“August Peak”
(“Wilcox Lake Peak”)



 
August 4, 2019
 
Mountain height: 2995 m
Elevation gain:   1325 m
Ascent time:       4:45
Descent time:     3:20
 
Solo scramble. 
 
Adventurous Calvin Damen brought this peak to my attention back in 2011.  He named it “August Peak” because he made his ascent on August 1 of that year. I forgot about the trip until a relatively recent ascent by Matthew Clay, who named it “Wilcox Lake Peak”, popped up online. 
 
Needless to say, it was wonderful to be back in the Columbia Icefields area. After reaching the now well-signed Wilcox Pass, I continued north for about 1 km and then turned northeast towards Wilcox Lake, pretty much following Matt’s route. As expected, views towards Mount Athabasca were excellent and only got better throughout the day.
 
Negotiating the undulating terrain to Wilcox Lake was quite enjoyable; the lake itself was stunning! As such, I circled the west and south sides of the lake and then started up the steep ruble slopes to the ridge. Unfortunately, in my zeal to reach the summit of the outlier to the southeast of Wilcox, I opted to go straight up, instead of taking the more circuitous, but less steep route recommended by Matt. This slope was very foreshortened, much steeper than it appeared from below and consisted entirely of unstable rubble. Thankfully the ever-improving view provided plenty of motivation to just “suck it up” and keep going. Nigel Peak was especially awesome!
 
Some downs and ups followed, but the true summit was still only a straightforward steep hike/easy scramble away. An outstanding summit view conspired to keep me there for almost an hour, attempting to identify as many peaks as possible. Although the summits of many of the Columbia Icefield’s 11,000 ers were clearly visible, nearby Nigel Peak refused to give up supremacy as the most aesthetically beautiful form in visual range. As well, all the unnamed peaks to the northeast, east, and southeast were simply captivating.
 
For descent, once back at the col between the summit and the outlier, I took a more direct route down to Wilcox Lake – one that turned out to be equally foreshortened, steep, and tedious as the ascent route I took. Visiting the lake again was not necessary on descent, however, it’s a beautiful lake and well worth a good go-around. The lake did not disappoint at all – definitely one of the highlights of the day.
 
Parks Canada has now formalized a trail to a viewpoint on Wilcox Ridge (the south ridge of Wilcox Peak for scramblers) and so upon reaching Wilcox Pass I did take a quick side-trip to check it out. Well done Parks Canada! The viewpoint is stunning, providing one of the best views of Mount Athabasca you can ask for.
 
A totally awesome day out. Cheers to Calvin Damen and Matt Clay for their pioneering work on this one.



Hiking the supremely scenic Wilcox Pass Trail. Snowdome and Kitchener dominate the view.



Mount Athabasca is the show-stopper, though



New signs at Wilcox Pass and Wilcox Peak at the left



The view of Athabasca demands you walk backwards frequently!



Colourful, mossy stream



Same as above with you know who. Andromeda, to the right of Athabasca, is pretty cool too.



Leaving the informal trail and heading east towards the objective



There it is. August Peak at the right.



Mounts Woolley and Diadem make an assertive appearance



Approaching Wilcox Lake, with Nigel Peak above it



Great reflections in the lake, but the Sun was in an unfavourable position



Much better from the southwest side of the lake



The summit of August Peak is at the left. The route I took went straight up to the peak above the lake.



Some interesting rock near the lake



And some interesting mossy patches on the way up



Views of the lake improve as elevation is gained



So do views of Nigel Peak



No flowery adjectives needed to describe any views of the Columbia Icefield and its mountains



Another section of very interesting rock



An unnamed lake below an unnamed outlier of Nigel Peak



On the ridge and looking to the summit of August at the left



The unnamed mountains to the east were as enjoyable to see as all the glaciated 11,000ers to the west
 


The north glacier on Nigel Peak



Couldn't get enough of this view to the northeast



Likewise for the view to the southeast



From the outlier south of the true summit, the route to the top is obvious and easy



But the views demand frequent stops



Love the remaining snow near the ridge



And the view to the northeast continues to impress



At the col between the outlier and the summit



North Twin and Twins Tower



Nigel Peak takes on a most aesthetic look from this vantage point



Final ridge to the summit


Here are the summit views (lots of Nigel!)























Even on descent, Nigel gets tons of attention



Almost back to the lake and another surprising section of mossy ground



Loved this interesting area near the lake outlet as much as the sweet summit views



Especially with Nigel in the background



Wilcox Lake is a more than worthwhile destination in itself. The trip is featured in Tony Daffern's Popular Day Hikes.



Couldn't resist a parting, reflection shot of Nigel



This one was hard to resist also



Hiking the new Wilcox Ridge Trail



It's a popular place for a very good reason



Heading back and still awed by the views



No mortal can resist Athabasca!

The End
LOG