Hike to Yoho Lake

Hi Blog!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016, was our only full day in Yoho National Park. We wanted to make it epic. After poring over hiking guides and asking for suggestions from Emerald Lake Lodge employees, we decided on a hike up and over Yoho Pass to Yoho Lake. The first part of the hike took us around Emerald Lake. Once to the far side of the lake, we took off straight toward Michael Peak.

Further up the valley our nice straight trail was lost in the flow of glacial moraine. Numerous plank bridges were laid and then lost each year when the winter snows melted.

We could see a waterfall in the distance and we began to follow a small stream. At a few spots, we actually had to hike in the stream!

Here Dave demonstrates the proper way to cross a swayback plank bridge.

We took one last look back at Emerald Lake before heading up to the falls.

The trail became very steep with several switchbacks, but our efforts were rewarded. To get the full effect of the falls - click the link to a You Tube Video - Falls at Yoho Pass.

Little did we know that this was only the base of the falls. As we hiked around the foot of Michael Peak, we could look back and see the beginning of the falls from Emerald Glacier at the base of Emerald Peak.

As we worked our way up into the pass between Michael Peak and Wapta Mountain, we soon found ourselves in a very wooded valley. Recent tree fall left us scrambling to find a route over the barky baracades.

As we approached Yoho Lake Campground, we discovered a room with a view of Wapta Mountain.

From the far side of Yoho Lake, Wapta Mountain was looking very reflective.

After yesterday's rain, the red chairs were very wet. Not to be deterred, we wiped them down and put on our waterproof rain gear. Good thing we did: no sooner did we finish our photo than it began to rain. It was just a passing sprinkle.

After lunch, we hiked back to Yoho Pass and down to Emerald Lake. We took more photos than we can fit into this blog. If you are interested in seeing even more photos of Emerald Lake, Yoho Lake and Yoho National Park, you can click the link to our Flickr page - Hike from Emerald Lake to Yoho Lake. Here is one last look of Emerald Lake.

The End.