Early on September 9, 2006, a cool and overcast Saturday morning, we all met at the Helen Lake trail head (across the road from the Bow Lake/Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint). Our small group of five Edmonton Swiss Society members started to hike around 8:30 am. As in previous years, Joe Stadler was our fearless leader, promptly pointing out that what we thought was horse manure actually were rather fresh bear droppings. Throughout the hike he made sure that none of us (including slowpokes such as myself) walked by him/herself; Marianne Pfäffli made sure that we did not run out of conversation topics. Needless to say, we made a lot of noise chatting and did not see any bears.

The path to Helen Lake climbed steadily through a beautiful forest never too dense to obstruct the spectacular view of the mountains around us. Already bright yellow fall foliage was starting to show in-between the dark green spruce; although we soon were warm enough to take off some of our “layers”, fall was well on its way! As we gained altitude, the trees became sparser and we were rewarded with ever-changing views. Once at Helen Lake (2405 m), we briefly stopped for a snack. Despite a few drops of rain, we continued climbing to Helen Lake Summit (2500 m), a little pass, and had fun listening to the whistling of numerous marmots and watching their antics. From the pass we followed its ridge across a starkly beautiful area of karst, dotted with small lakes and boasting incredible views, and soon started our ascent toward Cirque Peak (2993 m). A well marked path led up through rocky outcroppings; from there it was a steady climb over steepening scree and rocks to the summit.

Although I was tempted to follow the others to the top (the climb up looked quite straight forward), I did worry about over-exerting my “bad” knee during the descent. I decided to wait for the others when I was about two thirds up the Cirque Peak ridge (hence no photos from the summit—sorry). In spite of the clouds I had a wonderful view, took pictures, ate and watched numerous other hikers labor up the mountain, some faster, some v e r y slowly. The descent was spectacular and easier than I had thought, with the sun coming out a few times. I was beginning to regret not having climbed to the top when it started to rain and we had to walk the last hour or so in a downpour. As the path became more slick, I found myself bracing more and was glad I had rested my legs “up there”. I still ended up with a dandy of a “Muskelkater” (sore muscles)!

Thank you, Joe Stadler, for choosing an incredible hike that is quite suited to a group of people at different levels of fitness and ability and for guiding us safely back down to our cars. Thank you also to Marianne and Hans Pfäffli and Henri Unverricht for being great hiking companions. The colors of the beginning fall were beautiful; we did agree with Marianne that we really should also do this hike some time in July when all the flowers are in bloom. Maybe next year? Maybe I’ll make it to the top then?

Maggie Kirchen

P.S. When we reached our cars, Roger was waiting for us. He was the only one of us who had seen a bear that day, swimming across Bow Lake. So much for going to the mountains and working (but obviously enjoying some of the views)!

Click herefor photos of this hike.