Boot Wreckers
Menu
  • Welcome to my hiking website
  • Hiking
    • Mt Allan Traverse (Centennial Ridge)
    • Mt Nomad – Kanananaskis Country
  • Backpacking – Overnights
    • Floe Lake/Numa Creek, Kootenay NP, British Columbia
    • Floe Lake (Revisited 2019) – Kootenay NP
    • Hermit Trail to Hermit Meadows – Glacier NP, British Columbia
    • Fish Lakes – Banff NP, Alberta
    • Mystic Lake – Banff NP
    • Stenton Lake – Alberta Wildlands Prov. Park
  • Backpacking – Multi Day
    • Brazeau Loop – Jasper National Park
    • Egypt Lake Epic – Banff NP
    • Grand Canyon Corridor Backpacking Trip
    • Grand Canyon Hermit – South Kaibab
    • Grand Canyon – Tanner/Beamer Trail
    • GR20 – Corsica
    • Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
    • Mt Assiniboine Lollipop – Banff NP
    • Sawback – Banff NP
  • The Team
  • Contact Us
Menu

Day 1 – Floe Lake/Numa Creek Kootenay NP

Camping at Floe Lake

Floe Lake – Numa Creek Parking Lot, July 16, 2011

Day 1 Trail Head to Floe Lake, 10.5 km 720 m elevation gain, 5 hrs

This was our first backcountry camping trip in the Canadian Rockies. We could not have picked a better destination than Floe Lake and doing a loop is always fun. Unfortunately, the bridge over Vermilion River to get to the parking lot at the end of the trip was washed out in flooding in 2017, so the Numa Creek Trail is now closed and the loop is not possible at this time.

We are not the best at making alpine starts! We arrived at the trailhead to Floe Lake at about 10:30 am and were ready to go at 10:50 am. Looking at the pictures, our packs were quite overloaded, but the important thing is that we went. Links was also carrying a backpack. We limited him to 15% of his body weight, or about 8 lbs. He had his blanket, a sleeping pad, food and 500 ml of water.

Getting ready in the parking lot, not the tidiest backpack.
Links ready to go. Carrying his blanket and sleeping pad, both wrapped in plastic to protect from rain.
All ready to go.

The trail is very straightforward. It leaves the parking lot and quickly enters a wooded area that shows the scars of a fire in 2003. Nature is coming back to the area, the ground is a lush green, but the trees that are still standing are blackened, dead trunks.

The new growth growing in between the burned trees.
Happy hiker.
A fire ravaged landscape.

After 10 minutes of easy hiking we came to a bridge to cross over Vermilion River. The trail was easy to follow. Forty minutes later, we crossed over Floe Creek. We followed Floe Creek up the valley, hiking on the north side of the valley below Numa Mountain.

Approaching the first crossing of Vermilion River.
Floe Creek.
Links on the trail.
Bridge over Floe Creek.

There was no water on the hike. Although Floe Creek was just a few hundred feet below us, it would take scrambling through very dense brush to get to it. I was very happy that we had brought water for Links with us. Sometimes dogs can find enough water out of streams along the way, but on this hike, there was no available water.

Charred remains and new life (plus evidence of trail crew work)
Colour along the trail.

The first 8 km rises gently 320 m. We arrived at the headwall just before 3:00 pm.

Feeling the heat.
The beginnings of Floe Creek.

The remaining 2.5 km is a grunt, climbing 400 m and finishing in a small meadow that ends at the campground at Floe Lake. Links was feeling hot as we approached the meadow, he found some snow in the shade of some trees and rolled around in the snow, one of his favourite activities.

The trail heads up.
Looking pleased with herself.
Time to eat some snow.

We arrived at the campground at 3:55 pm. We dropped our packs and explored the campground and lake. Floe Lake is in a majestic setting. With the Rockwall (an almost unbroken massive grey limestone cliff that runs along the trail for 30 km) cradling the lake between Floe Peak and Foster Peak, there was still ice floating in the lake.

Arrival at the campground.
Remember, it is July, Floe Lake.

We had our tent set up by 4:30 pm and the campsite was cleaned up by 5:00 pm, time for dinner.

Better get started setting up the tent.
All set up.

The temperature dropped quickly, we had fleece jackets and toques to stay warm. We ate in the little picnic area, complete with very robust tables. There were lockers for our backpacks and food. There were no other campers that day.

Snoozy puppy.

We wandered around some more in the fading light. Found the Wardens Cabin; it was empty. Sometime during the evening, two Wardens did arrive, we met them in the morning.

Links looking impressive by the lake.
Laura and the lake.
Wardens Cabin.

We got into the tent and read and played card games, and read for the early part of the evening.

I was really happy that we had brought along the plastic tarp. It rained during the evening, and little did I know that the tent fly was no longer waterproof. Since we had put the plastic tarp under the fly, we stayed dry all evening.

This was the first time sleeping with Links in a small tent. He was pretty good at staying on his mat, but his blanket kept coming off as he moved around. I had a fitful night’s sleep, as I woke up repeatedly to readjust Links’ sleeping arrangement to make sure that he got a good sleep. For later trips, I solved this problem by purchasing Links an oversized fleece dog jacket. It was both warm and roomy, but since it fastened on with velcro, I was assured it would stay on him all night.

