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Rockies :: Banff-Louise :: Solstice Lake

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Solstice Peak reflected in calm water of "Solstice" Lake as evening shadows are moving in seldom visited cirque below Spectral Peak

June 26, 2022

"Solstice" Lake lies in rarely visited alpine cirque between Spectral and Solstice Peaks in Palliser Range.  Name is unofficial and self-coined:  Initial inclination might be to call it "Spectral Lake", but as there are named Spectral Lakes at east side (accessed via Ghost or Aylmer Pass),  "Solstice" is more appropriate.  This hike is not feasible for anyone that needs trails;  bushwhack up the drainage leading to the lake is quite demanding, although not desperate but micro-terrain finding skills are essential.  Mountain bike for Cascade Fireroad portion is essential.   Although years pass by nobody venturing this way, few hardy souls have used Solstice valley as approach for Spectral Peak ascent.   Reward for difficult day is very beautiful alpine valley and total feeling of solitude.  Bivouac by the lake would be possible, assuming one is prepared to cycle with overnight gear, then bushwhack for several hours with heavy load.

Cycle Cascade Fireroad for ~8km, crossing the bridge at 5.5km mark.  See this report for more details about that part.   Access drainage is ~2.5km past the bridge, first one on right (east) side.  Use GPS if unsure - download link at top of the page.  On my trip I followed left (north) side and was able to pick up occasional animal trail.  Heaviest bushwhack was in lower part as there were many downed dry trees - watch for sharp spikes when crossing over.  It is best to stay high above the creek as long as possible, but eventually you'll have to drop down to creek level as cliff bares the progress.  Ensuing part is the most uncomfortable, with sidehilling and rock hopping - continue as best as you can, reaching first large avalanche slope on left (north) side ~2 hrs from the Fireroad.   I continued in creek level but progress was quite painful due to avalanche debris and heavy alder bashing.  Easiest way is to trash back up above the creek as soon as feasible and intercept grassy semi-open ledge ~100m vertical above the creek.  Travel becomes much less tedious and even enjoyable - I discovered this on return only. Lake lies in cirque below sheer cliff on right side now coming into view.  Drop back to creek level, then rock hop to the other side - delightful alpine meadow hiking accompanied by marmot whistles makes last bit very enjoyable and all the troubles will be forgotten now.   Most people will need at least 3 hours to this point from the Fireroad

The lake lies at other side of small rise, and is very serene.  This would be logical bivi spot.  If continuing into upper valley,  another half an hour of stubborn forest must be navigated at north side of the lake.  Scramble of Spectral peak is presumably difficult and lose, but I can not vouch for this part as I have not done it myself.   Descent back to Fireroad and Bicycle will not be much faster because of all the bush and deadfall. This outing is recommended for self-reliant explorer-type individuals not afraid to rough it up and with strong sense of adventure.

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