Eisenhower Peak from Rockbound Lake Amphitheater during winter snowshoe trip

1.  Rockbound Lake
2.  Helena Ridge

Google Map

Multiple Dates, last Sep 10, 2022

Rockbound Lake Trail is reminiscent to Garibaldi Lake hike in BC Coast Mountains.  Many see it just as approach to several Kane scrambles above the Amphitheater, but it is also worthy destination on its own. In winter it is an excellent choice in high-risk avalanche conditions, as most of the approach is below treeline. Although return distance is fairly long, travel is generally easy and can be done fast - specially on return. Scenery gradually unfolds as trail approaches Tower Lake below formidable Eisenhower Tower.  The only difficulty is steep, but brief, headwall above Tower Lake;  hard to believe some are able to ski this part in winter!  Many larches on south side of Rockbound Amphitheater also make this an excellent Fall destination.  It is one of my favorite trails in the area, despite unjustified "Don't waste your time" rap in certain circles.

From the parking lot follow wide trail passing Silverton Falls junction near the start.  Trail angles left and starts approach towards south end of Castle Mountain massif.  About 2.5km, ~40 mins is wide switchback and trail steepens. Elevation gain is steady, but moderate. There are occasional glimpses of Bow Valley and Pilot Mountain along the way.   Around 5km mark trail switches again and starts approach towards Rockbound Amphitheater;  grade soon levels out.  Meadows and creek crossing on wooden planks are near; water bottles can be refilled here.  Soon after is the clearing and only risky point in winter conditions;  sizeable avalanche slope coming off Eisenhower Tower.   This section is short and you are through in 1-2 minutes.  Just under 2 hours is emerald colored Tower Lake -- popular with fishermen and very beautiful, specially early in the morning as sun hits east cliffs of Castle Massif.  At north end of Tower Lake trail swings left  just past old sign that reads "1/2 mile to Rockbound Lake".   Ensuing Headwall is steep but short.  Trail switchbacks back and forth couple of times; steepest portion is near the top, and often fairly awkward in the winter.   Above the Headwall trail descends through stands of larch trees to south end of Rockbound Lake and vanishes out.

Best spot for break are slabs halfway around the south shore. From here ascent route to mid-plateau circling the lake can be studied. Pyramid shaped peak directly above is Helena Ridge and is the least demanding of all objectives above the lake. Neither are particularly safe though in winter conditions.  Return the same way will be considerably faster from the way up;  it can also be hiked without problems with headlamp in case of long day trips above the lake.   Gallery contains mix from different summer and winter trips.

Google Map

Sep 10, 2022

Now named "Helena Peak" on Google Maps,  this pyramid-shaped cone towering on Rockbound Lake east side is the closest option from the lake.  1-way distance is only 3km, although almost 700m vertical must be gained so grade is reasonably steep.  Whole thing is mostly hiking, with only scrambly bit brief rockbound leading to mid-shelf above the lake (This part is shared with all other options on Rockbound Amphitheater perimeter).   Obvious gully leading to saddle below Helena Peak is quite stable and good trail has developed over the years due to (in)famous "Kane effect".  Highly recommended extension is hike on broad shoulder at other side of the saddle to Helena South - super pleasant with views as good, if not better, as on main Helena summit.

Head over to east side of Rockbound Lake and cross the outlet, then pick up good trail quickly rising up semi-open slope.  Hiking poles are great help.  After topping up, trail turns sharp left and traverses top of scree below crumbling rock band - crux of the day.  Continue on wide and well defined trail to top of grassy hill, then leave it as it starts looping on north side of Rockbound Amphitheater and head up Helena access gully.  After reaching the saddle, turn left and tackle final slope leading to Helena Peak.  Final part has bit of broken rock that calls for occasional use of hands for stability;  cairns help along the way.  Oddly highest point has only minor cairns, while main tower-like rock feature that also had register on my visit is few minutes lower to the east.   Views are fantastic, in particular wide panorama of Sawback Range.   Note that Luellen Lake can not be seen from Helena, but is visible from highline ridge connecting Helena with Stuart Knob.

Return is the same way and will be much faster.  If planning on looping back via Stuart Knob (recommended, but more strenuous) descend through bit of broken cliff from highest point on left (west) side.