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Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 06/25/2012 : 08:30 AM
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Haven't ever been up there before, just have a few questions...
Heard the mosquitos were BAD. Aren't the mosquitos ( and horse flies, for that matter... ) BAD just about anywhere in the alpine meadows late July/early August, or is it that much worse there?
I've been wanting to do a trip in Jasper for several years, and it looks like the Tonquin Valley is most feasible given work schedule time constraints ( tough to find time for more than 1 or max 2 nights in the backcountry )
I am able to hike 20+k a day with a pack, so that helps, but even then some of the other options I've considered appear to be out of even the 2 night comfortable range, incl. Fryatt Valley, Athabasca Pass, and likely Fortress Lake, which I've heard has a difficult river crossing early season...
I'm thinking of either hiking into Amethyst Lakes CG via Maccarib and out the Astoria River, or simply hiking into Surprise Point CG via Chrome Lake and then back out the same way. Does anyone have any recommendations from experience regarding the bugs, the muck, or which campground would be most suitable for scenery and a lack of aforementioned bugs and muck?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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Jasper, ab
Canada
1028 Posts |
Posted - 06/25/2012 : 08:48 AM
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The bugs are very bad up there in July and August. The horseflies are especially bad. Both the Astoria and Maccarib trails have really muddy sections. But everything considered, it's a most beautiful area. The ACC bridge (Chrome Lake) over the Astoria has washed away, second time in two years, but I'ver heard that they're replacing it this week. The Amethyst Campground is the nicest, in my mind. Surprise Point is beautiful as well, but water can be a bit of an issue there. The Chrome Lake trail is not a very scenic hike and the trail itself sucks. The views do get nice once at Chrome Lake though. If you want to explore the Eremite Valley and Arrowhead Lake, staying at Surprise Point is you're best option. The ACC hut at Outpost Lake is beautiful, but can get really busy in July.
It's been an incredibly wet spring so I imagine the bugs will be worse than ever up there. I hiked up Verdant Pass a few days ago and the bugs were pretty bad. |
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Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 06/25/2012 : 09:06 AM
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Sounds like the makings of a most uncomfortable evening! I guess the question, then, is - is it worth it? I still kind of like this part... Seems somewhat promising.
quote:
Originally posted by lobo
But everything considered, it's a most beautiful area.
If the options are doing an overnighter in Jasper and not doing one, I guess when you look at it you're still backcountry camping in Jasper. |
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287 Posts |
Posted - 06/25/2012 : 09:06 AM
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| If you do not have time restraints, I would personally suggest doing this trip in early to mid-September. |
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Finally stopping that crazy suffering that is ice, climbing to concentrate on great ski tours!
3503 Posts |
Posted - 06/25/2012 : 09:16 AM
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There are a few places in Jasper where the bugs are the worst, and the Tonquin Valley is one of them. But, I've been there in the height of the season, and it's worth it. Amazing area.
If you can go after a good couple below freezing nights in September, do so, but otherwise, take a ton of deet and enjoy the scenery.
Another really bad spot for bugs? The Brazeau River area near Four Point Camp. Yeesh. |
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Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 06/25/2012 : 09:17 AM
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| Time restraint is after July 20ish and before August 10ish, September is unfortunately a no go except for local trips ( Vancouver ) as I can only get weekends then. |
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Kamloops, British Columbia
Canada
149 Posts |
Posted - 06/25/2012 : 11:01 AM
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| Considered the Skyline trail at all as another option? Very do-able in 2 nights, most of hike is above treeline. Bugs still bad though... |
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Tonquin Valley, late July/early August
