 Fortress Lake Hiking Synopsis
If you enjoy the outstanding variety
offered by hikes spanning several elevations and ecosystems, Fortress Lake
has such hikes available.
The diversity of plants and animals
present in these areas also varies in a similar fashion. Because of the
thick forests in the lower valleys, most of your
hiking will be on trails, and your total time in the alpine will be
scenic but limited. Some scrambling is also available, usually up
avalanche paths or dry streambeds to reach alpine destinations via the
more direct route.
At Fortress Lake you can also choose to
wander up the impressively scenic floodplain of the heavily braided
Chaba Rivers.
We offer boat
shuttles to the trail heads along the lake.
"The
most serene, unspoiled, and beautiful spots on earth."
~ San Francisco Chronicle
Hikes and Nature Walks ~ From Creek to Peak
Hikers begin jaunts to the alpine along
Fortress Lake before spending many enjoyable hours traversing the
shadows of old growth forest. Many shaded, mossy hollows provide homes for interesting
plants and flowers that can be examined during this journey, and time
passes quickly before finally reaching timberline and the marvelous
amphitheatres and rambling alpine meadows of the higher peaks and
ridges.
On the Water
Fortress Lake Wilderness Retreat is nestled along the sandy shoreline
of a vivid blue-green mountain lake, 11 km long and jut under 1 km wide.
Nestled among 10,000+ foot peaks and glaciers of the Canadian Rockies, a
sense of calm exists here.
Canoeing and Kayaking
We have a selection of kayaks and canoes for
guests to enjoy at any time. If you are interested, our activities guide
will also provide instruction and take you on a tour of the lake, and
its magnificent shoreline. Sandy beaches are interspersed with the dense green of old growth
forest, and the bright new growth on avalanche paths that sweep from
glaciated heights to the waters edge. Places to picnic and stretch your
legs abound, and the lakeshore is where much of our larger wildlife is
observed.
 Guided Outings
To assist you with navigation and
interpretation, we
provide one activity guide to escort interested guests on a variety of
hikes and walks during the week, as well as a selection of canoe or
kayak outings, depending on group interest. The pace is relaxed, and
designed to ensure that everyone is eager to get out again the next day.
For those that prefer, our guide is also
available to provide recommendations, register your planned itinerary,
and help you start down the right trail on your own, before ensuring
that you get safely home at the end of your day.
Reading Room
Our reading room has comfortable recliners, lighting, and a
wood stove for ambience. Fly Tying Desk
Our fly tying area is stocked with pertinent tying materials successful
in Fortress Lake and the Wood River. We encourage you to enjoy a few
hours of tying your favorite patterns or learning to tie flies to use
during your stay. An Instructor is available on site.
|
