Landslide Lake Hike Blog:

I will not be an original for this reflection with glowing praise about the beauty of this hike. Hence, my hope is your senses come along for a wild ride as I describe our wonderful and amazing adventure.

My friend Jeff and I began by loading our packs on our backs and headed on a trail that gently took us on switchbacks. A few steps in we could hear hums from the river and peek a boo, views of mountain peaks as it guided us generously gracing our path with its presence.

The trail was easy to follow and it was endless. Hours passed and we finally reached the first camp. It nestled along the flattened portion of the riverbank. We observed tents with clothes lines full of wet garments. We heard the laughter of children splashing in the river and surveyed hikers resting, as onward we ventured to the second camp our final destination for the day.

 As our packs seemed to gain in weight so did the path’s trajectory as it began a slightly more aggressive vertical climb. Heat exhaustion turned into a progression of our legs fatiguing and back hurting. Still, we continued to move skyward and finally but surely made it to second camp!

To our great dismay the camp was entirely full of overnighters. We searched for a clearing and found a dismal dark corner of the forest following the main trail. With optimism in our hearts and luck in our pockets, we scoped out the river spots for any vacancies and as the sun was setting, we found the perfect clearing right on the river. (Apparently a family had just left hours before) We counted our blessing as we excitedly set up camp to proudly claim our little piece of heaven. Our little spot was nestled near the trees granting privacy and it contained perfectly placed driftwood used for hanging wet clothes. But, even better our camp came furnished with a rough-and-ready makeshift bench and table. It was picture-perfect, and it was our home for two nights.

Our first meal consisted of freeze-dried lasagna and as we were ravenously famished we savoured every bite and commented on the quality of the food and how delectable it was.

We spend the remainder of the evening watching the night sky dim as its final hues highlighted points of the highest mountain peaks that slowly gave way into blackness with bedazzled glitter of stars.

Morning came fast and we started the day with coffee (A complete must) and another winner freeze dried egg, potato, and sausage scramble and with bellies full we headed off to Landslide Lake.  It was only an hour from our camp so with light daypacks we ventured to see where the day took us. We climbed craggy rocks and followed the ever flowing waterfall and the current of the river. The trail gently curved into a lush forest that shaded us from the blaring high temperature, and we continued to ascent until we fell upon Landslide Lake. 

Landslide Lake was spectacular, as in view it formed a perfectly round teal lake surrounded by a Mount Colonel Foster within kissing distance. It was quiet, serene, breathtaking, very much secluded and thriving. There was a sense of calmness, a peace that had an unchanging exquisiteness and air about it.  We brashly went in and immediately this brisk lake boldly aroused our senses with its coolness and clarity. We lingered for a while inhaling the freshness and absorbing all its glory. Landslide Lake stole my heart and took my breath away and there was still more to come as Jeff had one more vantage point up his sleeve.

When we could bare to leave Landslide Lake, we opportunely ventured on to Foster Lake, also known as ‘Berg Lake.’ The trail to Berg Lake was unruly with ever growing sideways trees grazing your head, its roots that tried to capture your boots. It was narrow and slippery and veered upwards at a steady pace nonetheless, we retorted to the river where we happily played on the rocks skipping from one to another in confidence we picked wisely to place our footing on our selected stone as underneath the gushing water moved passed our feet. We continued to scramble small upwards with water flowing from every direction. Soon we discovered my favourite region of the hike. It was a narrow path of bramble bushes filled with excessive and untouched salmon berries all toonie sized of bright reds and oranges which in taste had exuded its prime sweetness.  I dared Jeff to forage deep in the thistles to retrieve the prize, which was the ripest biggest salmon berry I have ever saw and to my surprise, he rose to the occasion and retrieved it for me. We continued to gorge on berries while lightly chatting and walking along. At this moment, I silently thanked my creator for being the greatest artist who spared no expense to design this wonderful nature’s playground which was the crescendo of magnificence!

We finally reached a solid rock face of steep rock and over the hurdle I couldn’t believe my eyes as it came into to focus and I saw one of the finest places I have ever been in my life. I have travelled all over the world and have been privy to beauty places but for me, this took the cake.  Within view was an aqua blue quaint lake with an iceberg floating in it. The lake was accompanied by ice and snow at its base and its scope felt petite being tucked into the base of the mountain and the secluded gem shone like a thousand brilliant diamonds in the sun to ruminate its purity and clarity that had a glass like quality. Mount Colonel Foster watched over the dreamlike lake and landscape as the backdrop appeared fake like the vibrancy of an artist’s canvas, completing its masterpiece.  It instantly became my ‘happy place.’ I knew I will miss it when I had to go. The exceptionally sub-zero temperature of the water shocked our systems when we emerged into the chilly waters and with our skin shivering, we found a large hot boulder to crawl on keep us warm. Quiet reflection of awe helped to pass the time and fluttering butterflies of browns and blues patterns competed with our attention stealing moments away from the scenery. I really don’t have the words to accurately describe the emotions that stirred with me that captivated me visually, emotionally, and physically.  As soon as the iceberg had floated like a hand on a watch around the lake, it was time to say goodbye.

We made our way back to the camp but filled our water bladder with the fresh river water and loaded our mouths with more salmon berries as we found a tidal pool in the river where we took a bath and washed the perspiration out of our hair and bodies. Clean and fresh, we settled back to camp, we had a nap and ate a delicious spicy Thai dinner and ended the day early.

Last day at camp concluded with everyone clearing out leaving us all alone. We took full advantage of the camp’s solitude enjoying coffee time and deep conversations.  With no onlookers around and Jeff absent, I took full advantage of bathing in the river unclothed which was freeing, cooling and liberating.

We packed up ready for the long hike back to the jeep but first we stopped at first camp and dunked in the river for a final plunge and cool down. We conversed about how wonderful our trip was and how we will do this yearly, and jokingly wondered how to reserve our same river spot for next year.

The whole climax of the day ended with Jeff’s ritual to dine at Wendy’s and so we gorged on burger and fries and accumulated extra calories with a delicious malt. It was a great way for closure and to end my first overnight hiking trip.

As I close my heart is still vividly present and enthralled with this experience. I have been ruined now in staying put as I will have to endlessly endure the increasing desire to discover more and more beautiful places. My heart being more curious and gluttonous with the passion of the unknown in exploration as I look forward to more bonding, more testing and trialling to allow my feet to discover new landscapes one step at a time.