Edmonton 2025 - Lower Bertha Falls Trail

 

On our way to the start of the hike for the day, we passed the falls we saw the previous night

and Maya and River tested how close the deer would come if they sat, still and quiet, in the nearly empty campground.

The Lower Bertha Falls trail starts beside the campground and gradually climbs beside the lake. It was a much easier, though longer, hike

The melting snow created lots of mini waterfalls and creeks. As it was getting warm, caps were dipped in the freezing cold water and returned to already sweaty heads.

View from the first lookout spot. Still climbing through the wildfire area.

Then the trail turned away from the lake and up a valley,

with the sound of a rushing river below.

The falls were worth the hike. The trail continued but we talked to people who had gone further and they said that the snow was too deep.

It was a great place for photos. (Mike carried River most of the time in the "Sultan's Chair")

We had a snack on a bench by the river. Somehow the wildfire had jumped this little valley and we enjoyed the shade for a change.

Family reflections.

The walk back was just as lovely and Mike challenged the kids to a dip in the lake. I didn't think they would take him up on it but, first Maya, and then Avery, did.

So, after dinner

first Mike and

and then all 3, took the polar plunge. Fully immersed, head under!

That is crazy!!

The only downside to an otherwise great day was the number of deer ticks we found on clothes, in hair and later on the walls and bed (kids had been lying on it in their clothes) but we got everyone "deticked".