This hike is dedicated specifically to Lorelee and Melanie, and generally, to every family member, or friend, or acquaintance of every name on the monument, and to every participant in the Kananaskis Country search and rescue operation during June of 1986.
For new visitors to this heroic and tragic story, you will benefit from reading a previous Memorial Lakes post at Memorial Lakes – Kananaskis Country – Hiking Alberta. It will make this post much more meaningful.
The trailhead is at the end of the Ribbon Creek parking area near Nakiska in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.
This is my third attempt to complete this hike. The hike is difficult and the risk profile is too high for me to attempt solo. My close friend and long-time hiking partner, Ken, has agreed to share this mission with me. We have chosen the best time for good weather and long daylight hours. We approach the objective with absolute commitment and resolve. At least one of us will photograph the Memorial Lakes Cairn near the shoreline of the third and uppermost Memorial Lake. We depart from the Ribbon Creek trailhead in Kananaskis Country near Nakiska at 9:30 AM.
Ribbon Creek trail is initially beside Ribbon Creek. The sound of running water is relaxing. We make good time.
The Ribbon Creek trail is flat, wide and easy to navigate. For the first kilometre it tracks cascading, clear-water Ribbon Creek.
There are bridge crossings back and forth over Ribbon Creek. It is originally an old logging road.
One of the bridges crossing Ribbon Creek.
Following a 3.4 KM (2.1 mile) hike on good road, the narrow trail we need is marked by a roadside cairn and branches right to follow North Ribbon Creek.
At the trail junction, Ken stands beside the North Ribbon Creek trail that will take us to the First Memorial Lake.
The trail is rustic, littered with roots and rock outcroppings. Occasional level sections are punctuated by a series of steep climbs. Trail conditions are diverse and variable.
There are several very beautiful stream crossings. It is a mecca of running water.
Ken and I arrive at a steep trail. Off to the left is a significant waterfall and we take the time to photograph the cascading tiers in challenging light along the maze of trails at the cliff edges. After taking photos of all the waterfall features, we return to the main trail.
The view above the top of the tall waterfall.
The waterfalls, we have enjoyed so much, originate from the outlet of Memorial Lake # 1 and soon, we arrive there. The first lake is tiny. We are in tight quarters, which makes photography challenging, but we relax here for a while and enjoy some food and fluid.
Arrival at the first Memorial Lake. It is small, incredibly beautiful and backed by tall mountains.
The waterfall across the lake is from Memorial Lake # 3. Our objective is over the top of the cliff across from our current position.
Ribbon Peak looms above the other end of the first Memorial Lake.
We hike on wet trail through dense undergrowth to the other end of Memorial Lake # 1 and arrive at a T-junction at the base of pyramidal Ribbon Peak. The hiking guidebook we are using is a litany of confusing hyperbole, laced with non-permanent landmarks, and offers little more than indecipherable nonsense. A Gem Trek Map, astute observations and common sense are applied. We turn right. We know we need to climb up and around the other side of Ribbon Peak to pass Memorial Lake # 2 and achieve Memorial Lake # 3.
At the base of Ribbon Peak, the rustic trail to the right climbs through talus and scree, beside a waterfall and further, to get to Memorial Lake # 2.
Route finding is not difficult but a variety of human, and/or game trails, provide many alternatives. Our best views of Memorial Lake # 1 are achieved on the climb above it. Ken is dutifully tying red flourescent trail-marking tape as we seek out the best approach. After a good climb we arrive at the stunningly beautiful Memorial Lake # 2 which is justifiably known as ‘The Emerald’.
Climbing through unstable talus and scree beside the outlet waterfall from Memorial Lake # 2
Memorial Lake # 1 gets smaller below our position as we approach Memorial Lake # 2
Our arrival at Memorial Lake #2 provides a breathtaking view of emerald water, with a tiny island and a peninsula with trees, in a bowl surrounded by the sheer rock cliffs of majestic mountains. It is a vision. Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high. Your Daddy’s rich and your Momma’s good-lookin’… but I digress. As difficult as it is to leave this beautiful place, we press on to another climb through talus and scree. Again the best views of Memorial Lakes # 2 are achieved as we hike above it on our way to the scramble zone at the far side of Ribbon Peak.
