This channel documents my successes and failures on the trail and on the water with the gear that I bought with my limited knowledge...hopefully someone will find this useful for their backpacking or kayak camping journey.
Thank you for the compliment! And congratulations on your success, I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning. You’ve worked very hard and it’s paying off. Well deserved !
@ervinslens24 күн бұрын
Absolutely gorgeous episode man, some shots are just spectacular here!
@robertfarnell206827 күн бұрын
Great video story. Impressed you could find time to video on a 5 day trip. Just finished the trail yesterday (May28) myself . I admit I was intimidated by the steeps when they were wet and they were. The bare rock is your friend when dry and not when wet. I have never heard of a rating system for trails used in Ontario but La Cloche trail as beautiful as it is, deserves some rating a good deal harder than most.
@backpackboat127 күн бұрын
I'm glad you liked it. You'll see on the day 5 video I gave it a "world class rating" - like I know anything! I thoroughly enjoyed the trail, the campsites were amazing. I'm just glad I was able to get it done before we move back to AB.
@NigelNaughton29 күн бұрын
That's some beautiful terrain and woods. So cool you can see all that glacial scarring on those exposed rocks.
@backpackboat129 күн бұрын
Agree, it was a very memorable trip!
@andreathegoosemotherАй бұрын
Im excited to do this trail in the fall. I have 4 days interior. Originally supposed to be 5 but my first campsite (17) was not available so my first one is at 28kms in Good thing I walk for a living with weight. (Deliver mail) :-)
@backpackboat1Ай бұрын
Good thing indeed! Where’s your first camp?
@andreathegoosemother29 күн бұрын
@@backpackboat1 21
@andreathegoosemother29 күн бұрын
Three Narrows Lk
@backpackboat129 күн бұрын
@@andreathegoosemother long day but very doable, I think that was the best site of the four I stayed at.
@ouramateuradventuresАй бұрын
We've done this trail twice now, we love it. We've yet to camp at Topaz Lake but if we do it again we'd love to be able to book it. The 'Day use' section can actually get relatively busy. The part of Baie Fine you passed before climbing the Pig is known as 'The Pool' and is a very, very popular spot for yachts to drop anchor in the summer months. The day use markers are to keep them from getting lost in the woods. It's a great spot to take a break if your hiking past, but there's nothing actually there besides a nice view and some good access for swimming.
@backpackboat1Ай бұрын
Funny, I had no idea it was connected to Georgian Bay! It all makes a lot more sense now. I read up on the trial a bit but I don’t really know the area but I guess that’s obvious. I def lucked out on my campsites, they were all great, Topaz was the worst one! IMO of course. I look forward to watching your videos, a different perspective could be interesting. Check out my Rockies trips, maybe you’ll make it out west sometime? My trips tend to be on the lessor travelled trails, I think you’ll like them.
@ouramateuradventuresАй бұрын
@@backpackboat1 Thanks, I'll check them out, we do hope to make it out west before too long when we can so those will be helpful. The Rockies have been calling for a while.
@makaveli19860Ай бұрын
I've watched a few hikers do this trail recently (I'm preparing to do it myself) and really appreciated how you narrated the time and distance to the initial campsites. I backpack and hike with my cat, so it really helps seeing how long and far campsites are from the starting point. Much appreciated, subscribed!
@backpackboat1Ай бұрын
Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful. I do try to make videos that include some helpful information. As for the cat thing, all I can say is wow! I know people day hike with them but never heard of multi-day backpacking with a cat! Not to mention an extra 10 or so lbs of weight. I’d want a pretty good base weight before taking that on. Check out the climb ups and downs coming up day 3 onwards, could be tricky with a cat? Luckily my cat’s too lazy to leave the house so I don’t have your problem!
@makaveli19860Ай бұрын
@@backpackboat1 the cat is on a long leash and generally walks beside me. I can’t do many miles of course, but 2-3 hrs of hiking a day is usually our limit. At time I do end up carrying him if he’s too distracted. That’s why the times and distance from your video was helpful - helps visualize how far from the trailhead I could go with him. Thanks again!
@backpackboat1Ай бұрын
@makaveli19860 ah, that makes sense now. Hope you have a great trip!
@andreathegoosemotherАй бұрын
Thats awesome you bring your cat.. i actually contemplated bringing my pet pigeon this fall.@makaveli19860
@backpackboat1Ай бұрын
@@andreathegoosemother it seems a need a pet!
@wornoutwrench8128Ай бұрын
Pretty country. Rain, ugh. I spent most of my working life outside in coastal BC, just not a fan of the rain anymore. But that campsite looks pretty nice. Would I hike through the rain to get to it, not sure. 🤪 Looking forward to the next installment.
@backpackboat1Ай бұрын
Thankfully the rain abated for the remainder of the trip, andmore great campsites to come!
@ervinslensАй бұрын
This was absolutely gorgeous my friend!
@ivyjeansugot19912 ай бұрын
are you back in alberta?
