beside the falls, ready for a
conversation with visiting snow-shoers.
For late November, snow conditions were quite good. Our route, apart from the side trail to the
Falls, was immaculately groomed, making for an easy journey up the forested
mountainsides. This was R’s first outing
on snowshoes, not that you would have known it.
The pace was steady as we climbed up the trail. Even at the very top, you are still in the
trees, with the dilapidated Hummingbird Plume fire lookout sitting in the
forest, beside a clearing. For a view of
the Kananaskis Valley one has to step carefully through the deeper snow to the
edge of a cliff. There the views are
worth the effort.
This tiny fire lookout shack is full of historical significance,
being built by German prisoners of war during World War 2. It is now only held together by its lightning
protection cabling, and Alberta Parks must very soon make a decision whether to
knock it down or perhaps recreate something new up there. The hill top makes a very good destination
for cross-country skiers, snow shoers and, in summer, hikers, so it is worth
considering some sort of simple destination building or shelter. Right now it’s just the shack and a picnic
table.
Our journey had taken us up Skogan Trail, with glimpses of
the Nakiska ski hill. The ski slopes
were not busy. Further up the trail we
turned right onto Sunburst Trail for the final pull up to the lookout. On our return we completed a loop by
following the High Level Trail back down the hillsides and across the powerline
right of way, which rose in a straight line to Skogan Pass, high above us. It was only after we returned to Skogan Trail
that we met our first people of the day – two women on skis heading up to the
Pass. On our entire journey we met only
perhaps a dozen other people, which seemed few for a pleasant Saturday. But it was still early season here.
This was the second time I had used these well-graded and
nicely groomed trails as an ideal first test for a new snowshoer, and I would
highly recommend it – just stay out of the ski tracks! And for an added bonus, you get to visit the
Troll and perhaps see the Hummingbird lookout before it finally collapses!
Statistics:
Total
Distance: 12.6 km (snowshoe)
Height
Gain: 1,395 ft.
Max.
Elev.: 6,120 ft.
Time
on Trail: 4 hrs. 53 mins.
Dep.
car: 9.23 am
Troll Falls: 9.53 am
Arr.
L/O: 12.01 pm
Dep.
L/O: 12.31 pm
Ret.
to car: 2.16
pm
Temp:
Minus 5 C to +1 C with
subzero windchills at summit.
Weather: Mix
of cloud and sun. Cold winds high up, no
wind lower down.
 |
| Hay Meadow Trail |
 |
| Heading into the woods |
 |
| This short trail leads to the Falls |
 |
| Having a chat with the Troll |
 |
| Carefully dropping down from the Falls |
 |
| Skogan Pass Trail |
 |
| A steady climb - more snow higher up |
 |
| Hummingbird Plume Lookout |
 |
| Good view of the Kananaskis Valley from the forested summit |
 |
| We wondered how much longer this historic building will last |
 |
| High Level Trail |
 |
| Crossing the Skogan Pass power line |
 |
| Telephoto pic of Nakiska ski hill |
 |
| Some grand mountain views from the trail |
 |
| Back down in the Kananaskis Valley |
No comments:
Post a Comment