We enjoyed a wonderful warm and sunny day with the temperature climbing up to 22'C. As we climbed up Wenkchemna Pass’ rocky slope, a mother Grizzly and her two, 2.5-year old cubs merrily slid down the snow and continued on to Eiffel Lake. After lunch at the pass, we encountered them again along the trail East of Eiffel Lake eating berries. We had to wait a little and followed slowly from a distance as they worked their way along the trail towards the East, until they climbed higher up. Further down the trail we encountered 2 rangers, who were following her radio-collar signal. She was bear #72, 20 years old, and a very successful mother, raising 2 cubs every 4 years and very well-behaved around humans, according to the rangers. Due to our happy bear-encounter, we were back at the trailhead a little later than planned. The pictures below tell the story (click on the pictures to view larger resolution).


Hiking up to Wenkchemna Pass

Eiffel Lake, the larches bordering Eiffel Lake start to colour.

Grizzlies sliding down Wenkchemna Pass

Grizzlies sliding further down......

Grizlies arriving at the bottom......

Happy Ramblers on Wenkchemna Pass (elevation 2,600m)

Valley of the 10 Peaks, looking East from Wenkchemna Pass

Valley of the 10 Peaks, Mt Bowlen (3,071m), Fay Glacier and Mt Fay (3,235m)

Golden Larches offset by cobalt-blue Eiffel Lake

Grizzlies on Eiffel Lake Trail

Participants: France, Suzanne, Maria, Eva and Paul, Mohsen, Karen, Waldemar (Wally), Cornelis (Coordinator, Photos, story & GPS).

Trip Statistics: Return Distance: 18.4km. Effective elevation gain from Moraine Lake Trailhead: 740m up to Wenkchemna Pass at ~2,600m elevation. Total climb (all ups & downs) 790m. Started from the Moraine Lake Trailhead at 10:50AM; Lunch on the Pass 2PM; Back at the trailhead 5:50PM.