Our first view of Memorial Lake # 2 also known as ‘The Emerald’
Memorial Lake # 2 – The Emerald – Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada
Once again, the best view of Memorial Lake # 2 is achieved from above as we climb towards our objective at Memorial Lake # 3
The scramble to the next hiking level is intimidating. It is always easier to scramble up a route than it is to scramble down the same route. We analyze three routes and choose the one which appears to be the best. The route up is fairly straightforward. Getting back down the same route is possible but potentially ugly. On the way up, we are cautious to prevent knocking loose rock on each other. In hindsight, we should have been wearing rock helmets. We are hampered by the sun sitting directly on the horizon at the mountain peaks above us. Every time we reach for a handhold or make a route adjustment, the sun is blinding beyond the protection of dark glasses. There is no safe opportunity to take pictures until we arrive at the gorgeous meadow above us. It is a short scramble taking less than 15 minutes. I will get pictures of the down route when we return.
The trail continues through this beautiful meadow at the top of the scramble. The wildflowers are amazing.
Ken and I hike through the meadow with the realization we will need to hike to the top of the scree slope ahead. At the top of the ridge it is still not clear where the lake is located. On the left is a forested area and above is another scree ridge beneath the summit of 3,144 m (10,315 ft) Mount Bogart. It is possible the lake is either left, past the forest, or higher in a bowl behind the scree slope. Ken heads left through the forest and I climb further to the top of the scree slope above us.
Bogart Tower is on photo left with the sheer cliffs of Mount Bogart, and hanging snow, consuming my field of vision.
The first view of Memorial Lake # 3 at the base of Bogart Tower taken from above at the scree ridge below Mount Bogart.
My higher position provides me with an outstanding view of Memorial Lake # 3 below me. Ken is out of the forest and hiking below me towards the shoreline. The Memorial Cairn is a dot on a scree rise above the far shore of the lake. Our objective is clearly in view. It is a good moment. Ken proceeds towards the monument and I work my way down the scree slope to follow behind in a counterclockwise direction along the dark talus shoreline of the lake which is about 1.5 m (5 feet) below completely full.
A view of Ribbon Peak from the high point on the scree ridge directly beneath Mount Bogart. A small portion of Memorial Lake # 3 is seen at the base of Ribbon Peak.
Ken is below as we both work our way toward the Memorial Cairn on the far side of Memorial Lake # 3.
Navigating the dark talus shoreline of Memorial Lake # 3 on our approach to the monument.
There is a patch of snow on the approach to Memorial Lake # 3 beneath Bogart Tower
Ribbon Peak on the other side of Memorial Lake # 3.
The Memorial Cairn is now clearly visible and perched at the top of a scree rise.
Ken has arrived at the Memorial Cairn. I will be there soon.
A shoreline view at Memorial Lake # 3 looking directly at Ribbon Peak. The monument is close now.
I am making my final approach up the scree slope to join Ken at the Memorial Cairn.
The Memorial Cairn lies majestically in honour of those who heroically gave their lives in June of 1986. These lakes were named, and this monument was erected for them, in September of 1986.
Ken and I spend quite a bit of time here. The Memorial Cairn is perched on a scree rise on the north side of Memorial Lake # 3 which is near the edge of a steep cliff face looking directly down on Memorial Lake # 1. The surroundings are nothing short of spectacular. The sun is warm. The air is calm. It is a beautiful and peaceful place.
A view of Memorial Lake # 1 from the edge of the cliff face near the Memorial Cairn.
Mount Allan is the rusty colored summit in the background of the picture above. Centennial Ridge leads up to it and we see evidence of the Rock Garden along the ridge. It is time to make our way back. I tuck a summit stone underneath the base of the Memorial Cairn. We continue counterclockwise around the shore of Memorial Lake # 3 as the sun begins to dip below the summit of Mount Bogart.
