Taylor Lake - Panorama Ridge, Banff National Park, Alberta

[Lori S.]

There is still a lot more winter to get through here, but perhaps reminiscing about summer in the mountains will make it go by a little faster?  Working on that theory, here are some photos from Banff National Park, namely the hike to Taylor Lake and up to Panorama Ridge.  I hope you enjoy them.

After a closed-in hike through the forest, the trail eventually climbs high enough for one to enjoy Veratrum viride ssp. eschscholtzii, in the wet forest clearings... a sign that one is almost to the top.
The outflow of Taylor Lake forms boggy meadows that host other water-loving beauties such as Kalmia microphylla.

Remember - click on the photos to enlarge them!
 


 

[Lori S.]

Taylor Lake itself then comes into view, with its waterfalls and almost-permanent snow at the distant end.  It's the site of a tiny campground, and is a popular destination for day hikes... however, more rewarding sights lie beyond.
After another uphill jaunt through the last of the dark spruce leads us into a flowery subalpine meadow that is ringed with a sparse forest of Larix lyallii.
A rushing creek drains the snow-melt tarns from higher up yet.

[Lori S.]

In this high area, where the snow has only lately melted away, we see the spring bloom.
Anemone occidentalis
Ranunculus eschscholtzii

[Lori S.]

Caltha leptosepala
Oxyria digyna
And there are magical scenes all around...

[Lori S.]

More scenery, and then continuing into the boulder field ahead.

[Lori S.]

Even more scenery.  (Sorry, I can't resist!)
And skipping ahead a season, the larches (Larix lyallii) are ablaze in fall on Panorama Ridge.

(P. S. I promise more plants, less scenery next time!)

[IMYoung]

Lori, when the scenery is THAT good, who could resist it! 

[RickR]

Besides, I don't think such a panorama is such an "off topic" thing at all.  I love to see the actual mountains/terrain where plants grow in, especially in places I am unfamiliar with.  How would I know what the ranges of the Rockies are really like if it weren't for pictures such as this from people such as you? Likewise, the ranges of the Caucasus would remain an enigma without such depictions.  Etc.

Thanks Lori!

[Booker]

Beautiful images, Lori - many thanks for posting.

[Hoy]

I have never been to Canada, Banff is however, very high on my wish list!

[Todd Boland]

I'm so jealous!  Wish I lived close to mountains...while we have lots of local, great alpines, they all grow at sea-level! (seems a contradiction....alpines at sea-level)