I’d like to say that we considered doing the 6.5km hike (one-way) (with the first 4km apparently all being uphill) to view the larches/tamaracks at their best in Larch Valley, but it would not be true.
Instead, we considered and executed a trip to Baker Park, requiring us to drive for about 22 minutes (and that was 5 minutes longer than strictly necessary) (sometimes our car GPS is just stupid) and then wander ON FOOT for about 15 minutes to see the tail end of the larch/tamarack season right here in town.
Nice, eh? Mind you, I’m sure Larch Valley is also very nice. Maybe next year.
If Larch Valley is the one in Banff National Park, where you start off from Moraine Lake, then yes, I have hiked it, and seen it — but only in summer. Even then, it is spectacular. Larch needles are soft to the touch, and soft green to the eye.
Jim T – That’s the one. Now you have to catch a shuttle from the Lake Louise ski area: no private vehicles allowed on the road to Moraine Lake, unless you’re staying at the Lodge on the lake. Tamaracks are lovely trees, indeed.
Actually, I prefer the Baker Park larches and visit every year with my walking group. The trees are right there! No mountain vista, but the close-ups are spectacular. As you have discovered. Wonderful!
Judith – 🙂 They are indeed. We caught the tail end but could see that it must have been lovely for the previous several weeks. I also just found this map of larch plantings in Calgary. It could be an expotition!
Beautiful Fall photos Isabel. Well done, my favourite season. I dontknowwhy to quote an old saying.
Ken – 🙂 Thanks. As for the old saying, IKR?
Looks spectacular, Isabel.
All the scenery in that area is outstanding.
Tom
Tom – Yes, we do have scenery. 🙂
Looks like a good substitute for Mer Bleue Bog in your prior abode.
Last time I checked they hadn’t peaked yet
Nic pics !!
Jim R – Many thanks. My sense of Mer Bleue trees is that while they can grow in the boggy conditions, they don’t entirely prosper. Their feet are too wet, maybe?
It’s funny; I’m not sure I’ve spent a minute of nearly 55 years discussing Tamaracks, and now this is my second discussion in a week.
We spent the last week outdoors (unsuccessfully) chasing Mickey Moose around northern Ontario. As we entered the region, we noted the ever-greens turning golden. A quick AI search informed us of their existence.
They made for a beautiful picture and a stark contrast to the last of the maple reds and the remaining ever-greens. Thanks for the images from the West.
Vince – It goes like that sometimes, don’t it? I encountered them in Edmonton and Jasper first – I think they’re not native to the prairies. More an alpine/Shield tree? Quite spectacular at this time of year, anyway. Closer to you (than N ONT or AB are), they grow in Mer Bleue bog.