Sunlight reflecting off Floe Peak.

Day 2 Floe Lake/Numa Creek

Floe Lake/Numa Creek Home

bootwreckers

Instagram post 2193420215147476872_3141216150 Beamer Trail, Grand Canyon.

Camping at the Lava Canyon Rapids, under the towering red Cliffs of the Palisades.

Always travelling with my trusty stuffed cat, Frosty Paws, sharing the experience with @sio.mellors 
#nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks
Instagram post 2188130011654162000_3141216150 Deep inside the Grand Canyon.

Walking along the Colorado River takes a big commitment, have to descend at least 1500m to access the water over sometimes challenging terrain.

Walking along the Beamer Trail, Eastern Grand Canyon.

#nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks
Instagram post 2184308311351191195_3141216150 Spent an amazing evening with several students at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory in Calgary.

Was a little cloudy, but they broke long enough to get a shot of building housing the Baker-Nunn telescope, you can make out Orion's Belt just above the building and the Pleiades Star Cluster high in the sky.

#outside, #hiking, #scrambler, #scrambling, #camping, #backpacking,
#adventure, #adventureoutside, #nature, #landscapephotography, #nobaddays, #adventureholiday, #hikingadventures, #astrophotography,  #ucalgary #rao #nightsky #nightskyphotography #rothneyastrophysicalobservatory #raoastronomy
Instagram post 2181442664552380788_3141216150 Reflections. On the way back from Mt Assiniboine caught the mountains reflecting in a small pond just before Baker Creek Campground.

Amazing trip, while very popular, camping at Allenby Junction Campground gave us lots of solitude.

Read about this trip and others on my website https://www.bootwreckers.com/mt-assiniboine-loop-banff-np/, or follow the link in my bio.

Banff NP
 #assiniboine #banff, #banffnationalpark, #banffcanada, #mybanff #hiking, #hikingadventures, #adventure, #adventureoutside, #adventureholiday, #nature, #reflectionphotography, #lake, #outside, #explore, #explorepage #reflections #nature #alberta #wilderness #wildernessculture #naturephotography #parkscanada  #alpine #alpinelakeswilderness
Instagram post 2174327611017531216_3141216150 One of my favourite places, the Grand Canyon. It is dominated by the Reds and browns, much the !any cactus plants when blooming can add a contrasting splash of colour.

Looking over the inner gorge from the Hermit Trail.

#nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation
Instagram post 2167283413521064942_3141216150 Winter is coming, thoughts turn back to summer hikes.

Hikers enjoying the peaceful scene, as the Spray River flows past Cone Mt, Banff National Park.

Daughter Emily holding onto Volcano of the @senioradventurepups, while Volcano enjoys a cool drink on a warm day hiking home from Mt Assiniboine. Follow the link to my website in my bio for a story of our hike

#nationalparks, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #parkscanada #parks #naturephotography #photography #amazingearth #backpacking #campingwithdogs #hikingwithdogs
Instagram post 2154797122321815791_3141216150 Went for a walk down by the river with the puppies (@senioradventurepups ) and snapped this photo of the Three Sisters Mountain.

Sometimes it is easy to forget what an amazing place it is I get to call home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Canmore, Alberta

#alberta, #albertaparks, #canmore,#canmorealberta #hikingwithdogs, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #hikes, #outside, #outsidethebox, #naturelovers, #wilderness, #snow, #trails, #campingwithdogs, #Alberta, #outsidethebox, #naturelovers, #wildplaces #threesisters
Instagram post 2150623889020313247_3141216150 Pulsatilla Pass, Banff National Park.

Looking north from Pulsatilla Pass, its namesake Lake in the foreground, leading into Wildflower Valley and Fossil Mountain in the distance.

#banff, #banffnationalpark, #banffcanada, #mybanff #hiking, #hikingadventures, #adventure, #adventureoutside, #adventureholiday, #nature, #reflectionphotography, #lake, #outside, #explore, #explorepage #reflections #nature #alberta #wilderness #wildernessculture #naturephotography #parkscanada  #alpine #alpinelakeswilderness
Instagram post 2145921943004894384_3141216150 I entered this photo in a recent photo contest for hiking the GR20 on @gr20.corse . The category was Red and White, because the blazes that mark the route are red and white.

Photo was taken on the first night on the trail, at Refuge d’Orto di u Piobbu. The Milky Way was prominent in the sky, and I got the red colour by shining the red lamp on my headlamp briefly on the tent.

I did not win, but got an honourable mention, I am pretty happy with that.

