We were a little concerned about the forecast chance of thunderstorms for later in the day but we decided to go ahead with the planned trip. After crossing the border into BC we headed up the trail to Forum Lake, taking a couple of minutes to detour to Forum Falls:


Forum Falls in Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park, BC: Teresa and Jane

Next stop was Forum Lake where we got a good view of Akamina Ridge above:


A quorum at Forum: Teresa, Barbara, Aldis, Nardi, Nancy & Jane

From there up to the ridge between Forum and Wall Lakes is a good trail, but on the ridge itself there is a steep section of loose rock and dirt that has less sure footing. Above that are the short scramble 5 sections:


Jane shows how to get it done on the easy scramble part up to Akamina Ridge

Most difficult section up to Akamina Ridge (rope used by another group with kids)

All the group made it up with little problem. Above that the ridge broadens and we had views in the direction of the approaching weather and could feel the winds we would have to deal with:


View west along Akamina Ridge

A little breezy on Akamina Ridge for Nardi, Jane, Aldis & Barbara

With little sign of clearing we chose to forego the optional sidetrip to Forum Peak and maintain a steady pace along the ridge in hopes of beating any serious weather:


Kintla Lake in Glacier Park, Montana

Barbara emerging from the mists on Akamina Ridge

Atop Akamina Ridge: 2565 m. Nardi, Mario, Kathy, Barbara, Teresa & Jane

As conditions seemed stable after the summit we stopped for lunch in a sheltered spot in the col below. One of the locals declined our invitation to join us for lunch and wandered off:


Anti-social denizen of Akamina Ridge

We continued on, bagging another high point en route:


Jane on Akamina Ridge with high point behind

Then it was the long descent to Wall Lake where we encountered the only snow of the day:


Avalanche debris above Wall Lake

Below this there were lots of flowers amongst lush vegetation. However this is apparently a low year in the bear grass cycle as we did not see hillsides of them as in other years, there was only one large patch of undeveloped ones on this trail:


Thickest clump of bear grass for the day

We stopped at Wall Lake to dip our feet in the water, and while it looked tempting, lack of sunshine and a cool breeze deterred anyone from going for a swim. We returned to the cars having endured not a drop of rain and many went for pizza in town; of course since the hike was over the sun came out and we were able to dine outside on the patio.
Participants: Jane, Nardi, Mario, Kathy, Barbara, Teresa ,  Christine, Aldis, Nancy and Ron, C/S/P; plus, quasi-officially, the botanical duo of Arnold and Bill.
Flora appendix:


Indian Paintbrush on Akamina loop trail

Three-spot Mariposa lily (Calochortus apiculatus), Akamina-Kishinena Prov.Park

Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax) near Forum Lake in Akamina-Kishinena Prov. Park