Paradise Lake and
Haig Ridge III
September 23, 2018
Mountain
height: 2186 m
Elevation gain: 770 m
Ascent
time: 2:15
Descent
time: 1:45
Solo
hike/scramble.
Desperate
to get out and do anything, even if the weather was not going to cooperate, I
chose the new hiking route to Paradise Lake – the small tarn under the east
face of Mount Haig (not Haig Lake, which resides under the northeast face of
Mount Haig). I had visited the lake back in 2014 after ascending Haig Ridge,
however, recent development in the Castle Mountain Ski resort area now grants a much
easier route.
The one
good thing that the iffy weather did provide was rainbows. In fact, I’d never
seen as many different rainbows in a single day. However, I would have gladly
sacrificed the rainbows for a clear, blue sky. The fall colours were
mesmerizing throughout the trip.
After
waiting out a brief snow squall at the lake (that had been preceded by a
lengthy rain squall en route), I started up towards the col between Haig Ridge
and Mount Haig. A direct route was interrupted when I came across the classic Southern
Alberta Rockies, water worn, step-like gully of ridiculously colouful rock. If
I am addicted to anything in this life (besides chocolate), it is these
gullies! They are simply magnificent.
This
route choice ended up taking me to the base of the steep rockband that ends any
scrambling attempts of Haig’s northeast ridge and was quite nostalgic –
referring to our first ascent of Mount
Haig. From that point, the summit of Haig Ridge was easily gained and after
a brief summit stay I started down the ridge.
This part
of the trip was the bitter highlight. I say “bitter” because of the field of yellow
larches near the summit. Underfoot much of the foliage had turned a vibrant
shade of red. A blue sky with the yellow larches and red foliage, all back-dropped
by Mount Haig’s awesome northeast and east faces would have been unreal! I
vowed right there that I would return as soon as humanly possible.
The weather
did improve a little as I continued down the fantastically scenic ridge and
several more rainbows (one a double!) did soften some of the scowl on my face.
Yes, I’ll
be back!
The first of a series of rainbows, while driving to the Castle Mountain ski resort
The same rainbow(s) frame Bellevue Hill
Interesting combination of sunny and volatile weather near Maskinonge Lake
And then the dreary weather of the Paradise Lake hike
The Sun tried to break through but was unsuccessful
Fall colours
Paradise Lake
Fall colours around Paradise Lake
Haig Ridge above the lake
Looking down on the lake from the ascent slopes
The colourful ascent gully
Same as above
The steppy terrain of the gully. Since my feet werre soaked anyway, I simply walked straight up the middle.
Looking over to Haig Ridge
Looking back down to the lake
Eerie conditions on Mount Haig
The major rockband on Haig's northeast ridge
Looking over to the summit of Haig Ridge
A big rock and Gravenstafel Ridge
Looking down to Haig Lake. The smaller, blue coloured body of water is a small tarn,
full of glacial meltwater (yes, there is a glacier down there)
Gravenstafel Ridge and Haig Ridge
More colourful rock near the summit of Haig Ridge
Summit view. Note the rainbow at the left and the larches at the right. Barnaby Ridge is behind.
The Mount Haig traverse goes from right to left, over to the east ridge. However, this route is no longer necessary,
as the new hiking trail to Paradise Lake makes easy work of the approach to the east ridge of Mount Haig.
More classic Southern Alberta scenery - twisted dead trees
Here come the larches
The view where a clear blue sky would have been amazing
Instead, I'd have to settle for more rainbows
Lots of interesting things to see on the ridge
Looking back at the steep north side of the ridge
One more rainbow for good measure
More mesmerizing fall colours for good measure
Okay..... one more rainbow!
The End
