Home»All Photographs»2018 Hikes»Commonwealth Lake - Troll Falls 04-10-18

I went for a snowshoe to Commonwealth Lake today under cloudy skies with warm temperatures.
About 40 minutes in, I got into some steep and deep snow in the forest while traversing a hillside after following Commonwealth Ridge a bit too high. My poles could find no bottom, and my snowshoes kept sliding down the steep incline, soaking my hands and wrists as I reached to catch myself. I'm sure if a graceful elk or deer was watching, they would wonder why I was flopping about like this. The struggle was real, but I prevailed after working up a sweaty brow. I soon found the gully route to the lake and was rewarded with fine lakeside views.
On the drive home, I was early and didn't have to work until 6 p.m., so at Nakiska Ski Resort, I veered off for a short hike to Troll Falls. It's been on my radar for a while, and is only an hour return, so it's not enough of a reason on it's own for the drive. But what a scenic punch this little falls has! It was obviously frozen this time of year, but the ice formed a blue curtain that you could go right behind. It cascades off of a limestone shelf above. After a short break, I hiked the half hour back to my car in +11 degrees Celcius...spring might actually be coming soon!