A bit further along the ridge, another view of Memorial lake # 1 unfolds far below.
Looking back at the peninsula in Memorial Lake # 3 with Bogart Tower in the background.
A final look back at Memorial Lake # 3 as we make our way over the lower ridge to the meadow and the down scramble
Looking back across the meadow from the top of the scramble as sun drenches the top of Mount Bogart.
It is always easier to find a down route than it is to find an up-route on steep terrain. At the top of the scramble, we have an outstanding view of Memorial Lake # 2, now in shadow. We follow the trail in the meadow to find a better route down than the one we ascended. Like the scramble up, it is an easy scramble with brief moments requiring full attention. We carefully work our way down the steep slope to safer ground.
From the top of the scramble, Memorial Lake is clearly visible in shadow below.
Part way down the scramble, Memorial Lake lies stunningly beautiful below us.
A view from the bottom of the scramble route we have negotiated to get to Memorial Lake # 3
Ken arrives at the bottom of the scramble. All day he has been placing route marking tape to aid those who follow.
We make out way through scree and talus, past Memorial Lake # 2 on a higher and better route over scree, to the steep descent past the waterfall and multiple stream crossings until we are back to Memorial Lake # 1. Following a few minutes of rest and relaxation for weary legs, Ken and I carefully make our way down the rustic trail along North Ribbon Creek. Light is lower now and photographs of beautiful tributary streams are difficult to capture.
Descent from Memorial Lake # 2 past the tumbling waterfall to the first and lowest Memorial Lake.
From the shore of Memorial Lake # 1, we look up at the ridge between Bogart Tower and Ribbon Peak. Memorial Lake # 3 is on the other side of that ridge but we cannot see the Memorial Cairn from this specific position.
This absolutely beautiful stream crossing is typical of many tributaries which feed North Ribbon Creek.
There are tricky sections of trail which require extra caution on very tired legs as we descend to the Ribbon Creek trail and the welcome 3.4 KM (2.1 mile) flat walk, along good road, back to the trailhead. As we approach the end of the hike, light is dwindling rapidly and the setting sun creeps its way up surrounding mountains.
Tired legs are more cautious on compromising sections of trail.
On the final stretch – the mountains behind the Ribbon Creek parking area are a welcome sight.
Very near the end, sunlight touches the tips of nearby mountains.
At the parking lot, we have had enough, but our spirits are raised by a setting sun channelled through valley openings to illuminate one mountain directly in our field of vision as we arrive back at the Ribbon Creek parking area at 8:30 PM. Many different trails begin from the Ribbon Creek trailhead. There are a couple of cars remaining in the parking area. All day we have seen no other person. We owned the Memorial Lakes this day. It was special. We are privileged.
As I prepare this article, several days after the hike, I receive a post authored by DSD who writes a blog about the spiritual power of the wilderness. The content in this very thought-provoking post is called ‘Descending Thoughts’ and I recommend you take the time to read it. It is relevant to our descent from Memorial Lake # 3. Those who have spent a lot of time with nature, specifically on water or mountains, will relate closely to the power of the experience.
Well, if you have made it this far, congratulations! I admire your tenacity. You may have what it takes to hike Memorial Lakes. At more than 2,700 words, wrapped around an unprecedented 56 representative photographs chosen from hundreds, it breaks all the rules for the size of an individual post. This initiative was important to me. There is a powerful story here about a significant event in the history of Kananaskis Country. I believe this memorial cairn is a fine tribute, situated in an incredibly beautiful place amongst pristine, alpine lakes named specifically to honor lives lost.
