The Chester Lake trail is among the most popular in Kananaskis –
children can make this hike and the scenery at the lake is
terrific. Beyond Chester Lake you can explore Three Lakes Valley
(where this cache is located), reach Upper Chester Creek, climb the
Fortress or cross over to Headwall Lakes for your return trip. See
Trip 9 in “Where Locals Hike in the Canadian Rockies” by Kathy
& Craig Copeland for complete details of each of these options.
Follow the trail signage to Chester Lake. The first 2 km of the
trip can a little discouraging – a rocky trail following an old
logging road through regenerating clearcut, but it’s quickly behind
you. Once you’re into the mature forest, you’ll enjoy that
wonderful mountain / forest smell and then head into a gorgeous
meadow. Chester Lake is surrounded by mountains on 3 sides and is
absolutely crystal clear. Lots of anglers practice catch and
release in these waters.
At Chester Lake, follow the shoreline along the west side of the
lake and then head up into the larches at N 50 49.149 W 115 16.596.
After 5 or 10 minutes you will come to "Elephant Rocks". Kids (and
adults) might enjoy exploring these monoliths.
Once you’re done playing on the rocks, continue on the dirt
path. After about 5 minutes you’ll spot a stream-fed pond and the
trail curves right. Continue for another 10 minutes or so and you
should spot the first of the 3 tarns in Three Lakes Valley. There’s
a great spot to stop for lunch (see waypoint). If you’re really
energetic, you can certainly carry on to the 2nd and 3rd tarns, but
the cache is near the first tarn.
GPSR was showing cache location to within 4 meters. Cache
container is a 1 litre camo'd square lock ’n’ lock hidden in a
winter-friendly manner. Please take care when rehiding the cache to
ensure it stays winter accessible.
UPDATE: just realized we forgot to leave a pencil in the cache
when moving / re-sizing it on 11 Aug 07. Would the next finder
please remedy? Also, since the location has moved a little, anyone
who found it before Aug 07 is welcome to find it again and claim
another smiley!
Original cache contents include various hiking / camping /
geocaching-related items. Please stick to similar-type items for
trading. We’re hoping someone claims the FTF prize (a very nice
multi-tool and FTF card) before the snow flies!
