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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Northover Ridge

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Central part of Northover Ridge looking east, just as easy part comes to an end. Mt. Northover dead center behind, white fang of Mt. Joffre to the right

August 16, 2020

Northover Ridge is probably best backpack in Kananaskis Country.  It is commonly done as 3 days, 2 night trip with overnight camps at Aster and Three Isle lakes.  It can be hiked either way, but suggested direction is Aster Lake first.  Reasons:  It is much easier to ascend than descend rough Aster Headwall (for more details see full Aster Lake trip report) as well as scenic advantage traversing ridge E - W direction.   It is also worth noting 11 km Three Isle Lake trail is quite boring and hardly worth as backpack on its own (contrary to Aster Lake which is outstanding backpack by itself).   Ridge can also be dayhiked in a very long day from North Interlakes -- both times I've been here I did it as dayhike.  If you opt for this approach, you need above average stamina and early start;  first part of August is optimal timing as days are still long, but snow has already melted.   Stats in the Abstract are given for both ways:   Aster to Three Isle (backpack) and full loop from North Interlakes (dayhike).  Gallery photos are in suggested clockwise direction.

From Aster Lake walk along east side following faint trail;  do not get your feet wet crossing outlet to west side as it is not necessary.  Then at far end of the lake easily walk across outwash flats (wild bivi corals, against the rules) and pick up trail as it starts rising at Mt. Northover lower slopes towards Mt. Warrior.  Trail rounds the corner and turns right ascending scree slopes to wide basin with sparkling Northover Tarns, already in Height of the Rockies BC Provincial Park.  Note that wild bivi IS allowed here;  BC Parks are much more flexible!   Northover Ridge east end is low saddle on horizon and good talus trail can be followed most of the way, although it steepens considerably towards the top.   Mt. Northover (Kane difficult) is to the right and it is hard to believe it is included as scramble;  this ascent is dangerous and should not be done without rope, even "easier" west face, used typically for descent.  With overnight packs it will take at least 2 hours from Aster Lake to here.    Ridge itself is ~4km long and high scenic overload.  First part is wide as it meanders effortlessly across several bumps with Northover Glacier on the right (north) side.  Past mid-point going gets much stiffer and crux is narrow 5-6m that might feel awkward to non-scramblers, specially if hauling heavy overnight pack and strong wind is howling.   It is also worth noting entire ridge is completely exposed to weather - should storm roll in, there is nowhere to hide;  pick calm and sunny day!  Past the crux there are still couple of rough sections until high-point (~2800m), from where now well defined but lose scree trail descends to low saddle and north end.  Turn right and hike in just over an hour to Three Isle Lake, reached around mid-point.  Trail is poorly defined in some parts here but direction is obvious.

Three Isle Lake trail, hiking back to North Interlakes, is quite rough initially till Forks -- switchbacks down steep headwall where even wooden stairs assist in lower part, followed by rooty and rocky sections.  Past Forks trail mellows and is generally flat and wide allowing fast travel.  Final part around upper K-Lake is old gravel road where cycling is allowed.  Several openings provide great views, but by this time you'll likely be too tired to care, specially if dayhiking. 

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