Thursday 18/10/2018 Valley of the Five Lakes
Jasper National Park, Alberta, CANADA
Participants: Sue Davies (Photos, Report), Beth Davies
The trailhead for this pleasant half day walk is located along the Icefield Parkway 9km south of Jasper. There are five scenic lakes with views of the surrounding peaks, varied vegetation and wildlife encounters along the route.
Max elevation: 1164 m
Total climbing: 322 m
Total descent: -322 m
Average speed: 4.54 km/h
Total time: 02:26:12
We started out in crisp morning air (-1 degrees) under cloudy conditions following the well established path through pine forest. The shorter loop takes walkers past lake 5, 4 3 and 2. Lake 3 and 4 are considered highlights. A longer loop follows the length of Lake 1, the longest of the 5 and is well worth completing. Vegetation changes on the sides of lake 1 were marked with green moss on the east side and grassland on the west side.
Mossy vegetation as we returned
The lakes vary in beautiful shades of green and blue due to glacial rock dust and algae with stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains. The constant scurrying and chirping of chipmunks proved to be a pleasant accompaniment. But be warned, bears frequent this valley in spring and late summer.
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