I also have an issue with it. There were thirteen lives lost nearby in June of 1986. These heroic and tragic events affected the lives of families, friends and acquaintances. Additionally, there are hundreds of other people who participated in the search and rescue operations. In total, there are thousands of people who were affected and undoubtedly there is some significant percentage who would like to pay their respect. They may not be able to do so. The Memorial Cairn is very difficult to access and only possible for a short time each year. I do not know why this specific location was chosen. I am sure it was well thought out. It seems to me the memorial has been, certainly unintentionally, only partially completed. Perhaps I am being too critical. I would, however, make the following recommendations. First, leave the current Memorial Cairn at Memorial Lake # 3 exactly as it is. Trail marking, signage and ongoing maintenance is required to provide safe access and risk reduction for those who are able to hike into this historic location. Second, create two new, identical cairns. Place one at, or near, the Ribbon Creek parking area. Place the other at an easily accessible location near the base of Cox Hill. Accompany each of them with interpretive plaques, outlining the story. Certainly a lot was learned from this tragic series of events, albeit at unreasonable expense. To remember is a point of respect and a measure of preventing reoccurrence.
‘Hush now little baby, don’t you cry’.
Thank you, Ken. You remain a true friend and, once again, we have faced adversity and triumphed together. I could not have done it alone.
When you have a moment, please read the inspiring story of the family hike to honour Ken Wolff. The link is:
Memorial Lakes Monument Epilogue – Kananaskis Country – Hiking Alberta
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Job well done my friend! I considered it an honour to have been asked and to accompany you on this excursion.
Some of the pictures certainly captured the difficulty of the hike especially between lake 2 and 3.
The weather could not have been better but I could not take the chance of doing it solo. I could not have done it without you and I thank you for joining me. It was a difficult hike and it was challenging to choose photos that would allow others to share the experience if they cannot get there themselves. I am as satisfied as I can be that we did the best job we could. It was a very emotional experience for me. Thank you for your comment, Ken. Yosemite went well. Off to Writing-On-Stone this weekend. Later…
Wow! Spectacular post. The pictures are beautiful. This is definitely a hike I would like to do some day. Congrats to you and Ken on this accomplishment. It is a very sad but important story to be told. I agree, there should be a more accessible monument for people to see. Do you have any suggestions on where I could write, to express this point? Glad you and Ken were able to do this together.
The ill-fated search and rescue mission to locate Orval Pall and Ken Wolff took place more than 25 years ago. Alberta has one of the finest search and rescue teams in the world and they are kept busy throughout the year within the incredible wilderness terrain we enjoy. Three important initiatives would be accomplished by keeping the June, 1986 incidents current in the mind of present and future generations. First, the people who heroically gave their lives deserve to be honoured and remembered. Second, by telling this story at two popular Alberta hiking destinations, it will remind hikers of the respect they should practise to keep themselves safe in the wilderness. And finally, it showcases the outstanding efforts made by search and rescue professionals and the risks they assume to help people, often in self-imposed distress. Lessons learned in 1986 are at work today. The contribution created by tragedy deserves to be perpetually acknowledged, in my humble opinion. I would suggest that contacting the Office of the Alberta Premier would be a place to start. Email and Twitter are great mediums to politely express an opinion. Contact information can be found at the Alberta Government Website.. Thank you for your comment, Bill. Much appreciated.
Beautiful photos as always Barry, made even more special by the significance of the memorial. Glad to see you’ve had a good summer with lots of hiking.
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Thank you for your comment, Laurel. It is always good to hear from you. I know you had a very busy summer as well but only one of us got married. Congratulations! It has been an honour for me to contribute to the Memorial Lakes initiative. It has been close to my heart since I learned about it many years ago and it is very satisfying to complete the mission. I am especially privileged to have partners who, I hope, can visualize the hike through the lense of my camera. My hiking partner, Ken, did a presentation on his Facebook page for the hike we completed together.
Wonderful post Barry! I think it needed the wholeness of length and the many images too. There is a story within a story to your post, of both past & present, as well as remembrance and respect… I’m very glad that my post after resonated with you, and that passing forward a little cobblestone became part of those moments. We are lucky too that we both have friends like Ken in our lives out there. Having the journey to yourselves that day was both fitting and a bit of serendipity…
DSD
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Thank you for your supportive comments, D. The hike to Memorial Lakes will always be a distinctly memorable event in my life, and only a microcosm of those affected so deeply by the events of June, 1986. I am privileged to share the journey.
