Sulphur Springs - Riverview loop Trail hike on 29-Jun-2024

Another lovely day amongst the flowers (at least most of it….)

We arrived at Station Flats to find at least 50 cars parked, along the sides of the entrance road, in the parking lots and in the grassy areas beyond. A trail running marathon and half marathon was staged from there; the race had already started, so we had the trail to ourselves for most of the day, with just a few runners passing us in the afternoon.

We had sunshine and good trails for most of the day, with only the odd muddy patch from recent rains. The flowers were plentiful and varied in the wooded areas (e.g. violets, arnica) and especially the open meadows.

Canada Violets

Arnica

We enjoyed lunch with a mountain view, amongst the flowers at the highest viewpoint, then continued down the trail through flowery meadows to cross the highway to the Riverview Trail.

Blue-eyed Grass and Chickweed

Common Death Camas and Larkspur

Wood Lily

The Elbow was very high, so lounging by the river wasn't an option. The eastern end of the trail was more like a stream, so we cut up through Paddy's Flat campground just as a few drops of rain started. The rain got heavier, requiring raingear to be donned and continued for about 40 minutes, stopping just as we got to the trailhead parking.

Elbow River running high

Group at lunch viewpoint

Thanks to Christine,Keith,Christine and Laura for joining me for this Canada Day weekend hike, from Barb (coordinator)