The Fortress via Headwall Lakes Scramble on 5-Aug-2020

This adventure to Fortress Mountain was as close as you can possibly get to the perfect day!

Classic view of Fortress Mountain (photo courtesy Simon)

Starting out from the Chester Lake trailhead parking lot just after 8 am, we ambled eastward along the double-track High Rockies trail that doubles as a snowshoe route in winter, until we reached the Headwall valley, crossed the creek on a wide wooden bridge, and met the conspicuous arrow pointing the way up this beautiful more remote valley.

Simon, Brian, Toshiko, Jeannette, Gary, Susan, Peter, Gary, and Krzysztof at turnoff to Headwall Lakes

Now on narrower twisting trail, the gradual ascent through lush forest was delightful in the shade. After a short steepish section, we soon arrived at the first glassy lake, with a gushing spring emanating from the second Headwall Lake, and our first glimpse of Fortress mountain from this non-iconic angle.

First Headwall Lake with Fortress Mountain right of center

Looking back at First Headwall Lake

We continued up on the right side until we came to...

Simon above gushing spring between 1st and 2nd Headwall Lakes

... this awe-inspiring view of the Second Headwall Lake

Second Headwall Lake (photo courtesy Simon)

Onward and upward at a moderate pace, we finally left the cool shade as we passed a tarn in the vally below the moderately steep ascent to the col.

Peter leaving morning shade en route to the col

Looking back from the col

While there was no discernable trail from the Headwall valley to the col, there was a good trail all the way up from there. All gradually arrived at the top and enjoyed magnificent sunshine and views in every direction.

Jeannette, Susan, Peter, Krzysztof, Gary, Toshiko, Gary, Brian, and Simon at Fortress summit

Fortress Lake below the summit

A slight cooling breeze made the summit stay very pleasant, but eventually it was time to head down. The only easy scrambling bit is right at the top.

Scramble step off Fortress summit

Fortress summit block

We were soon back at the col, contemplating the best scree descent. One group took the left side, while another took the right.

2 west scree descents below the col

Both routes down through darkish rock join up lower down where a low-angled snow patch invited a glissade the rest of the way to valley bottom.

Fun glissade on such a beautiful warm day

The upper portion of this valley included snow, vegetation clumps, streams, and plenty of boulders both small and very large.

Snow patch below SW side of Fortress Mountain

Brian splits a massive boulder

To our surprise, we encountered no homo sapiens at Chester Lake.

Toshiko takes a dip in Chester Lake

After a brief rest break at the lake we continued down the trail to our waiting cars, arriving just before 4:30 pm. This trip on this particular day had everything we love about the mountains and Kananaskis, thanks to the cheery cooperation of participants: Gary,Susan,Jeannette,Gary,Simon,Peter,Toshiko,Krzysztof, and Brian.

Brian, Coordinator

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