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Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/26/2007 : 12:54 PM
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Thinking about heading to Waterton in mid June for a backpacking trip. What is the snow conditions like there at that time of year? Any good suggestions for things to must see?
Thanks! |
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Anchorage, Alaska
USA
1340 Posts |
Posted - 05/27/2007 : 11:17 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by DrunkenEngineer
Thinking about heading to Waterton in mid June for a backpacking trip. What is the snow conditions like there at that time of year? Any good suggestions for things to must see?
Thanks!
I had a horrible experience in Waterton one june, attempting a 32km loop that took us up to about 6500'; I don't remember the name of it but we stayed at Snowshoe backcountry campground. It was june 24-25, 2004. This is where I learned to never attempt backpacking before at least early july. We were punching through wet, chest deep snow hiking to the pass, in pouring rain. Never again! |
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Canmore, AB
Canada
1238 Posts |
Posted - 05/28/2007 : 08:44 AM
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I was just looking at some pictures of Waterton taken last week and it looked surprising dry... at least from the Mt. Crandell area. Here's a link to those photo's :
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/559136039hlqkhZ
I guess it depends on where you go but it looks like things are drying up fast.
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203 Posts |
Posted - 05/29/2007 : 08:55 AM
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| I was on Mt Crandell last weekend and there was no snow there but to the west there is still snow.I'm going to do a 3 day trip somewhere in Waterton leaving the 22nd of June.Maybe we could hook up? |
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Calgary, AB
Canada
498 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2007 : 07:58 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by gunthur
I was on Mt Crandell last weekend and there was no snow there but to the west there is still snow.I'm going to do a 3 day trip somewhere in Waterton leaving the 22nd of June.Maybe we could hook up?
Gunther, if you are looking for company send me the details by e-mail. I may be interested. Mike. |
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 05/30/2007 : 8:00 PM
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I did Crypt Lake in the end of May 2004, it was in a pretty good condition, some snow patches, nothing more than that. However, without crampons I failed to summit Lineham Ridge. I expect most of the trails there will be doable by mid June. I like to hike in Waterton in June 'cos snow melts there 2-3 weeks earlier than in more northern national parks.
What I don't understand it's why to go for backpacking in Waterton. It's a pretty small park and all trails there can be day-hiked. The only exception is Tamarack Trail, but it's only scenic at its both ends (Lineham Ridge and Red Rock Canyon) and quite viewless in the middle.
Avion Ridge near Goat Lake can also be day-hiked, although slow-pace hikers may preffer backpacking here. Other trails are only good for backpackers who enjoy carrying heavy packs for the sake of it. |
Edited by - Engor on 05/31/2007 01:23 AM |
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Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada
68 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2007 : 6:27 PM
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I've just always wanted to check out Waterton, and figured since it was early in the season it might be the best bet. (Mount Robson was also on the list and probably the first choice).
However, work has gotten in the way of my plans. Have to move the trip to August and plan for Algonquin or Georgian Bay area. My brother is located in Toronto so that's reason for heading east (no other reason to go to Toronto, trust me!).
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Anchorage, Alaska
USA
1340 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2007 : 8:10 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Engor
I did Crypt Lake in the end of May 2004, it was in a pretty good condition, some snow patches, nothing more than that. However, without crampons I failed to summit Lineham Ridge. I expect most of the trails there will be doable by mid June. I like to hike in Waterton in June 'cos snow melts there 2-3 weeks earlier than in more northern national parks.
What I don't understand it's why to go for backpacking in Waterton. It's a pretty small park and all trails there can be day-hiked. The only exception is Tamarack Trail, but it's only scenic at its both ends (Lineham Ridge and Red Rock Canyon) and quite viewless in the middle.
Avion Ridge near Goat Lake can also be day-hiked, although slow-pace hikers may preffer backpacking here. Other trails are only good for backpackers who enjoy carrying heavy packs for the sake of it.
Tamarack Trail! I think that's the one that I did! (that sucked so bad).
Two best hikes I've done in Waterton are Crypt Lake and Carthew-Alderson, both day hikes. I've heard great things about Akamina Ridge. But it's unlikely that'll be any good in june. |
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High River, (just south of Calgary eh!), Alberta
Canada
1697 Posts |
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Waterton in June?