Barry – I am glad to see that you finally made this trek. I, too, would like to make this trek one day. The photos not only paint a picture of the challenge, but also bring a bit of closure. It is a magnificient cairn, and I agree, there should be two more as you have suggested.
As I mentioned in your previous story on Memorial Lakes, I took part in the search for Orvall and Ken in June 1986. It was a powerfully emotional time – so many lost in a noble cause. All who took part in the search should be proud of their efforts. All those who were lost should not be forgotten.
I hope you are able to make the opportunity to visit the cairn. I believe the hike will be very meaningful for you. This series of events is significant in the history of Kananaskis Country and Alberta. I appreciate you, as a participant, supporting my suggestion that more should be done in remembrance. Good to hear from you again, Eric. If I can be of any assistance with your plan to do the Memorial Lakes hike, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for sharing your pictures and the story of the loss of so many people. It gives me peace knowing that my brother’s (Hayden Evans) spirit in soaring in such a beautiful, beautiful place.
It is a very beautiful and peaceful place where eagles soar and majestic mountains tower above. Thank you for your comment, Rosanne.
Thank you so much Barry for these beautiful pictures of the hike. Ken Wolff was my uncle, but I never had the opportunity to meet him. He was only a few years older than my Dad and because of that I have heard many stories about him and have always wished I could have met him. For a few years I have had this dream of seeing Uncle Kenny’s Memorial and until I stumbled across your blog I didn’t know if it would happen. These pictures have inspired me to climb up next summer to see the Memorial. My Dad, the youngest of Ken’s family), my brother and I, and hopefully many other neices and nephews will tackle this. It is one way for us to pay our respects to him. Thanks once again Barry for inspiring my family and myself to do this!
You are most welcome, Clare. It was a very moving experience for Ken and I. Our successful hike was my third attempt to get to the Memorial. There is a fairly short window of practical opportunity. I believe you will get there and when you do it will be one of the greatest and most memorable moments of your life. There is no doubt in my mind. It is an incredibly beautiful and powerful place and it may be a life changing experience in the most positive way. The mountains are permanent and humbling. It is a difficult and challenging hike. Stay safe. I wish you well on your endeavour. Thank you for your comment, Clare. Much appreciated.
P.S. The circle of life is certain. To pass on in honorable pursuit is no less tragic than any other way. Over my life, I have spent more time with my father since his passing decades ago than I did when he was alive. To me, I miss him but to me he is still quite alive. I do not attend funerals any more – haven’t for years. It is a very awkward situation for me. In lieu, I show my respect to an important person in my life, who has lost their physical presence, by taking a laminated photo to the top of a mountain and building a cairn around it. I get them as close to God as I can. Then I sit and take time to mourn and reflect prior to descent. An example of this is a hike my Son, my Daughter-in-Law and I did in August of 2009 to honour a number of lifes of people important to us who had recently forfeited there physical presence. The cairns were created in high wind conditions at the summit of Mount Allan in Kananaskis Country . On our descent, we were high above the Memorial Lakes which were clearly visible at the base of Mount Lougheed and beside Ribbon Peak.
May I suggest you take a laminated photograph of your Uncle Ken with you on your hike. You can place a note inside the laminated pouch as well. You will gain a great gift by visiting the Memorial site. I believe you will find it very spiritual to leave something behind. Just a suggestion. Your call.
Hi Barry
My daughter Clare has passed this on to me, and she has told me that she has been in touch with you. The idea of hiking to Memorial Lakes has my interest and that of my family and I have forwarded this on to the rest of my family with the suggestion of attempting this on or around the last weekend in July.
I am the youngest of nine kids and Ken was the next older to me. That time back in 1986 was a very hard time on me and my family. Ken’s love was flying and he was happy to be able to do it for a living. Our Mom passed away in May of this year (2011), only three months from being 94. I will never forget the pain she went through back when these accidents happened.
