Burns Lake via Arethusa Cirque & pass 447071 Off-Trail hike on 12-Sep

While you first have to wrap your mind around a hike where the destination involves a significant elevation loss vs. a summit, Burns Lake is a beautiful, tranquil place to visit, expecially if you take the time to explore the expansive river valley it rests in.

Having left Shouldice at 7, we had Arethusa Cirque to ourselves as a rainbow appeared to the west which gave the day a magical start. We thankfully found a trail of switch backs through the scree up to the col where we enjoyed the views from both sides, before following another well defined trail along a trickling waterfall to the valley below, stopping at the smaller "Blayney Tarn". From there, we traversed across another, larger waterfall which cascaded into small pools which, on a hot day, would have been fun to cool off in, and toward a third waterfall that sprung out of the mossy slope from underground. Burns Lake was calm and serene and we enjoyed a leisurely lunch before heading back. Some of the magic of the day may have been lost on what admittedly felt like quite a slog back up to the col. Thankfully, taking the south trail back around the cirque with the creek beside us and more small waterfalls, allowed us to end the trip with warm smiles and sunshine.

Thanks to: Sim,Bill,Alda,Mike,Donnafor joining me in what felt like a relaxing day, between the climbs. Special thanks to Alda for agreeing to drive all of us, and to Bill for sharing his knowledge of all things alpine as well as the amazing photos below.

Pam

Morning rainbow, looking west from Arethusa Cirque

A rock skipping competition ensued, once arriving at the smaller "Blayney Tarn". Mike easily won.

Expansive valley to explore, looking toward Burns Lake

A few larches were beginning to turn

Group shot, looking west near Burns Lake

Lunch in the sunshine, on the small hillside above the lake

View from the lunch spot