Distance: 18 k
Elevation gain: 350 m
Friday, September 18, we set off for our last hike of the season to enjoy larch colours. We read there were lots of larch in the Elbow Valley beyond Elbow Lake. It was a lovely forecast so we set off. We arrived at the trail head and saw the snow.
After driving all that way, we figured we might as well continue and make the best of it.
After a short climb, we came to Elbow Lake.
The trail continued around the lake, over the outlet to Elbow River and along the beginning of the river.
Walking along a wide, easy trail, surrounded by mountains, felt awesome.
Soon we came to the Tombstone campground and the turnoff for Tombstone Lakes. It was dry! Yeah!
However, as we climbed the path got snowier and snowier.
We knew there were a couple people ahead of us and easily followed their footprints to the lake.
The strong, steady wind which had pushed us along thus far even caused waves on the little lake. We were fortunate and thankful to find a relatively dry spot to eat our lunch and very rejuvenated by the sunshine which lasted only as long as we sat there.
The larches across the lake were definitely not in their full glory yet.
Because the sun had been shining on the slope, the snow was rapidly turning to slush.
Actually the white snow accentuated the orange leaves and green plants and the trail was very beautiful.
This cairn marked the turnoff for Rae Lake, our original destination. The deep snow which obscured the unofficial path and a biker we met encouraged us to save it for another day and go to Tombstone Lake instead.
We both look forward to returning to this valley in the summer and finding Rae Lake on a less windy day.
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