@backpackboat12 ай бұрын
Not yet, moving back this summer. Hopefully will squeeze in a summer trip. Have an Ontario trip coming up next week.
@brobob9695 ай бұрын
The 2 campsites on Loft Lake are now canoe campsites.
@backpackboat15 ай бұрын
Good to know, thx!
@user-rq3ki7ys1r5 ай бұрын
sound is too poor.
@maclayyc6 ай бұрын
In winter once the creek is frozen you can continue up the canyon above the waterfall, it's a beautiful area with tons of frozen waterfalls. We camped at the 9.5km spot exactly one week after you were there and got a ton of snow overnight. Tried to reach prospector's ridge but the snow was too deep. There's a beautiful larch forest up there, your timing would have been perfect
@backpackboat16 ай бұрын
That’s good to know. Although I’m not sure I’m up for frozen waterfall scrambling! Prospect Ridge certainly looked inviting but was a low priority this trip so ditched it in favour of more time around the north fork. But at least got my larch fix this year and also a great view of prospect ridge from the south. Thanks for watching !
@wornoutwrench81288 ай бұрын
Very pretty, those Larch trees definitely made it pop. Haha, have you ever seen the Monty Python skit "The Larch" ? For some reason it popped into my mind.🤪🤪🤪
@backpackboat18 ай бұрын
Wow, digging deep into the archives with that reference! I had to look it up, I thought I knew Monty python pretty well but you got me with that one. I remembered it once I saw it but it never would have come to mind!
@wornoutwrench81288 ай бұрын
Those morning views, the quiet serenity, must be nice to have a coffee and just soak it in. I know I would.
@backpackboat18 ай бұрын
Did just that, it was amazing!
@ervinslens8 ай бұрын
Such a beautiful upload bud!! Really enjoyed watching this trail. 👌
@coolcicada8 ай бұрын
Great to see a video from you. That hidden waterfall was a wonderful detour.
@backpackboat18 ай бұрын
Thanks, it’s been too long. Lots going on this year. Def a great side hike, you’ll see it’s the theme of the trip!
@wornoutwrench81288 ай бұрын
A good start, definitely nicer than some soggy Ontario hike through the muskeg. Looking forward to the rest. Horses. Ugh. I am allergic. Had an allergy test years ago and horses were the worst. I probably would have started having issues just walking through a horse camp. Would love to do a trail ride but not in the cards for this kid. Waiting for the sunrise...
@backpackboat18 ай бұрын
Horse camps can have nice facilities but that's usually outweighed by the flys and the smell! Thankfully this one was pretty good, it hadn't been used for awhile. And hey! You might offend my Ontario subscribers! Assuming I have any of course! Cheers
@MayaCrazyChick10 ай бұрын
Amazing video I really appreciate this I cannot find a single person who went to this secret lake, I too found it on satellite maps when looking at the area. I want to try and attempt it and created a root that starts at the mount lyall trail and connects to the great divide. I am curious if you still have your root tracked i would love to take a look since its impossible to find any info to get to this secret area and would appreciate any tips. I can send you the route I have mapped out and if you have any advice I sure would appreciate it
@backpackboat110 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it! I deliberately didn't make these videos too obvious, kinda want to keep the secret? But check out the two accompanying videos, all the info is there. The actual trail to the lake from the GDT is obvious at first then I think peters out but at that point you just keep heading in the general direction, you cant miss the lake. I just did it the hard way because...?? IDK! The Mount Lyall trail is difficult to follow east of the GDT as I suspected but as this area is bounded by the Old Man River, two steams and the GDT (as I mentioned in the bushwacking video #3 of the series), you really can't get lost. I highly recommend not following a track here (experience level dependent), makes it much more fun! Also highly recommend the loop via Memory Lake instead of an out and back along the Mount Lyall route, for variety.
@MayaCrazyChick10 ай бұрын
perfect i feel like im not advanced enough for the bushwhacking quite yet so would you recommend just sticking to the entrance via memory lake trail? i guess im paranoid to get lost i was originally only going camping in this area and by chance found the lake and now im hooked on the idea of going to it cant get it out of my head but also want to be safe since i feel like im at a beginner. do you recommend it for a beginner or do you think maybe holding off for a couple hikes then attempting it
@backpackboat110 ай бұрын
@@MayaCrazyChick That's a good question. Best to be safe and stay on trails where you know the way back. With no landmarks in sight it's easy to get disorientated in a forest and never get out even a few steps off of a trail. I worked in Northern Ontario years ago and that's the first piece of advice I got. Best do some practice with a compass on familiar trails. Check out my compass video and try that method for your next hike. I should add I never did do the complete trail to the lake because I went off exploring in the bush to the ridge the next day but my feeling is it gets bushwacky. But watch all three videos and see how you feel about it.
@davebloggs Жыл бұрын
Took me a while to find that one on the map looks like a great spot . did you come in from old man?
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
Yes, a bit of a drive but worth it. I'll def be back there again. I was thinking of leaving my mountain bike at the 'trailhead' and parking further south on another GDT exit trail and then biking back to the car at the end of the trip as its mostly downhill. That would make it a great 2-3 night loop. Or just hike the road I suppose!
