01

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

Bertha Peak
  • Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
  • Activity: Scrambling
  • Height: 2,440 m (8,006 ft)
  • Elevation Gain: 1,130 m (3,708 ft)
  • Distance: 16.3 km / Round Trip (10.1 mi)
  • Avg Steepness: 7.9°
  • Estimated Time: 5.5-8 hrs
  • Technicality: Advanced
  • Fitness Level: Hard

First day of July long weekend. My objective was Bertha Peak in Waterton. I have to be honest, this peak was only ok to me...

Approach:
I actually parked on a wrong parking. There is actual parking for Bertha Lake trail. Anyway as described in Kane's book, I followed Bertha Lake trail to the lake. From the lake, I still followed the trail. I passed campground and found a drainage which led me to easy access to the ascending SE slope.

SE Slope:
There were 2 streams coming down from above. I stayed not right at the right stream but fairly close to it (page 4). This slope is little tricky because technically it was just a bunch of easy scrambles, but considering sustained steepness it felt more like moderate scrambling. Also I didn't find any trail or cairn, if you are not good at route-finding, you may get in to trouble... maybe.. maybe not. I guess I can say this peak is not for beginners.

South Ridge to the Summit:
After SE slope, it's just hike to the summit.

02

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

Color of lakes changed after the flood.

03

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

At Bertha Lakeā€¦ Where did these clouds come from?

04

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

I stayed somewhat close to the stream. Right side that is.

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Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

Looking down the lake.

06

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

Typical rocks.

07

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

It was the first truly hot day of the summer. Thanks to the cloud coverage. It made the trip a lot easier.

08

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

Another panorama.

09

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

Upper Bertha Falls are actually quite impressive.

10

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

Summit view.

11

Bertha Peak | 2013-06-29

Darth Vader was forming up close by.

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