Burns Lake via Arethusa Cirque & pass 447071 Off-Trail hike on 28-Sep

Always happy for a strong and upbeat group to join me on what has become an annual trip to this hidden gem. As Jack put it, "a steep cost" but rewarded with cascading waterfalls, some combined with sparkling ice, unique terrain and plant life (as noted by Bill) and larch perfection. While Arethusa cirque was busy, but not crowded, Burn's Lake is hard enough to get to that you can count on having the entire bowl to yourselves. While the wind was chilly from the col to the first tarn, we enjoyed calm and warm sunshine at the lake for lunch. After what admittedly felt like a punishing climb back up, the cirque was also warm and welcoming and the larches in full spendor were, of course, an added bonus.

We were not expecting a group (two young ones) of bright white goats on the tourist trail in Arethusa Cirque

The climb from Arethusa Cirque is steep and rough

(Ingrid's caption)

Bill and I scrambling up the final steps to Arethusa Col

Happy to retreat from the col down to the valley, and out of the wind that greeted us there

Beautiful Blayney Tarn with cold Rambler

Waterfalls cascading through the rock formations and bright green moss

Ingrid, enjoying her first visit here (and the chance to scout new backpacking routes)

Colourful panorama as we neared the lakes and valley to the east

Stunning and tranquil, Burn's Lake

Climbing back to the col in cold wind

Ingrid (in shorts) caption

Thanks to Bill, Jack, Paul and Ingrid for joining me and taking such great photos!

Pam

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