@davebloggs Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 looks like a great location . i might have to take a look at that one.
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
@@davebloggs highly recommended! And a short hike in. Best take an suv, not really car friendly that far up the road.
@davebloggs Жыл бұрын
Quite a bit of my time in the mountains is spent removing dead fall and trail marking. but I dont think I will be heading up that one anytime soon.
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
One day I'll go back and do this route the in other direction so I can figure out the section where I lost the 'trail'. I won't be marking it though, half the fun is trying to figure out where the heck you are!
@davebloggs Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 It looks nice up in there for sure, I always have my trail tools on me and often just set out on over grown trails and clean them up a bit, if you ever see any that need attention let me know, im happy to do what i can. I have been trail clearing for some 25 years now.
@davebloggs Жыл бұрын
great video sadly they have taken out all the fire pits at that camp ground now.
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
? Which campground? Elbow Lake??
@davebloggs Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 Yep elbow and point have had all the fire pits removed. I can not find out if there is a common one for cooking but from what I see there is no fire wood at all and no fire pits .
@davebloggs Жыл бұрын
I think im with you there, that last CLIFF is out of my comfort zone. I prefer to be in the forests for sure I will leave the crazy stuff for the more experienced people.
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
It looks a lot better from the bottom! Hoping to get back out there this summer and conquer that. Cheers
@davebloggs Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 I have looked from the lakes side it looks quite steep and does show it as a trail although a dotted line so there has to be a way up that. like you say though its way easier going up something like that than down.
@libertycoffeehouse3944 Жыл бұрын
I even like a 35 or 40 liter pack because it forced you to get lighter and really think about what gear you need.
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
That’s a good point. Along those lines I’ve revamped a lot of my gear in the last two years and I just ordered a new pack, the Durston Kakwa 55. I seriously considered the 40L version but I wanted to make sure I can accommodate all my gear actually in the pack to take advantage of the waterproof material. That and with a three season load out and say 5 days of food 40L sounded too small. And with 1.7 oz in weight difference between the two versions, well, that made it easy to go with the 55. Thanks for watching!
@oldmancamping9715 Жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the trip videos. Good thing you didn't take that unmaintained portion. I did, with my youngest son, in Oct. 21 and there's a creek/small pond you have to cross about a km before Loft Lake. You can see the remnants of a bridge that's no longer there. I tried wading through and ended up waist deep before turning around at a spot where my trekking poles no longer touched bottom lol. You can still get through but have to bushwack for a bit. Loft has a very nice campsite just off the trail complete with a sandy beach. Did you end up getting to The SIlhouette in Killarney? Definitely looking forward to those videos if you did make it! I've already booked a trip there for May 1 - 7 next year in the hopes of avoiding the black flies.
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
Wow, quite the adventure. That actually sounds enticing, and no one for miles I bet! Unfortunately I had to cancel Killarney. You may have noticed on this trip my knee was acting up towards the end. Well, my next trip (Luellen Lake video) was supposed to be four days of alpine bliss in Banff but it ended after one night. I was crushed but I tried not to show it on the video but better safe than sorry. Now rehabbing for the winter and will test it out in the spring. Hopefully next year!
@oldmancamping9715 Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 Good luck with the knee rehab. Killarney will still be there when you're ready!
@akshayrao8746 Жыл бұрын
great review thanks. also looking for something light with ankle support
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! Since this video I’ve discovered KT tape, I use the pro tape and wrap my ankles beforehand. Now onto trail runners (Topoathletic Ultrapro). I highly recommend trying that out.
@HarlanFox--Scrambles Жыл бұрын
Great video!
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Har. I enjoy watching your videos too, long time subscriber! Cheers
@ervinslens Жыл бұрын
Scenery here is simply breathtaking, fantastic work bud.👌
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
It’s always a treat to be in the Rockies. Thanks for watching!
@ivyjeansugot199110 ай бұрын
are you back in alberta?
@backpackboat110 ай бұрын
@@ivyjeansugot1991 Not yet, will be moving back within the next couple of years. But I have a backpacking trip planned in a few weeks, back to Kananaskis!
@brigittegreve1082 Жыл бұрын
The crossing of Wileman Creek that you did at the 10 minute mark was completely dry last week in August, 2022. No water flowing on the surface at all. I backpacked in to Patterson Tarn at the headwaters of Flat Creek. All crossings of Wileman Creek and Flat Creek were rock-hops, except for the first ford of Flat Creek. That one required boots off, but it was only shin-deep, compared to your over-the-knee crossing. It's always interesting to compare what an area looks like in different seasons.
@brigittegreve1082 Жыл бұрын
Also, the creek at the Mt. Head junction, (at the 15 minute mark of this video) was bone dry. If you were going up that valley late season to scramble Mt. Head, you'd need to be packing water from the trailhead. There are beautiful meadows for camping once you climb over Grass Pass, but no water sources running late in the season until you're further down the valley. At that point, Wileman Creek is flowing on the surface, but you're close to Flat Creek, where camping options are better. In addition, lots of cattle grazing there this year.... so I wouldn't trust Wileman Creek as a water source. Lots of fresh cow patties along the banks of the creek and on the trail. Thanks for posting your video!
