Carthew Summit Trail hike on 24-Jul-2025
A perfect summer day in Waterton, with the usual winds up higher being present but tolerable, providing some welcome cooling on the completely sun-exposed return through the burnt, but still scenic landscape.
Many blooms were at their peak, especially the monkeyflowers above Cameron Lake. The summit area was surprisingly busy, with several larger groups, along with many trail runners and families with smaller kids, most of whom seemed to be doing the full Carthew-Alderson.
Joining the usual suspects were new members Ian and Claudia- welcome to the Ramblers!
After a nicely shaded ascent of the switchbacks above Cameron Lake, a snack break at Summit Lake before the long but gradual climb to Carthew summit.
It's interesting to observe how the recovery from the 2017 fire is progressing.
A look across the border to Lakes Wurdeman and Nooney in Glacier National Park.
Most of the group enjoying a relatively sheltered spot with lake views for lunch, while a few others followed Rambler tradition and headed for the top in the background.
A great view out past the lakes to the prairies was the reward for a short after lunch walk.
A yellow variety of sulfur buckwheat (I think) found in great clumps on the Carthew Summit ridge.
Returning to packs left at the lunch spot, after our short walk on the ridge.
Easy scenic descent on the return through the basin, with plenty of flowers to enliven the burnt landscape.
Profuse but hard to capture butterflies of many species, on the abundant flowers in the cirque.
Back at Summit Lake for a pit stop
Many ribbons of monkeyflowers following the watercourses along the trail above Cameron Lake.
Participants: Rosanne, Philip, Bill, Arnold, Nancy, Aldis, Shirley, John, David, Joanne, Steve, Claudia, Ian