…in one place! A short piece about the changing environment, and uncovering a forest preference.
We were out at Yoho recently, enjoying a long weekend away from the city. The weather was pretty changeable over these few days, ranging from cold and damp to very cold and heavy rain. The ceaseless drumming of rain upon the cabin roof was initially calming, but we weren’t sorry when it stopped! Cabin fever…
The grey weather lifted a little, and we made for Emerald Lake, enjoying the sporadic beams of warm sun as the clouds broke up.
The stroll (hike is too strong a word for this one) around Emerald Lake isn’t too far, perhaps just shy of 6 km. The fun is in how the view changes when the trail zips in and out of the trees lining the lakeshore, and enjoying how the sunlight brightens the surface, illuminating the water. Mountains appear to shift their bulk as your perspective changes, and cloud shadows race over the slopes.
The more exposed side of the lake is familiar alpine territory, the evergreens and undergrowth not too crowded, with open views up the sides and across the water. Following the shore to the end of the lake, you cross an open area of alluvial plain, the sediment of thousands of years being deposited slowly into the water, ensuring it will one day disappear, one little flood at a time. Now that is a long term, yet inevitable event.
I’m not overly fond of the alluvial plain; it seems a dismal place compared to the majesty of the mountains around. But it is this contrast that lends the vistas their grandeur…so I should be happy really! It is a unique, important, and changing environment. The changes can barely be seen in our brief lifetime, but they are speedy by mountain measures.
The return portion of the hike is my favourite. We stepped from the plain and back into forest. And such a forest! A complete contrast to the other shore, this forest feels like a coastal rainforest. We were just remarking on the change and how it felt, when we arrived at an interpretive sign explaining the local differences. (If I need a teaching break, maybe I’ll write interpretive signs; PlaidCamper interpretations of the clearly evident…) It’s ten hours or so to the Pacific, yet because of the relative lack of sunshine, and higher rainfall this side of the mountain, the environment really does have the feel of coastal rainforest about it.
Cooler, darker and much, much wetter overall. The forest floor is carpeted with beautiful moss, and the mushrooms were everywhere.
The heavy rain left the trail muddy and puddle strewn, adding to that coastal feeling. It only lasts a couple of kilometres, but it is so wonderful, and such a pleasant surprise – especially as landlocked, semi-arid Alberta is just down the road. I think I prefer this side of the lake…not that it is necessary to choose! It’s probably the contrast, and my delight at finding it in such close proximity.
A changing environment to be found in a few short kilometres – this is why we love Emerald Lake. So much to enjoy and appreciate, particularly after a cabin feverish couple of days!
Thanks for reading. As ever, please feel free to comment or share a story, and keep your guy ropes secure.
OldPlaidCamper 
I can say just one word, fascinated. The view is amazing… What a beautiful sharing, I felt, I dreamed to be in there… Thank you, love, nia
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Very happy you found time to visit and enjoy this one – thank you!
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Beautiful. Your photos are fantastic.
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It is a lovely place to visit and take photos! Glad you enjoyed this, thank you for stopping by, and for your kind comment – enjoy your weekend!
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Really, really great. Love the photos. Thanks for sharing a bit of your world with the rest of us.
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Delighted that you enjoyed this one! It is a lovely part of the Rockies, and I’m very happy to share it, if only through photographs. Thanks for reading and commenting, always appreciated. Enjoy your weekend!
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Wow, I can see why you like this area so much, pc. It’s truly lovely. I enjoyed seeing the ever-changing aspects too, that you pointed out. Your photos, as always, are really a pleasure. Looks like there might be cedar in that forest? Great hike/stroll and post. 😀
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It is a beautiful place to hike! I’m no naturalist, so I went and checked for a precise answer (such a teacher!) and western red cedar grows around Emerald Lake! I love the coastal feel out there, so far from the coast…
Thanks for your kind words, Jet, and have a wonderful weekend!
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Hello PlaidCamper –
Thanks for this post and lovely photos. Special mention – Easy Walking.
Emerald Lake – always beautiful.
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Well said – always beautiful! And easy walking too, if you keep to the lakeshore.
Thank you for the kind words, I appreciate it. Have a wonderful weekend!
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That’s looks like a really nice stroll! Like the enchanted forest 🙂
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Haha! Yes, an enchanted forest! An easy way to spend an afternoon. Have a wonderful weekend!
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You as well 🙂
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Enjoyable-I went a little ways around Emerald Lake a few years ago and sure would like to go again, maybe go all the way around. Like the moss and fungi on the stump as well as the fourth one through the trees showing the emerald green waters.
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Enjoyable is a good word for strolling around Emerald Lake! I hope you get to revisit one day – it is lovely in almost every season. In deep midwinter, on a still day just after snowfall, the quiet there is astonishing.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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That looks like a nice little adventure! Beautiful shots along the way 🙂
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Thank you! It was very easy on the legs, and a great chance to take time to admire all there was to see.
Enjoy your weekend!
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Thanks for sharing this PlaidCamper, I’m always interested to hear about the terrain out west. I’ll be heading out to Alberta for the first time in January, pretty excited.
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Alberta in winter – excellent time to visit, generally blue skies and snow in the mountains (although the talk is of a warmish first half to winter) – still, you’ll have a blast, I’m sure!
Hope you’ve had a good weekend!
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There is an enchanted nature, reminds me nineteenth century American art.
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It is quite an enchanting place to be!
Hope you’ve had a great weekend!
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Like an emerald or turquoise jewel– transformed into 5 dimensions, or more! Thanks PC
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It is a jewel, that’s for sure, and one to be treasured – hope you’ve been having a great weekend!
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Emerald Lake is my favourite spot in the Rockies – so much that we got married there last summer:) I have actually not taken the trail around the lake in summer, but we have done it several times in winter on cross country skis and snow shoes. Lovely to see your pictures from the other side of the lake in a summer perspective:)
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A beautiful spot for a wedding! It is lovely in winter too, a perfect place to be on xc skis.
I hope you’ve had a great weekend!
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It’s amazing how fast the landscape can change. I’ve noticed this same phenomenon driving through Idaho, crossing a mountain range would mean a total difference in the environment. The other side rainy, filled with waterfall, the other one dry and arid.
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Mountain environments – always changing, often different and never dull!
I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend!
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Incredible landscapes.
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Lakes and mountains are beautiful places! Thanks for stopping by OldPlaidCamper, I appreciate it. Enjoy your day!
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Nice article, once again! Yeah, it’s amazing to discover the micro climates in an area. Nature has so many treasures! Have a nice weekend!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Have a good weekend!
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