Map

Elevation

Rockies :: Banff-Louise :: Heather Ridge

GPS Track

Panoramic view east from Heather Ridge. Ptarmigan Peak far left, Baker Lake and Fossil mountain just left of center. St Bride and Douglas center distance. High point of Heather Ridge is far to the right

April 15, 2015

Heather ridge is often bypassed in favor of more popular Skoki targets -- such as Kane peaks or all too tempting "connect the dots" among 3 main Jewels of Skoki (Ptarmigan, Redoubt and Baker Lakes).  Placed right in the heart of Skoki it requires a bit more challenge, but rewards the scrambler with outstanding views. Trip is feasible year-round, but winter ascent on snow is preferable due to tedious boulder and talus slopes above Redoubt Lake.  For winter trips skis are recommended alternative to snowshoes and will cut return time from Boulder Pass many-fold. There is little objective avalanche danger, but as always when dealing with snow slopes caution must be exercised.  Expect company to Ptarmigan Lake and solitude afterwards.

Follow main access route into Skoki from Fish Creek parking lot on east side of Trans-Canada Highway in Lake Louise area. Takes about 45 minutes and 430 vertical to hike fire-road to Temple lodge; hitching a ride is stroke of luck, but worth a try.  Past the lodge trail is shared with horses in summer; in winter Skoki Lodge snowmobile often leave well compacted track, suitable for snowshoe travel. If on snowshoes, please stay off ski track marked by wands. These two routes will usually merge near Halfway Hut.  Boulder Pass is usually reached around 2 hour mark of steady pace. Main trail continues on the left side of Ptarmigan lake towards Deception Pass;  for Heather ridge scrabble on right side and ascend talus and meadows to Redoubt Lake (about 20-30 minutes from Boulder Pass).  Any number of routes is possible from east side of Redoubt Lake, but easiest is to traverse horizontally south at the bottom then pick your way up series of shallow gullies and small ridges. Navigating huge boulders around mid-point is serious fun.  Sawback Range and Lipalian group unfold to the south as you ascend and will equally compete for camera time. Entire Pumpkin traverse (Chic Scott) can be surveyed from here.  You will probably top near ridge mid-point and this is perfectly reasonable spot for lunch. Views are fantastic to say the least and much time can be spent identifying sea of peaks in front of you. Highpoint of the ridge is easy 15-20 minute walk from where you topped off, but will offer similar views and is not really required unless you are purist. Return is the same way, with possible extension of loop around Ptarmigan lake and/or visit to platform above Baker Lake if time allows.

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