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
Always tricky in the shoulder seasons, this hike turned out to be more fun than I thought it would be. Glad I put off Lyall Lake until the next month, no chance I would have made it there that early!
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
@@brigittegreve1082 I actually just changed my upcoming trip as part of it would take through a spot in Kananaskis I had been before in mid September and it was definitely not at its best, so saving that one for next summer and opting for a more traditional Banff trip instead. Fortunately it seems no one else is booked yet for two of my campsites, might have most of the loop to myself! Thanks for watching!
@brigittegreve1082 Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 I spent five days in the Flat Creek Valley. Went up the North fork of Flat Creek and bivied at the tarn below Mt. Pyriform. Scrambled up Junction Mountain. Then up the West fork of Flat Creek to Patterson Lake. This trip would have been quite the challenge in early season conditions. You're constantly back and forth across the creeks. It would have really slowed me down if I had to remove my boots every time. A very nice season opener to the spot you camped. Over-run with cattle in the summer though. I fell asleep to the sound of mooos!
@brigittegreve1082 Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 What trip are you doing?
@coolcicada Жыл бұрын
That’s an amazing campsite you ended up with. I like how much privacy you have and how it’s right by the water. Great video!
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
I certainly could have done a lot worse, thanks for watching!
@wornoutwrench8128 Жыл бұрын
Pretty country
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
It is but my heart is in the mountains. That said, I have an unexpected trip to Calgary next month. Will squeeze in a backpacking trip!
@wornoutwrench8128 Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 Woo Hoo, take the camera please.
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
@@wornoutwrench8128 Most certainly will!
@larrybarnard4762 Жыл бұрын
I live a half an hour away from there as well. Did the entire loop last year on Canada Day and noticed the interior sites. I like the ones on the other side of the lake even better. All around flat hike but lots to see. I found the hardwood side trail pretty cool. Was kind of rocky and reminded me a little of the Bruce trail. Anyway thanks for sharing. Great video.
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
I was there last month (site 500 again) kayak camping with my son and I noticed the site across the lake looked pretty good so may try that next time. It’s a nice to have a spot that close for a quick getaway! Thanks for watching.
@larrybarnard4762 Жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 my pleasure keep up the good work with your videos
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
@@larrybarnard4762 will do, another one coming out tomorrow!
@alcoanotalcoa6841 Жыл бұрын
the old mine is up on mount gass it was called the galena miracle mine. origanally found by chief bearspaw. i have been in it
@alcoanotalcoa6841 Жыл бұрын
that ridge is the finger or outleir of mount lyall the gdt goes around the base of it then up onto the base of beehive mountain
@alcoanotalcoa6841 Жыл бұрын
the lake you are pointing at at minute15 is marmot lake,the actual prize up here. memory is just a bit further on the right.a puddle really
@backpackboat1 Жыл бұрын
Marmot Lake, not Lyall Lake? In any event, no marmots there but it is a stunning lake. Thanks for watching.
@stevendeneff61852 ай бұрын
How do you get to Marmot Lake? The GDT doesn't go by there
@backpackboat12 ай бұрын
Not sure what he was talking about…
@stevendeneff61852 ай бұрын
@@backpackboat1 I think he's talking about the lake you get to in pt.2, although i dont think there is an actual trail to get there
@alcoanotalcoa6841 Жыл бұрын
at the swamp you should have kept right
@alcoanotalcoa6841 Жыл бұрын
you keep looking at mount lyall, you want mount gass
@alcoanotalcoa6841 Жыл бұрын
the creeks you are crossing happen to be the oldman river
@bendover44962 жыл бұрын
You only subtract if you have easterly declination, meaning you are west of the agonic line. If you had westerly declination, meaning you were east of the agonic line, you would actually add that declination & subtract for triangulation. I hate people who only give a half ass explanation of declination. That’s the reason it’s so damn confusing for a lot of people is because bozos like you who get on KZread & halfway explain declination.
@darreng19182 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing.
@askalladventure87932 жыл бұрын
I love your backpacking videos!!
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them! Thank you for watching.
@wornoutwrench81282 жыл бұрын
Great to see you back out Brett. The country is so different from your Alberta hiking. A little easier on the system without those mountains getting in the way ? Lol
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
It certainly is different but that section by Victoria Lake was pretty rough, hard to show on tape but it’s constant up and down and very rugged. I’ve got much tougher hike planned for later this year and I’m hoping to get to Alberta in July to take care of a bit of unfinished business in Kananaskis. Keep on cooking!
@amitmadhukarranade2 жыл бұрын
is there green throne at rae lake?
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
Random camping, no facilities at all other than fire pits people have built. Thanks for watching !
@connordillon25272 жыл бұрын
I think the lake is called lyall tarn. :) did you notice any fish while you were there?
