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“Pic of the Week”, Oct. 4, 2013. Stanley Glacier, Kootenay National Park

2013-040-Oct. 4a

Stanley Glacier is easily accessible, so it’s a popular day hike in the Canadian Rockies.  It’s situated by the border of the B.C. and Alberta, near Castle Junction in Kootenay National Park.  The trail provides a great half day hike with an elevation gain of 365 m (1200 ft), taking you to the foot of Stanley Glacier.  The hike encompasses much of what makes the Canadian Rockies special, with wonderful panoramas, cascading creeks, rugged mountains and the hanging Stanley Glacier in a hanging valley.

If you hike in the fall, about this time of year or a little earlier, you’ll be treated to some wonderful colors along the lower portion of the trail in the area of an old forest fire.  Most striking are the deep red and burgundy leaves of fireweed, a lovely wildflower that is among the first to take root in burned out areas.  Red is an uncommon fall color in the Canadian west and it’s nice to see the diversity fireweed adds to the Rockies fall palate.

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