Rummel Lake Hike

Who:

• Ed, Jace, Chris, Finn, Winnie, Sandi, Siku, Neveah, Craig, Janet, Evan, Sam, Dave, Lorna, Bella, Phil, Katie, Austin

Trailhead:

• a half hour drive south (36 kms) from Canmore on the Spray Lakes Road, but it can also be accessed from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
• park on the road across from the intersection of the road to Mt. Engadine Lodge/Mt. Shark

Degree of difficulty:

• 400 meters elevation
• 10 km round trip
• 3-4 hours total time on the trail
• out and back on the same trail
• moderate climb most of the way with no extreme elevation
• there was no fresh snow, so we hiked (no snowshoes), but some people used the small metal crampons to improve their traction
• need to follow the signage as the trail intersects with the High Rockies biking trail, but it is well marked

Interesting notes:

• nice mid-level hike that does not burn out your lungs
• nice views up and down the Spray Valley on the front end of the hike as you exit the first set of trees into a cut block
• beautiful setting at the lake with Mt. Galatea as a backdrop
• in the summer we often stroll thru the valley above the lake to Rummel Pass for some great views over to the Fortress Mountain area
• there is also an alternate summer route for the last km or so up to the lake as you could stay to the right-hand side of the trail before crossing a bridge and there are some nice waterfalls along the creek and a fun rock ledge that you traverse
• avalanche risk is low as long as you stay away from the sides of the valley at and above the lake
• it would be fun to stop in at Engadine Lodge after the hike for afternoon tea and a view of the meadow where moose are often hanging out