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
I figured it was something like that given where it is but wasn’t sure. I didn’t see any fish but I think the lake is deep enough to support them. I was just very surprised to see all those shells!
@connordillon25272 жыл бұрын
@@backpackboat1 👍. Thanks. Ya, its pretty awesome those are all the way up there.
@qiangxiao4072 жыл бұрын
Nice review, thx. I have a pair of Merrell Altalight, it must be designed by someone who really love hiking.
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
I have to agree!
@georgeemery83852 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting these videos together, much appreciated.
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them, it was quite the journey. Thanks for watching.
@xenochromocript2 жыл бұрын
Wow glad I watched this video before tackling the 'trail' north of piper pass. My wife will be much happier turning around at piper pass like you say you should've done. Thanks for sharing your experience!
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
It was tough! I plan on returning and completing my original itinerary over Paradise Pass as well. It’ll make a great loop trip accessible from three different trailheads. Thanks for watching.
@wornoutwrench81282 жыл бұрын
It ain't the Rockies, but pretty darn nice.
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
A different kind of beauty!
@wornoutwrench81282 жыл бұрын
I was wondering where you got to. Its summer, you should be out hiking and making awesome videos for me to enjoy. LOL. I for one, am looking forward to seeing what your new adventures will bring.
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
Ha, sorry about that, still in the throes of moving believe it or not, like I said, it’s been a journey! Looking forward to new adventures myself, hope you enjoy them too! Cheers, Brett
@ivyjeansugot19912 жыл бұрын
hope all is well with, haven't summer hikes videos for 2021
@backpackboat12 жыл бұрын
Yes, sorry, thank you for asking. Life has intervened this year, lots going on, I’ll do a channel announcement soon. More variety coming to channel but not much this year I’m afraid.
Пікірлер
Really nice tour of Picklejar Lakes!
Thank you for the compliment! And congratulations on your success, I’ve been watching your channel since the beginning. You’ve worked very hard and it’s paying off. Well deserved !
Absolutely gorgeous episode man, some shots are just spectacular here!
Great video story. Impressed you could find time to video on a 5 day trip. Just finished the trail yesterday (May28) myself . I admit I was intimidated by the steeps when they were wet and they were. The bare rock is your friend when dry and not when wet. I have never heard of a rating system for trails used in Ontario but La Cloche trail as beautiful as it is, deserves some rating a good deal harder than most.
I'm glad you liked it. You'll see on the day 5 video I gave it a "world class rating" - like I know anything! I thoroughly enjoyed the trail, the campsites were amazing. I'm just glad I was able to get it done before we move back to AB.
That's some beautiful terrain and woods. So cool you can see all that glacial scarring on those exposed rocks.
Agree, it was a very memorable trip!
Im excited to do this trail in the fall. I have 4 days interior. Originally supposed to be 5 but my first campsite (17) was not available so my first one is at 28kms in Good thing I walk for a living with weight. (Deliver mail) :-)
Good thing indeed! Where’s your first camp?
@@backpackboat1 21
Three Narrows Lk
@@andreathegoosemother long day but very doable, I think that was the best site of the four I stayed at.
We've done this trail twice now, we love it. We've yet to camp at Topaz Lake but if we do it again we'd love to be able to book it. The 'Day use' section can actually get relatively busy. The part of Baie Fine you passed before climbing the Pig is known as 'The Pool' and is a very, very popular spot for yachts to drop anchor in the summer months. The day use markers are to keep them from getting lost in the woods. It's a great spot to take a break if your hiking past, but there's nothing actually there besides a nice view and some good access for swimming.
Funny, I had no idea it was connected to Georgian Bay! It all makes a lot more sense now. I read up on the trial a bit but I don’t really know the area but I guess that’s obvious. I def lucked out on my campsites, they were all great, Topaz was the worst one! IMO of course. I look forward to watching your videos, a different perspective could be interesting. Check out my Rockies trips, maybe you’ll make it out west sometime? My trips tend to be on the lessor travelled trails, I think you’ll like them.
@@backpackboat1 Thanks, I'll check them out, we do hope to make it out west before too long when we can so those will be helpful. The Rockies have been calling for a while.
I've watched a few hikers do this trail recently (I'm preparing to do it myself) and really appreciated how you narrated the time and distance to the initial campsites. I backpack and hike with my cat, so it really helps seeing how long and far campsites are from the starting point. Much appreciated, subscribed!
Thank you, I’m glad you found it useful. I do try to make videos that include some helpful information. As for the cat thing, all I can say is wow! I know people day hike with them but never heard of multi-day backpacking with a cat! Not to mention an extra 10 or so lbs of weight. I’d want a pretty good base weight before taking that on. Check out the climb ups and downs coming up day 3 onwards, could be tricky with a cat? Luckily my cat’s too lazy to leave the house so I don’t have your problem!
@@backpackboat1 the cat is on a long leash and generally walks beside me. I can’t do many miles of course, but 2-3 hrs of hiking a day is usually our limit. At time I do end up carrying him if he’s too distracted. That’s why the times and distance from your video was helpful - helps visualize how far from the trailhead I could go with him. Thanks again!
