Hiking Lake Oesa

Another hike from the Lake O’Hara area. The hiking trails are extensive and varied and the surrounding high mountains are simply incredible. As such, it has become a very popular destination as a result of its exclusivity. Here are a few photo’s of our hike into Lake Oesa.

Lake Oesa Trail Length : 3.2 km one way : Elevation Gain : 240 metres

The trail begins on the Lake O’Hara Shoreline Trail near the eastern end of the lake and ascends a number of switchbacks to the top of a cliff at the end of the lake. Above the cliff, cross wide talus and scree slopes swept clear by avalanches every year. After passing through a stunted forest, climb over several steep, rocky outcrops on stone steps built by Lawrence Grassi. Just past the top of the steps is the trailhead for the Yukness Ledge Alpine Route , and Lake Victoria. The Lake Oesa Trail continues from this junction through delicate meadows enclosed by copper-coloured quartzite cliffs and at several points along the way, tiny pools of Oesa Creek are visible below to the right. Finally, after climbing to the top of a short grassy slope, the trail passes through a trough cut in solid bedrock to the tilted rock slabs which contain Lake Oesa.

The start of the Lake Oesa hike from Lake O’Hara
Photo by J.Borno

Creek – trail enroute to Lake Oesa
Photo by J.Borno

Victoria Lake – enroute to Lake Oesa
Photo by J.Borno

Scenery enroute to Lake Oesa
Photo by J.Borno

Victoria Falls – enroute to Lake Oesa
Photo by J.Borno

On the trail to Lake Oesa and looking back to Lake O’Hara
Photo by J.Borno

Scenery from the trail – enroute to Lake Oesa
Photo by J.Borno

Lake Oesa
Photo by J.Borno