Our Canada Day hike took us to Third Burstall Lake and the avalanche impact pool (see earlier blog) that Tony was anxious to see without snow.
Our route went from Second Hogarth Lake through a grassy draw to First Burstall Lake, then via boggy game trails along the shoreline to a small stretch of Burstall Creek where we had to take to the bush—not so easy. But you never know what you might find and at the outlet to Middle Lake —I thought it was flat bog— we were amazed to come across a beautiful cascade. (Listen for it next time you hike the Burstall Pass trail.) Again, getting round Middle Lake was easy, and again we had a tough time traversing the right bank of the creek to Third Burstall Lake. Not the best route to take, but then we wouldn’t have discovered the cascade. Here are a few pictures and a description of the best route in summer.
Looking down onto the pool from the avalanche path. Third Burstall Lake in the background. For scale, note the figure on top of the mound. Note also the scouring of the mound from avalanche debris.
Follow Burstall Pass Trail 2.6 km from the trailhead, then head right on a narrow trail to middle Burstall Lake. Put the tevas on and make your way around the boggy left shore to Burstall Creek between the lakes. Follow the creek upstream to third lake and cross the creek at the outlet — an easy wade. Ahead is the grass-covered mound and behind it the impact pool.
The mound slopes down to the lake at sun-bathing angle (it faces south) and there are fine views across the water to Mt. Burstall and Whistling Ridge. Just above the lake someone has cleverly constructed two seats out of logs and big rocks set around a fire circle.
Easy creek crossing at outlet of Third Burstall Lake
Looking across Third Burstall Lake to Whistling Ridge from the mound.
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