We arrived at an almost full parking lot in thick fog that gave an eerie look to Vista Lake.

Foggy view of Vista Lake from parking area

As we climbed, the views started to clear.


Clearing views of mountains

About half way up to Vista Lake, there was snow on and around the trail giving a nice contrast to the autumn colours. We stopped for lunch at Arnica Lake, and admired the larches that were mostly turned to gold, and a few hardy flowers still blooming.

Arnica Lake

Hardy arnicas still flowering near lake

Group at Arnica Lake

We enjoyed mostly sunny conditions in the afternoon and squelched up to the high point on the trail and then off-trail to the ridge above Arnica Lake and Twin Lakes. Views were great up there with a few inches of snow to walk through. The descent was very slippery with a few of us landing in snow or mud (note-to-self: this may be time to start carrying my icers again!).

Twin Lakes from ridge

Arnica Lake from Ridge

Slippery descent

Part of group at snowy high point on trail

Thanks to a great group for joining me on this pretty hike: Bill,Aldis,Barb,Ross,Gordon,Jenny,Keith from Barb. Special thanks to Bill for some of the pictures.