@makaveli19860 ah, that makes sense now. Hope you have a great trip!
Thats awesome you bring your cat.. i actually contemplated bringing my pet pigeon this fall.@makaveli19860
@@andreathegoosemother it seems a need a pet!
Pretty country. Rain, ugh. I spent most of my working life outside in coastal BC, just not a fan of the rain anymore. But that campsite looks pretty nice. Would I hike through the rain to get to it, not sure. 🤪 Looking forward to the next installment.
Thankfully the rain abated for the remainder of the trip, andmore great campsites to come!
This was absolutely gorgeous my friend!
are you back in alberta?
Not yet, moving back this summer. Hopefully will squeeze in a summer trip. Have an Ontario trip coming up next week.
The 2 campsites on Loft Lake are now canoe campsites.
Good to know, thx!
sound is too poor.
In winter once the creek is frozen you can continue up the canyon above the waterfall, it's a beautiful area with tons of frozen waterfalls. We camped at the 9.5km spot exactly one week after you were there and got a ton of snow overnight. Tried to reach prospector's ridge but the snow was too deep. There's a beautiful larch forest up there, your timing would have been perfect
That’s good to know. Although I’m not sure I’m up for frozen waterfall scrambling! Prospect Ridge certainly looked inviting but was a low priority this trip so ditched it in favour of more time around the north fork. But at least got my larch fix this year and also a great view of prospect ridge from the south. Thanks for watching !
Very pretty, those Larch trees definitely made it pop. Haha, have you ever seen the Monty Python skit "The Larch" ? For some reason it popped into my mind.🤪🤪🤪
Wow, digging deep into the archives with that reference! I had to look it up, I thought I knew Monty python pretty well but you got me with that one. I remembered it once I saw it but it never would have come to mind!
Those morning views, the quiet serenity, must be nice to have a coffee and just soak it in. I know I would.
Did just that, it was amazing!
Such a beautiful upload bud!! Really enjoyed watching this trail. 👌
Great to see a video from you. That hidden waterfall was a wonderful detour.
Thanks, it’s been too long. Lots going on this year. Def a great side hike, you’ll see it’s the theme of the trip!
A good start, definitely nicer than some soggy Ontario hike through the muskeg. Looking forward to the rest. Horses. Ugh. I am allergic. Had an allergy test years ago and horses were the worst. I probably would have started having issues just walking through a horse camp. Would love to do a trail ride but not in the cards for this kid. Waiting for the sunrise...
Horse camps can have nice facilities but that's usually outweighed by the flys and the smell! Thankfully this one was pretty good, it hadn't been used for awhile. And hey! You might offend my Ontario subscribers! Assuming I have any of course! Cheers
Amazing video I really appreciate this I cannot find a single person who went to this secret lake, I too found it on satellite maps when looking at the area. I want to try and attempt it and created a root that starts at the mount lyall trail and connects to the great divide. I am curious if you still have your root tracked i would love to take a look since its impossible to find any info to get to this secret area and would appreciate any tips. I can send you the route I have mapped out and if you have any advice I sure would appreciate it
Glad you liked it! I deliberately didn't make these videos too obvious, kinda want to keep the secret? But check out the two accompanying videos, all the info is there. The actual trail to the lake from the GDT is obvious at first then I think peters out but at that point you just keep heading in the general direction, you cant miss the lake. I just did it the hard way because...?? IDK! The Mount Lyall trail is difficult to follow east of the GDT as I suspected but as this area is bounded by the Old Man River, two steams and the GDT (as I mentioned in the bushwacking video #3 of the series), you really can't get lost. I highly recommend not following a track here (experience level dependent), makes it much more fun! Also highly recommend the loop via Memory Lake instead of an out and back along the Mount Lyall route, for variety.
perfect i feel like im not advanced enough for the bushwhacking quite yet so would you recommend just sticking to the entrance via memory lake trail? i guess im paranoid to get lost i was originally only going camping in this area and by chance found the lake and now im hooked on the idea of going to it cant get it out of my head but also want to be safe since i feel like im at a beginner. do you recommend it for a beginner or do you think maybe holding off for a couple hikes then attempting it
@@MayaCrazyChick That's a good question. Best to be safe and stay on trails where you know the way back. With no landmarks in sight it's easy to get disorientated in a forest and never get out even a few steps off of a trail. I worked in Northern Ontario years ago and that's the first piece of advice I got. Best do some practice with a compass on familiar trails. Check out my compass video and try that method for your next hike. I should add I never did do the complete trail to the lake because I went off exploring in the bush to the ridge the next day but my feeling is it gets bushwacky. But watch all three videos and see how you feel about it.
Took me a while to find that one on the map looks like a great spot . did you come in from old man?
Yes, a bit of a drive but worth it. I'll def be back there again. I was thinking of leaving my mountain bike at the 'trailhead' and parking further south on another GDT exit trail and then biking back to the car at the end of the trip as its mostly downhill. That would make it a great 2-3 night loop. Or just hike the road I suppose!
