Summit Lake Ridge
Carthew Minor IV
June 19, 2021
Mountain heights: 2092 m, 2330 m
Elevation gain: approximately 1100 m
Round-trip
time:
6:45
Solo scramble.
Inspired by Sonny and Zosia’s winter ascent of
this minor highpoint west of Summit Lake in Waterton, I set out to do the same,
minus the snow. The bipolar weather forecast was cause for an objective that
probably wouldn’t feature outstanding summit views, and the mainly treed summit
of Summit Lake Ridge fit the bill.
In retrospect, perhaps low expectations are the way to go, because this
turned out to be a fantastic trip with more than one pleasant surprise!
Surprise #1 appeared in the form of a
beautiful stream I ended up following, after leaving the main trail. Numerous
cascades and small waterfalls provided enough entertainment to keep my camera
out more than holstered!
Surprise #2 was not really a surprise. The
view from the shores of Summit Lake is always a rewarding one, especially on a
clear day. I did not have exactly that, but even with some wispy clouds
littering the skies, a fine view awaited there.
After circling the south side of the lake and
crossing the outlet I started up the very easy slopes of the objective.
Featuring a beautiful field of yellow glacier lilies, the odd outcrop of
stunning rock, and terrific views into Montana, this section of travel was the
highlight of the day – maybe Surprises 3 and 4!
I’ll call the summit view Surprise #4.5!
Though trees did cover the summit, they were the burnt-out type, courtesy of
the 2017 Kenow Fire, and with a little wandering, decent views were to be found.
Having only spent a few hours on the Summit
Lake Ridge portion of the day, once back the lake, I decided to extend the trip
in the direction of Mount Carthew. I didn’t really have a specific objective in
mind – just see where the path takes me.
I eventually ended up on the false summit of
Mount Carthew, to find Surprise #5. Clearly the weather was taking a turn for the
worse, but it was also going to provide some ethereal views during that
transition. Surrounded by swirling clouds, Mount Alderson quickly became the
centre of attention.
Once the spectacle ended, I opted to go
directly to my favourite of the Carthews – Carthew Minor. The “minor” highpoint
offers some fun scrambling, a fantastic view, and super interesting terrain;
Mount Carthew does not require any scrambling, and the terrain lacks
significant interest – but the summit view is incredible!
By the time I reached the summit of Minor,
the weather had completed that transition to completely overcast. Even so,
views were rewarding and the colourful descent off Minor a visual feast.
Lots of great surprises that make this trip a
great candidate for a repeat ascent on a perfect weather day. I’ll be back…probably!
Better weather than expected at Cameron Lake
Gaining elevation and getting decent views of Cameron Lake and Forum
Peak. Also, a stream at the left to warm up the long exposure feature
on my phone!
There it is
Leaving the trail to check out this stream
Long exposure madness for a bit
Okay...not that long!
Back to the madness
Nearing the end of the spectacle
A tenacious snowbridge over the stream
Back on the Summit Lake Trail
Glance over to Carthew Minor
Last few steps to Summit Lake
At the lake
Chapman Peak and Mount Custer in Montana
Summit Lake Ridge at the right
The lake outlet on the south side. The objective in the centre.
Either the beavers in this neck of the woods have raised the level of
uniform wood chopping to an unprecedented level or humans with a chainsaw
have!
Carthew Minor reflected in the lake
The only significant snow of the day
Trees without leaves
Always interesting to see the melting snow patterns around trees
Here come Surprises 3 and 4
3 - the colourful rock
4 - glacier lilies and burnt trees
Same as above
Mounts Rowe and Blakiston
The field of lilies continues to the top
As does the odd red argillite sighting
Lichen covered rock
More lilies and the view into the U.S.
Took a minor detour to check out this section of rock, lilies, and the view of Chapman Peak
Same as above
Summit Lake now looking quite glarey!
My favourite scene of the day
Close-up of that sweet rock
The aliens have been here too
Custer from the summit
Remnants of the Kenow fire are always a source of fascination
Some wandering has provided a better view of Custer
Were it not for the fire, Cameron Lake would be virtually unseen from the top
More fascinating stuff
..and the better than expected views
Back at the lake to complete its circumnavigation
Bye bye Summit Lake
Hello Carthew Minor.. although at this point I didn't know I'd end up there
Same as above from further along the trail
A small sample of some of the cool rock that litters Carthew Minor
Same as above
Leaving Minor (right) behind for now
Statuesque Mounts Kintla and Kinnerly at the left, and not so statuesque Carthew Minor at the right
Boring photo, but I think I see someone at the top of Carthew Summit
Yep. Carthew Summit is just a highpoint on the south ridge of Mount Carthew, but it boasts an outstanding summit view.
Now on the connecting ridge between the false summit of Mount Carthew
and Carthew Minor, featuring the colourful view of the Blakiston massif
and others
View to the southwest
Bigger view
Same as above
Summit of Carthew at the left, false summit at the right
Mount Dungarvan seems to be surrounded by clouds on its north and easy sides
The snowy ridge at the left appears to be an option to extend the day
There's a lake down there
Looking down the precipitous north side
Heading to the false summit
View back down the ridge
Lake Wurdeman sits nicely below Chapman Peak
There's Carthew Summit, just right of centre. Mount Cleveland in the background.
This would be such a wonderfully colourful view on a completely clear day
Another of my favourite scenes of the day
With more
More to the other side
Looks like there is a person on the summit of Mount Carthew
Yes there is!
The clouds are now creeping over Ruby Ridge
View from the false summit
Time for Surprise #5
Better view with some of the Carthew Lakes near the left
Send in the Clouds!
Mount Alderson (right of centre) is slowly disappearing
Cloudy to the southwest also, but high clouds only
Clouds to the left of Alderson
Clouds to the right of Alderson
Clouds consume Alderson
Still a terrific view, even with the clouds
Heading down the ridge towards Carthew Minor
The ridge offers many scenic viewpoints and hidden treasures
In a scrambler's world, that rock is a treasure (perhaps my world more so than others!)
I lied about the snow earlier. There's quite a bit near the col.
The famous Carthew/Alderson trail is down there somewhere
Big snow bank and Carthew Minor
Same with Carthew's false summit
The start of some intense red argillite magic
Traversing below the steep stuff
Heading up to a small col that is the key to the ascent of Minor
View through the other side at the col
One of the coolest features of Minor
Same as above
Looking back to the connecting ridge
Summit view #1
View #2. Only a sliver of Cameron Lake is visible from much higher Mount Carthew.
Cameron Lake is not entirely visible, but some of it is better than nothing
More fire destruction
Same as above
Better views of Cameron Lake while descending Minor
Summit and Wurdeman lakes again
Cool pinnacle
And views that are begging for clear skies
Obviously there is no shortage of red argillite on Minor
Same as above
Other side of the pinnacle
That rock looks like it wants to eat something!
Running into another field of glacier lilies is a fitting way to end the trip
The End
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