I visited the Mistaya River Canyon this summer.  The hike in is not very long.  Beautiful little Calypso orchids added a splash of color amidst the green forest floor on either side of the trail.  As I approached the canyon, I could hear the roar of the rushing water.

I've visited the area previously and try to get back at least once a year because it is so scenic.  When the trail reaches the canyon, you can see the snowy peaks in the distance, the powerful river that flows into the canyon and the deeply carved canyon walls.

There is ample room to stand on the boulders before the river drops off into the canyon.  It is a wonderful spot to watch the power of the water and to feel the fresh, cool spray.  The sound of the water can be deafening.

Bright green moss covers the upper boulders and spindly evergreen trees 
grow from cracks between the rocks.  It is truly remarkable how these trees are able to sustain themselves.  The canyon walls are layered and craggy.  When you look up you can see tall trees on either side.  Chipmunks and squirrels run along the downed trees; all the while chattering at hikers as they protect their middens.

A trail runs along the upper ridge.  It weaves through the forest and eventually reaches the Waterfowl Lakes campground.   I've camped there only once and would love to try it again.  It will be on my list for next year.

This is the perfect spot to view Mother Nature at her finest.

 

Road Trip! - Flora

The ditches along the David Thompson highway are carpeted in yellow; especially west of Nordegg.  The dandelions are creating a tasty buffet for the black bears in the area.  I must admit, the yellow blooms did look lovely against the many shades of green in the forest.  When the dandelions are in my lawn, I'm afraid I cannot say the same thing.

My first glimpse of more spring wildflowers occurred at Landslide Lake.  There were bunches of Three-flowered Avens.  The tiny pink flowers grew amidst the tall green grass. 

I found a patch of them with wild geraniums alongside the walking trail. 




 
On the north side of a large boulder, some delicate Northern Bog Violets were hiding from the sun.  The purple and bright green contrasted beautifully against the grey rock.  It is amazing how such fragile flowers can grow in that hard, rocky soil.




The wild strawberry plants were in bloom.  Field chickweed blossoms were interspersed with them.  The fireweed plants were only about 8 inches tall and still growing.  There are abundant so there will be a sea of purple when they are in finally in bloom.

 

From Landslide Lake, we traveled to the Mistaya River Canyon.  There is a bit of a downhill hike to get to the gorge.  On the mossy banks beside the trail, the Calypso Orchids were in bloom.  Numerous patches of them could be seen all the way to the bottom.  Their delicate little flowers added a punch of color to moss carpet.

A downpour forced us to shorten our stay in the canyon.  I've been there before and knew that there used to be violets growing in rock crevices; in the tiniest bits of soil.  

I guess I will use the fact that I did not see the violets as an excuse to come back again.  I will never tire of visiting this area.  The freshness, the smells, the peacefulness and the beauty draws me back each year; even if it is just a day trip.