#gr20, #gr20corsica🏞️, #corsica,  #outside, #hiking, #scrambler, #scrambling, #camping, #backpacking,
#adventure, #adventureoutside, #nature, #landscapephotography, #nobaddays, #adventureholiday, #hikingadventures, #zpacks, #zpacksduplex, #milkyway  #teamzpacks #northernlights #auroraborealis
Instagram post 2137364245841908432_3141216150 I had an Aurora alert a couple days before our trip to Floe Lake, so after taking pictures of the Milky Way over the Rockwall to the south, I looked north and saw the Aurora Borealis and the Milky Way🤩

Floe Lake, Kootenay NP

#outside, #hiking, #scrambler, #scrambling, #camping, #backpacking,
#adventure, #adventureoutside, #nature, #landscapephotography, #nobaddays, #adventureholiday, #hikingadventures, #astrophotography, #milkyway #kootenaylife #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark #nationalparks
#parkscanada #northernlights #aurora #auroras
Instagram post 2134666322507061101_3141216150 Sunrise on the Rockwall, Floe Lake, Kootenay NP

#parkscanada #camping #reflection #reflections #sunrise 
#outside #kootenaynationalpark #columbiavalley #travelphotography #travelcolumbiavalley #nature #naturephotography #bowvalleynetwork #nationalparks #parks #earth #morningmotivation #backpacking #camping⛺ #morningsun
Instagram post 2127829021411816473_3141216150 Sunrise reflections at Floe Lake, Kootenay NP.

The calm before the storm, on our hike out we had two thunderstorms.

Was a beautiful morning with the orange glow off the mountains and the smooth water.

#parkscanada #camping #reflection #reflections #sunrise 
#outside #kootenaynationalpark #columbiavalley #travelphotography #travelcolumbiavalley #nature #naturephotography #bowvalleynetwork #nationalparks #parks
Instagram post 2124465532857295717_3141216150 Milky Way over the Rockwall at Floe Lake, Kootenay NP

#reflections, #reflectionphotography, #outside, #hiking, #scrambler, #scrambling, #camping, #backpacking,
#adventure, #adventureoutside, #nature, #landscapephotography, #nobaddays, #adventureholiday, #hikingadventures, #astrophotography, #milkyway #kootenaylife #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark #nationalparks
#parkscanada
Instagram post 2116967594832910271_3141216150 The Sphinx reflecting in Egypt Lake, Banff NP.

Was a great three trip with my dog Volcano (@senioradventurepups), weather was spectacular and met many nice people along the way.

#outside #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, 
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunrise #alpine #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography #alpinelake #amazingearth #morningmotivation #travelcanada #explorerockies
#travelcanada #mountainstories #explorecanada #theearthoutdoors #paradisecanada #banff
Instagram post 2104150584365238508_3141216150 Marvel Lake Banff NP

Woke up at Marvel Campground and hiked th 1.2km to the lake and had breakfast.

The reflection was amazing early in th morning. But glad we hustled, as th wind picked up after about 15 minutes and took away the mirror finish.

#outside #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, 
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunrise #alpine #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography #alpinelake #amazingearth #morningmotivation #travelcanada #explorerockies
#travelcanada #mountainstories #explorecanada #theearthoutdoors #paradisecanada
Instagram post 2099172299986257416_3141216150 Baker Lake, Banff NP

Amazing morning at Baker Lake, mirror smooth finish on the lake. Was a great start to our last day on the trail.

Sawback trail, Moose Meadows to Fish Creek Parking lot.

With @kbsymington 
#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunstar #sun #lake #sunrise #alpin #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography
Instagram post 2096821076746485953_3141216150 Double Sun Star.

Baker Lake, Banff NP.

Brilliant morning at Baker Lake to finish off a 4 day trip from Moose Meadows to Lake Louise.

Rained to start the trip, but the lakes and alpine vistas made all the mud and slop a distant memory.

Amazing trip with @kbsymington 
#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunstar #sun #lake #sunrise #alpin #scenery #sceneryphotography
Instagram post 2090964095779346995_3141216150 It been the wettest spring/summer that I can remember. Never seen the land so green, or the flowers so vibrant.

Indian Paintbrush on the trail to Mystic Lake, Banff NP.

#banff, #banffnationalpark, #banffcanada, #mybanff #hiking, #hikingadventures, #adventure, #adventureoutside, #adventureholiday, #nature, #reflectionphotography, #lake, #outside, #explore, #explorepage #reflections #nature #alberta #wilderness #wildernessculture #naturephotography #parkscanada #flowers #flowerphotography #naturephoto
Instagram post 2088980100522898335_3141216150 Mystic Lake, Banff NP.

An amazing alpine lake, nestled in a small valley, roughly 18km hike.

Early morning, no wind, mirror smooth lake, amazing reflection .

#banff, #banffnationalpark, #banffcanada, #mybanff #hiking, #hikingadventures, #adventure, #adventureoutside, #adventureholiday, #nature, #reflectionphotography, #lake, #outside, #explore, #explorepage #reflections #nature #alberta #wilderness #wildernessculture #naturephotography #parkscanada
Instagram post 2076482315647135138_3141216150 A quick climb from Spanish Bottom on the Colorado River leads you to the Doll House (apparently named by cowboys travelling through the area long ago)

It is a visual feast with a variety of shapes and different shades of red, orange, browns and tans.

Need to work in more time to explore on my next trip.

#nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #canyonlands #canyonlandsnationalpark #nationalparksweek #rightnow
Load More... Follow on Instagram

For more photos of these and other Bootwreckers Adventures

© 2019 Boot Wreckers | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme