For the last several years, driving up the Coast to Cariboo Highway, I’ve stopped at Joffre Lakes Park (locals pronounce it “JAW-free”) and enjoyed the view of the glaciers……………

Of course, one thing leading to another, it’s hard to resist walking the ¼ mile down to the lower lake for an even better view…………….

In the past, I’ve had time constraints, and was also concerned about walking 5 kilometers, (about 3¼ miles) thru heavy forest alone - this is Bear Country.  This year, with time to do what I like, I said, “phooey, time to go for it.”  Right away, the trail crosses the stream flowing out of the lake……………

Then the fun is over.  The trail is gently called “primitive,” and takes off thru the rocks……………..

Once in a while you get a peek at neat scenery to keep your interest up………………..

Then you gotta climb thru that scenery, and the mountain reminds you that it really is made of rock.  This part isn’t as tough going as it looks, tho’ - at least it’s fairly level - but you do hafta watch your step very carefully………………

Then, lest you become over-confident, the mountain slaps you down again.  This is muddy, rocky, and really Is tough going, and it goes for a long way………………

More nice scenery to keep your interest up……………

The creek from middle to lower lake is a little rougher.  Wouldn’t want to fall into this……………..

Several small birds came right up to me, almost tame.  “Hmmm,” I thought, “they look a lot like the Whiskey Jacks at Nambé Lake.  I wonder if they’re as fearless.  A young Chinese lady used my camera to document for me, while her husband took their pictures.  We all enjoyed this………………..

Back to reality.  Now, I crossed a “bridge.”……………….

And soon got my 1st view of the small middle lake…………………

You’ll notice there’s no more blue sky showing, and it’s solidly overcast.  It started to drizzle rain lightly, but I was already soaked with sweat, so kept on going.  First, another bridge, then the trail took off straight up.  Others had told me not to worry, it doesn’t last long.  It didn’t, and I’m glad.  It’s necessary to watch carefully - if you take a wrong turn, getting lost would be disastrous………………

Climbing to the middle lake seemed to take forever.  Thankfully, it seemed like I’d just got really started to the upper lake when I was surprised by a glimpse of bright turquoise thru the trees……………….

You never do get a decent look, tho’.  The trail winds around and you hafta go the full length of this larger lake to get the full benefit of your labors.  It’s worth it - this is stunning scenery…………….

At the end of the lake, a view of the upper glaciers, and an introduction to the “Glacier’s Breath.”  Temperature at the truck was 61º.  The chilling of the air by the ice of the glacier causes a downdraft, and up close it’s a pretty good breeze, that I’d guess at 50º or so.  All this way, I’d only been wearing a T-shirt, sweat, rain and all, and tho’ I was soaking wet, I was OK because of the exertion of the climb.  Suddenly, when the glacier blew on me, I was chilled to the bone.  I didn’t want to put on the heavy shirt or jacket in my pack, ’cause I was already soaked, and would only sweat more when I started down.  A few more quick pictures, one to the head of the  lake, where the trail comes in, and showing the dramatic difference between the stunted vegetation in the glacier’s breath and those trees just a little farther out.  This reminds me very much of the upper Salmon Glacier at Hyder, Alaska.  (  http://webpictures.homestead.com/hyderalaska.html  )  You can also clearly see the rain on the water…………………

One more look at the upper glacier, a telephoto shot clearly showing the deep blue of the ice………………

……….and I headed back 5.5 kilometers (over 3 miles) straight down, to the truck.  I was tired and it was a long way back, but so very worth the effort.  I can promise you that when I’m near this area again, I’ll watch the weather and make the climb again on a nice day.  Can you imagine this scenery with a blue sky background ??

Larry Bourne
Santa Fe, NM
www.gogittum.com
www.gogittum.com/blog

Posted: June 18th, 2009 under 08 Vacation, 08-8-12 Joffre Lakes.
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