Hike to Gorse Lk
Sept. 27, 2024
Gorse Lk is located between Guthrie and Little Tarn. We have hiked into most of the lakes in this corner of the Park but had not seen Gorse. So on Sept. 27 we set off to Gorse Lk from the drive-in site on Basin Lk.
Gorse Lk -- east of Guthrie. Map courtesy of Maps by Jeff
Our route would take us along the east side of Basin Lk, and involve bushwhacking to a grown over logging road that goes in the direction of Guthrie, then turning north east and bushwhacking to the bottom of Guthrie and over to Gorse.
Our intended route in red
Starting out on the east side of Basin Lk at 7:15 AM
The 9th balloon we have come across during hikes in recent years. It would be interesting to know how far they have travelled before setting down in the Park.
On an overgrown trail headed toward Guthrie Lk.
In planning our route we made sure to stay to the north of this large pond.
We startled a deer -- a large doe -- as we made our way down to this south shore of Guthrie.
On Guthrie -- at the starting point of the first of two portages to Clover Lk.
Portage to "Pond"
Just east of the portage there is a lovely stream that flows into Guthrie.
Meadow above Guthrie; source of the stream.
Between Guthrie and Gorse there is a series of steep ridges descending to the lake.
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About half way across to Gorse we came across signs of an old logging road, identifiable by the cut into the side of the hill, running north-south. We followed this trail a short distance.
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Arrival at Gorse Lk -- around noon.
A few more pictures of the lake
In planning the hike we wondered if it might be possible to hike around the lake and over to Little Tarn. However, there is a large marshy area at the east end of the lake, partly visible in this image, that would have to be avoided. From there it is 1.07 km to Little Tarn. However, the amount of bushwhacking time it took us to get to Gorse meant that hiking to Little Tarn would have to be another time -- perhaps in the spring coming in from Upper Pine.
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Heading back we had enough time to stop and explore along the way.
Interesting lichen
Beavers had opened up this area making for a very striking setting.
The dam is about 9 ft in height from the base. Wouldn't want to be standing there if it gave way.
A short break by the stream near Guthrie Lk.
Back to Guthrie -- around 2 PM.
The rock face on the east side of Guthrie is visible in this image.
After several hours of bushwhacking it was good to get back on the trail along Basin Lake, and easier walking.
Surprised to find what looks like what was a bushcraft shelter along the lake. It appeared that around 75 small red and white pine trees had been cut down on the hillside for the poles used in making this structure.
We're back at the campsite on Basin Lk where we started the hike.
Basin Lake
Our route as tracked by the app we use.
Distance: 21 km. This was not one of our longer hikes, but the amount of bushwhacking involved made it one of the most tiring. In another year or two, at the rate some of the old trails are getting grown over, it will be very difficult to hike to Guthrie Lk from Basin.
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