Under reposting…

If you go in to the Assiniboine area, there are 3-4 main dayhikes.   The way in and back out can take 1-2 days each way.   We once went from Bryant Creek to Magog Lake once, then out through Og Meadows, Valley of the Rocks, Simpson River, Citadel Pass, and Sunshine Meadows,  a total of 48km.   We did this on a long day’s run, but backpackers can do this in 3-4 days.    Backpacking straight through means skipping some beautiful hikes in the core area, especially Wonder Pass, the Nub, and the lakes trails.   Using Magog Lake as a base camp means doing some rewarding dayhikes each day, one of which is out to Og Lake and back.

Og Lake sits at the western end of Og Meadows, an open pass between mountains stretching from Valley of the Rocks to Assiniboine Pass.   From Lake Magog, the trail winds through forest, then through a rocky gorge and emerges into the meadows.   The route is open, with rock outcrops scattered through these wide meadows.   Follow the trail along Og Creek under the north slopes of the Nub.   At 5.5 km, arrive at the edge of Og Lake.   A backcountry campground sits at the western end of the lake.   Beyond is Valley of the Rocks and the route down to the Simpson River.

The lakeshore is an ideal place for lunch and quiet contemplation or exploration.    Wildflowers dot the meadows.   Pikas squeak from among the outcrops.    Og Mountain and Cave Mountain stand above the north side of the valley.   The campground seemed to be a very inviting location in the good weather while we were there.

Our return trip was an easy 11km, and easy day of hiking.   We chose to explore the shores of Lake Magog when we returned and treated ourselves to an afternoon swim, followed by tea at the lodge.