@@backpackboat1 looks like a great location . i might have to take a look at that one.
@@davebloggs highly recommended! And a short hike in. Best take an suv, not really car friendly that far up the road.
Quite a bit of my time in the mountains is spent removing dead fall and trail marking. but I dont think I will be heading up that one anytime soon.
One day I'll go back and do this route the in other direction so I can figure out the section where I lost the 'trail'. I won't be marking it though, half the fun is trying to figure out where the heck you are!
@@backpackboat1 It looks nice up in there for sure, I always have my trail tools on me and often just set out on over grown trails and clean them up a bit, if you ever see any that need attention let me know, im happy to do what i can. I have been trail clearing for some 25 years now.
great video sadly they have taken out all the fire pits at that camp ground now.
? Which campground? Elbow Lake??
@@backpackboat1 Yep elbow and point have had all the fire pits removed. I can not find out if there is a common one for cooking but from what I see there is no fire wood at all and no fire pits .
I think im with you there, that last CLIFF is out of my comfort zone. I prefer to be in the forests for sure I will leave the crazy stuff for the more experienced people.
It looks a lot better from the bottom! Hoping to get back out there this summer and conquer that. Cheers
@@backpackboat1 I have looked from the lakes side it looks quite steep and does show it as a trail although a dotted line so there has to be a way up that. like you say though its way easier going up something like that than down.
I even like a 35 or 40 liter pack because it forced you to get lighter and really think about what gear you need.
That’s a good point. Along those lines I’ve revamped a lot of my gear in the last two years and I just ordered a new pack, the Durston Kakwa 55. I seriously considered the 40L version but I wanted to make sure I can accommodate all my gear actually in the pack to take advantage of the waterproof material. That and with a three season load out and say 5 days of food 40L sounded too small. And with 1.7 oz in weight difference between the two versions, well, that made it easy to go with the 55. Thanks for watching!
Enjoyed the trip videos. Good thing you didn't take that unmaintained portion. I did, with my youngest son, in Oct. 21 and there's a creek/small pond you have to cross about a km before Loft Lake. You can see the remnants of a bridge that's no longer there. I tried wading through and ended up waist deep before turning around at a spot where my trekking poles no longer touched bottom lol. You can still get through but have to bushwack for a bit. Loft has a very nice campsite just off the trail complete with a sandy beach. Did you end up getting to The SIlhouette in Killarney? Definitely looking forward to those videos if you did make it! I've already booked a trip there for May 1 - 7 next year in the hopes of avoiding the black flies.
Wow, quite the adventure. That actually sounds enticing, and no one for miles I bet! Unfortunately I had to cancel Killarney. You may have noticed on this trip my knee was acting up towards the end. Well, my next trip (Luellen Lake video) was supposed to be four days of alpine bliss in Banff but it ended after one night. I was crushed but I tried not to show it on the video but better safe than sorry. Now rehabbing for the winter and will test it out in the spring. Hopefully next year!
@@backpackboat1 Good luck with the knee rehab. Killarney will still be there when you're ready!
great review thanks. also looking for something light with ankle support
Thanks for watching! Since this video I’ve discovered KT tape, I use the pro tape and wrap my ankles beforehand. Now onto trail runners (Topoathletic Ultrapro). I highly recommend trying that out.
Great video!
Thanks Har. I enjoy watching your videos too, long time subscriber! Cheers
Scenery here is simply breathtaking, fantastic work bud.👌
It’s always a treat to be in the Rockies. Thanks for watching!
are you back in alberta?
@@ivyjeansugot1991 Not yet, will be moving back within the next couple of years. But I have a backpacking trip planned in a few weeks, back to Kananaskis!
The crossing of Wileman Creek that you did at the 10 minute mark was completely dry last week in August, 2022. No water flowing on the surface at all. I backpacked in to Patterson Tarn at the headwaters of Flat Creek. All crossings of Wileman Creek and Flat Creek were rock-hops, except for the first ford of Flat Creek. That one required boots off, but it was only shin-deep, compared to your over-the-knee crossing. It's always interesting to compare what an area looks like in different seasons.
Also, the creek at the Mt. Head junction, (at the 15 minute mark of this video) was bone dry. If you were going up that valley late season to scramble Mt. Head, you'd need to be packing water from the trailhead. There are beautiful meadows for camping once you climb over Grass Pass, but no water sources running late in the season until you're further down the valley. At that point, Wileman Creek is flowing on the surface, but you're close to Flat Creek, where camping options are better. In addition, lots of cattle grazing there this year.... so I wouldn't trust Wileman Creek as a water source. Lots of fresh cow patties along the banks of the creek and on the trail. Thanks for posting your video!
Always tricky in the shoulder seasons, this hike turned out to be more fun than I thought it would be. Glad I put off Lyall Lake until the next month, no chance I would have made it there that early!
