Three Lakes Valley 219322 Off-Trail hike on 21-Sep-2026
A glorious last day of summer in the mountains, with temperatures to match! After an uneventful walk up to Chester Lake on a fairly busy trail, we ascended one of the many trails leading to the Elephant Rocks, and beyond up through untracked forest to a leisurely lunch at the upper rocks. Afterwards we dropped over into 3 Lakes Valley and looped back on trail, again going by the elephants. The mostly yellow-green Chester area larch still have at least a few days to go until peaking, except at the very upper edges, but the fireweed and various shrubs were in full colour. Thanks everyone for joining me!
The group less photographer Steve, and Piper the retriever who was too busy sniffing to look at the camera.
Lunch at treeline, after a short off-trail ascent through forest above the elephant rocks.
Plenty of time to linger, with views in all directions.
Descending into 3 Lakes valley after lunch.
A too brief walk in the golden forest at the edge of treeline.
Some rested at the lake, while others went in search of the upper lakes, which unsurprisingly were nowhere to be found. Great views, though!
Plenty of colour, even with the larch not at their peak.
Participants: Nancy, Aldis, Jeannette, John, Joanne, Evan, Steve, Cristina, Jo, Evelyn, Heather, Monica, Pat, Renate, Jiaping