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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Memorial Lakes

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Classic view of Third Memorial Lake and Bogart Tower.  Mt. Allan Centennial Ridge in smoky background right

August 14, 2018

Memorial Lakes are trio of mountain tarns nestled below Ribbon Peak and Mt. Bogart above west branch of Ribbon creek.  They have been named and dedicated to the memory of thirteen people who lost their lives in three aircraft accidents in June 1986.  Memorial cairn above third lake has since become one of best known Kananaskis back-country landmarks.  Hike is well worth from scenery perspective.  Besides fantastic waterfall in upper canyon and three lakes in grand alpine surroundings, there is plenty of opportunity for further exploration - including moderate scramble of Bogart Tower and technical ascent of Ribbon Peak (wrongly named as Mt. Bogart on topo maps).  Views of Mt. Spparowhawk and Mt. Allan Centennial Ridge are outstanding.  Best time for visit is late spring/early summer when lakes will be full to the brim from spring snowmelt.  West Ribbon creek has been ravaged in historic 2013 spring floods, but destroyed section of trail about 1km from the junction with main Ribbon Creek trail has been re-routed by K-country with two brand new wood bridges. 

Hike - or preferably bike - main Ribbon creek trail for ~3.8km to Memorial lakes junction.  This junction was not marked in the past, but has since had blue sign installed as some hikers have gone wrong here.   Continue along well defined trail up West Ribbon creek reaching the waterfall in about an hour. This is excellent spot for the break and reliable source of water year-round.  Section above the waterfall is steep, but short.  Above the canyon trail crosses the creek to left side and soon exits to First Memorial Lake - about 2 hours (on foot) from the parking.  Some people camp here and there is sizeable fire ring.  Climb to second lake is more difficult. Follow the trail around first lake, then scrabble steep talus slope. It is easier taking the high scree trail, while low forest branch serves better on descent.  Second lake is beautiful emerald color surrounded by larches and fantastic spot in autumn.  Reaching the third lake is most difficult and borders scrambling.  Lose gully must be ascended -- there are several options.  Left side offers solid rock but couple of class 3 moves.  Right side grassy rib is easiest.  Most people take eroded center part though which is lose and totally unpleasant.  Above this headwall is beautiful alpine meadow followed by ascent on grass to ridge above third Memorial Lake.  After descent to to lake shore, counter-clockwise circle is suggested -- it offers money shot of the lake with backdrop of Bogart Tower and distant Centennial ridge.  Memorial Cairn is on NE side directly above steep slope separating first and third lake.  Note good trail beaten in talus on lower part of Bogart Tower - it leads to standard scramble route (moderate), about 20-30 minutes from Lake shore.

Optional descent directly to first lake will save time, but is scrambling.  Do not descend easy slopes directly below the Memorial cairn, as there are cliffs and Memorial Waterfall lower down. Instead, hike to base of Bogart Tower, then angle down. Initial part is the toughest; staying on skier right is easiest. Gully broadens into wide avalanche slope below and way becomes obvious.  At the bottom bushwhack briefly and intersect main trail just as it starts ascending talus slopes below second lake.  Return is the same way. 

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