still Making Waves on top of the world: Waterton Lakes National Park May 21, 2026

This is what it looked like today when I went wandering in Waterton Lakes National Park.

Bears’s Hump

It is early season hiking in Waterton. Some of the trails have been cleared of downed trees. That wind storm a while back created a mess here. It is hard to imagine the work that needs to be done to clear the trails. From what I have seen so far, I wonder the time frame for when other trails will be cleared. For example, the Summit Lake trailhead is unrecognizable. All that being said, the Bear’s Hump trail had been cleared. I started my day hiking this short steep trail.

my app tells me this is a Dusky Grouse

Shortly after hitting the trail, I could see something on the summit. I zoomed in to see a Mountain Sheep checking me out. As I got closer, when I zoomed in, I could see it was settled down on the rocks. It appeared to be off to the side, so I felt I could still go to the summit. When I arrived at the summit, this Mountain Sheep along with three others stayed put.

my view from the Bear’s Hump Summit

looking down into the townsite

my summit selfies

lots to love

While enjoying my hot beverage….

…..three more Mountain Sheep came along! This is the best summit pose ever! They checked me out then stayed clear of me as they joined the other four. When they first came along, I got close to my gear, held my poles, had bear spray in easy reach, but they could have cared less about me.

Townsend’s Solitaire

male Mountain Bluebird

As I was descending, I met two solo hikers ascending. I warned them about the Mountain Sheep. Once I reached my vehicle, I threw my gear in the trunk and headed off for another trailhead.

Crandall Lake

Both trails into Crandall Lake had been cleared of downed trees. I opted for the route in from the Akamina Parkway. As with the Bear’s Hump trailhead, no other vehicles were in the Crandall Lake parking lot either. Clouds came and went, with more blue sky appearing as time went on.

Ruffed Grouse

many wildflowers lined the trail

Dark-eyed Junco

first view of Crandall Lake

Glacier Lily

my destination shot

I could see two ducks far out in the Lake. It was not until I zoomed in that I saw they were Loons. I settled on a log, stayed still and watched them for an extended time. They slowly came closer. This one is doing a morning stretch,

The Barrow’s Goldeneye pair watched the Loons from behind a few logs,

The two Common Loons came closer.

White-crowned Sparrow

view ahead as I was hiking back

When being extra vigilant, that’s when I notice things!

This deer was being vigilant too!

On the return hike, I met three ladies heading in and then a little later along came a couple dozen junior high students with two adults. I was happy to have had the Lake to myself. Feeling fulfilled from the two hikes I headed back to my home away from home to put my feet up for awhile.

Townsite

Once my feet had been up long enough, I went out for a stroll around the townsite. The deer are seeking shelter from the warm sun. There was a cool breeze by the lake.