Some of the events that stand out the most to me is that Ken’s plane went down on June 6 1986, or as I remember it as 666. I think that Orval Pall was tracking 13 Cougars and some long horn sheep that were wearing radio collars. They were keeping track of these animals because of the ski hill being developed for the winter Olympics. It took the searchers 13 days to finish the search in which 13 people died in these tragedies.
Thank you to everyone that helped search to find Ken and Orval. And thank you Barry for sharing these stories with everyone.
Doug
My sincere condolences to you and all of your family regarding the recent passing of your Mother. Thank you for adding substantial depth to this tragic event. The numbers six and thirteen are related in an interesting comparison I have not heard before. To the best of my knowledge I am not an advocate of horoscopes or numerology but it might be interesting to add that I was born on June 13.
The last week in July is likely within the season window. Nothing is completely certain in the mountains. You will need to hike on a fair weather day and maximize the availability and use of the daylight window. You can stage the hike in four sections and apply some discipline to each. Example. The first stage – trailhead at Ribbon Creek to cutoff at North Ribbon Creek – flat – 3.4 KM – easy – max time to complete 1 hour. Second stage – North Ribbon Creek past Falls to Memorial Lake # 1 etc. If you have any military experience, it’s like that. It is a difficult hike. You need to be in good shape and well equipped. It can be done and it will be an intensely rewarding experience with potentially a measure of closure. I suggest you perform a few ramp-up hikes prior to this one. It is not a cake walk and there is a good measure of risk which can be managed with common sense. The achievement is significant.
Regarding my reply to your Daughter Clare’s comment, may I suggest you take a laminated photo of your Mother with you as well. Just a thought but if you have a great photo of her from around 1986 and another towards the end of her circle of physical presence, maybe take two laminated photos. Best wishes on your mission. I will be cheering for you.
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I would just like to Thank you! Thank you for doing this hike, for posting these pictures, for telling me how difficult this hike would be. I can honestly say that without your advice and knowledge in this hike I would not have been able to do it. I am so happy to tell you that July 28, 2012, 26 of Ken Wolff’s family started out on this hike. Throughout the hike people turned back because it became too difficult or too long. However, 6 of us made it to the top. Six people that do not live in the mountains! 4 of us were from the prairies! My Uncle Greg who was a couple years older than Kenny made it as well as my Dad, who was the only brother that was younger than Uncle Ken. In addition, my cousin and his son, my brother, and myself completed the hike. We ranged in ages of 9 to 57. It was difficult, but worth it!
We spent quite a bit of time at the top as various other family members rented a helicopter and did a fly by of the lakes. They could barely see us up there but were happy to see that we made it. It took about 8 hours in total. It was the most challenging thing I have done, but the experience cannot be described.
I can’t seem to post any pictures of us at the top, but if you would like to see them please just let me know!
Thanks again, we could not have done this without you!
Bravo! You have achieved your goal in an outstanding manner and honoured the memory of Ken Wolff. The hike to the Memorial Cairn is not an easy hike. I have received your photos. Your pictures bring back many memories from the past which are germane to what you and your family have achieved There is more I would like to say about your very successful mission but I shall do that in a separate post. You may need to be a bit patience because there are stories in the queue currently underway and I will be leaving soon to hike in Waterton Lakes National Park for a few days. So much to do: so little time.
Although I was not aware you were doing your hike to honour your family on July 28, you may be interested in knowing that two days after your hike, I was sitting at the top of South Buller Pass in Kananaskis Country. The incredible view included Ribbon Lake at the bottom of the bowl, backed by the dual peaks of massive Mount Kidd behind. Mount Bogart is to my left, in the distance, where you were at the base enjoying the wonders of Memorial Lakes tucked between Ribbon Peak and Bogart Tower. More importantly, I was directly across from Guinn’s Pass and I spent some time thinking about Orval Pall and your Uncle Ken.
Congratulations! You have earned the right to be very proud of your accomplishment and there is no doubt in my mind that, in years to come, you will look back on this achievement, understand its significance, and realize it changed your life forever in a very positive way. Good job! Well done!
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