@@brigittegreve1082 I actually just changed my upcoming trip as part of it would take through a spot in Kananaskis I had been before in mid September and it was definitely not at its best, so saving that one for next summer and opting for a more traditional Banff trip instead. Fortunately it seems no one else is booked yet for two of my campsites, might have most of the loop to myself! Thanks for watching!
@@backpackboat1 I spent five days in the Flat Creek Valley. Went up the North fork of Flat Creek and bivied at the tarn below Mt. Pyriform. Scrambled up Junction Mountain. Then up the West fork of Flat Creek to Patterson Lake. This trip would have been quite the challenge in early season conditions. You're constantly back and forth across the creeks. It would have really slowed me down if I had to remove my boots every time. A very nice season opener to the spot you camped. Over-run with cattle in the summer though. I fell asleep to the sound of mooos!
@@backpackboat1 What trip are you doing?
That’s an amazing campsite you ended up with. I like how much privacy you have and how it’s right by the water. Great video!
I certainly could have done a lot worse, thanks for watching!
Pretty country
It is but my heart is in the mountains. That said, I have an unexpected trip to Calgary next month. Will squeeze in a backpacking trip!
@@backpackboat1 Woo Hoo, take the camera please.
@@wornoutwrench8128 Most certainly will!
I live a half an hour away from there as well. Did the entire loop last year on Canada Day and noticed the interior sites. I like the ones on the other side of the lake even better. All around flat hike but lots to see. I found the hardwood side trail pretty cool. Was kind of rocky and reminded me a little of the Bruce trail. Anyway thanks for sharing. Great video.
I was there last month (site 500 again) kayak camping with my son and I noticed the site across the lake looked pretty good so may try that next time. It’s a nice to have a spot that close for a quick getaway! Thanks for watching.
@@backpackboat1 my pleasure keep up the good work with your videos
@@larrybarnard4762 will do, another one coming out tomorrow!
the old mine is up on mount gass it was called the galena miracle mine. origanally found by chief bearspaw. i have been in it
that ridge is the finger or outleir of mount lyall the gdt goes around the base of it then up onto the base of beehive mountain
the lake you are pointing at at minute15 is marmot lake,the actual prize up here. memory is just a bit further on the right.a puddle really
Marmot Lake, not Lyall Lake? In any event, no marmots there but it is a stunning lake. Thanks for watching.
How do you get to Marmot Lake? The GDT doesn't go by there
Not sure what he was talking about…
@@backpackboat1 I think he's talking about the lake you get to in pt.2, although i dont think there is an actual trail to get there
at the swamp you should have kept right
you keep looking at mount lyall, you want mount gass
the creeks you are crossing happen to be the oldman river
You only subtract if you have easterly declination, meaning you are west of the agonic line. If you had westerly declination, meaning you were east of the agonic line, you would actually add that declination & subtract for triangulation. I hate people who only give a half ass explanation of declination. That’s the reason it’s so damn confusing for a lot of people is because bozos like you who get on KZread & halfway explain declination.
Thanks for sharing.
I love your backpacking videos!!
Glad you like them! Thank you for watching.
Great to see you back out Brett. The country is so different from your Alberta hiking. A little easier on the system without those mountains getting in the way ? Lol
It certainly is different but that section by Victoria Lake was pretty rough, hard to show on tape but it’s constant up and down and very rugged. I’ve got much tougher hike planned for later this year and I’m hoping to get to Alberta in July to take care of a bit of unfinished business in Kananaskis. Keep on cooking!
is there green throne at rae lake?
Random camping, no facilities at all other than fire pits people have built. Thanks for watching !
I think the lake is called lyall tarn. :) did you notice any fish while you were there?
I figured it was something like that given where it is but wasn’t sure. I didn’t see any fish but I think the lake is deep enough to support them. I was just very surprised to see all those shells!
@@backpackboat1 👍. Thanks. Ya, its pretty awesome those are all the way up there.
Nice review, thx. I have a pair of Merrell Altalight, it must be designed by someone who really love hiking.
I have to agree!
Thanks for putting these videos together, much appreciated.
Glad you like them, it was quite the journey. Thanks for watching.
Wow glad I watched this video before tackling the 'trail' north of piper pass. My wife will be much happier turning around at piper pass like you say you should've done. Thanks for sharing your experience!
It was tough! I plan on returning and completing my original itinerary over Paradise Pass as well. It’ll make a great loop trip accessible from three different trailheads. Thanks for watching.
It ain't the Rockies, but pretty darn nice.
A different kind of beauty!
I was wondering where you got to. Its summer, you should be out hiking and making awesome videos for me to enjoy. LOL. I for one, am looking forward to seeing what your new adventures will bring.
Ha, sorry about that, still in the throes of moving believe it or not, like I said, it’s been a journey! Looking forward to new adventures myself, hope you enjoy them too! Cheers, Brett
hope all is well with, haven't summer hikes videos for 2021
Yes, sorry, thank you for asking. Life has intervened this year, lots going on, I’ll do a channel announcement soon. More variety coming to channel but not much this year I’m afraid.