We had a fine day, a little windy at the top, and long distance views somewhat obscured by smoke.
We set out from the Chester Lake parking lot at 9:15, taking the lower of two routes to Headwall Lakes valley. Every year the trail up the left bank of Headwall Creek gets more and more worn (making it easier). A little detour near the treeline leads to a view of a waterfall.

Waterfall below Headwall Lakes - photo from Bill

The Headwall Lakes valley is a lovely destination in and of itself, we had a brief snack break once we could see the summit.


First views of The Fortress from Headwall Lakes valley

In the headwall lakes valley there were several other parties (one just going over the Chester/Fortress col. We elected to take the ramp that runs to the right of the route up scree to the col. From there at one point I counted 11 other hikers behind us.


Clambering up the "ramp" to The Fortress (bypassing the col)

Climbing up to The Fortress (Headwall Lakes valley in bkg) - photo from Bill

Gary, in the lead, was the first person on the summit. The rest of us as well as about seven others were at the summit around 1:00.


Fighting the wind up to the summit of The Fortress

We did stop for a brief lunch but it was pretty windy.


Quick lunch at the summit of The Fortress

Long distance views (ie Assiniboine, Joffre, The Royal Group) were discernible but not clear.

We did stop several times on the way down to Chester Lake and the long weekend crowds. back down to the cars at 4:00.
On the way back there was quite a traffic jam on the Tranc Canada starting at the Hwy 68. Brian showed us a good detour on the next road north that took us nicely to the PetroCan junction (where we had picked up Brian and Bill).
18 km with 1100 m ascent, a little under 7 hours.
Many thanks to participants: Bill (photos), Jane, Lenard, Gary, Rob, and Brian (photo) for joining me, Carl (C/S).