Pulpit Peak

August 24, 2015

Mountain height:      2727 m
Elevation gain:         960 m
Ascent time:            7:30
Descent time:          forgot

Scrambling with Raff and Marta.

Pulpit Peak had been on my radar ever since seeing ascents by Marko via Lake Margaret and Josée, Fabrice, and Charles via Pulpit Tarn. My plan was to go up Marko’s ascent route and down Josée ascent route. Coincidentally Raff and Marta were also planning an ascent of the relatively obscure peak and so we set off together.

After a tricky trek across a marsh and an entertaining crossing of the Bow River, we soon arrived at beautiful Hector Lake, where a pleasant hike around the southwest side ensued. Much smaller, but equally scenic Margaret Lake was soon reached. Even more entertaining than the river crossing was the exposed ascent of the headwall behind Lake Margaret. Thankfully, some painted green arrows pointed the way, with a pretty sketchy looking chain right at the top. More exposed terrain followed and then onto the third lake of the day – Turquoise Lake – yet another stunning lake, surrounded by unnamed, but cool peaks.

The last part of the ascent involved a gut-wrenching slog up steep, loose scree and rubble and was far from aesthetic. Fortunately the fantastic scenery was more than enough to keep us motivated. The only disappointing aspect of the incredible summit view was a thick wall of forest fire smoke that had crept in during our rubble slog.

The descent route, courtesy of Josée and company went without a hitch and afforded us visits to two additional lakes – that’s five lakes in total for the day!

Overall, an outstanding day, with great company. Pulpit Peak is definitely a mountain that will appeal to the adventurous.


The obligatory shot of mountains of Lake Louise reflected in Herbert Lake


Marta and Raff crossing the Bow River


Hector Lake


A beach of Hector Lake


Marta crossing the outlet at 
Lake Margaret. The infamous headwall is behind the lake.


Marta ascends slopes before the headwall. Margaret and Hector lakes behind. 
Andromache and Hector mountains behind the lakes.


Approaching the "scary" part of the headwall. The route goes about halfway up then traverse to the left. 


Raff searches for a route up.


He finds one. 


Marta grabs the chain for the final section.


The traverse to easier terrain. 


Pulpit Peak and the waterfall that drains Turquoise Lake into Lake Margaret. 


Raff ascends one more headwall before reaching Turquoise Lake.


Marta at Turquoise Lake.


Heading towards the rubble slog


Raff passes under interesting rock. 


 A couple of rock windows. 


More pinnacles. 


At the summit, Raff and Marta celebrate a long but super interesting ascent.


The amazing, but unfortunately hazy view to the north. Sections of all three lakes are visible. Famed and awesome photographer and mountaineer 
Paul Zizka managed to find a position on the ridge where the lakes are almost completely visible.


Mount Hector behind Hector Lake.


Looking down the descent route. 


Raff searches for the route down to Pulpit Tarn. 


Looking back at the mountain.

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