Solo Overnight hike to Lake of the Horns - complete with bear encounter

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  • Опубликовано: 4 янв 2025

Комментарии • 99

  • @solojo928
    @solojo928 6 лет назад +10

    Hey Marty, have you read Stephen Herrero's book "Bear Attacks: Their Cause and Avoidance"? It lays out research that proves that bear bells are next to useless for alerting bears to our presence. Interestingly I have encountered hikers on the trail who have bear bells on their packs and I didn't even know they were there until they were right there in front of me. Your best defense is your voice, since it carries far better than bells. Wind and water of course will drown out most sounds, so be extra loud in these circumstances. I too have been hiking about 30 years (almost always solo) and before I read this book I had dozens and dozens of bear encounters. Since I started hollering to announce my presence a few years ago, I have SO FAR not had any face to face encounters. Of course, no methods are completely fool-proof. An acquaintance of mine was seriously injured in a grizzly attack in Kananaskis. It was later found that the sow was deaf, so she never heard him coming. Keep up the good work and never let anybody tell you it is stupid to hike alone. Yes, the risks are higher, but risks can be mitigated. There is no sport or lifestyle that is without risk. Unless one has traveled alone in the wilderness, they won't understand the appeal of this lifestyle. I get it, and I applaud you.

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  6 лет назад +3

      Thanks for the support. I'll look for that book. I got in the habit of just yelling out loud "Hey bear", a few years ago. The bell on Tikka is more for my sake, so I can find her quickly. The encounter on this video was a close one because I totally startled that bear. He took off down the path instead of at me. It's one of the rare instances where I was nervous (but I still had the reflex of filming). My hiking 101 video has a section on risk mitigation, where I explain to people that bears and water-born bacteria are nit actually big risks. I try to blow-off the haters, but some days they get under my skin. Specifically the lady who criticized me for controlling my dogs rather than treating them as equals. This social experiment (RUclips) has been amazingly rewarding. 99.5% of the comments are overwhelmingly positive and encouraging.

    • @gkling33
      @gkling33 5 лет назад +1

      Love me some Tikka!

  • @CarlinDoeksen
    @CarlinDoeksen 3 года назад +2

    Marty, your work on RUclips is just a wealth of learning for those of us taking up the lifestyle and planning for these destinations. Another great one. Thanks, as always.

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  3 года назад +1

      When you're in the area, make sure you visit the Weary gap. Also, Lake of the Horns gets its name from the abundance of Horn Coral fossils in the area. Look for some on the slopes near the lake.

    • @CarlinDoeksen
      @CarlinDoeksen 3 года назад

      @@Martyupnorth Thanks, I will for sure!

  • @saltyprior10
    @saltyprior10 8 лет назад +1

    Thanks Marty for motivating me to get off the beaten path. 🤗

  • @ColemanOutdoors
    @ColemanOutdoors 5 лет назад +1

    Yeah...I'm back because I'm nostalgic and I never grow tired of watching. This was a great trip.

  • @FullSpectrumSurvival
    @FullSpectrumSurvival 8 лет назад

    enjoyed this my friend. particularly the prep work.

  • @13prevailbushcraft
    @13prevailbushcraft 8 лет назад

    Another great video Marty. Thanks for taking us along.

  • @bcal5962
    @bcal5962 8 лет назад +1

    Hey Marty! Very impressive trip. The reason I like this one so much is because the Highwood Pass is a area that I have wanting to spend more time hiking in but have not yet. The way that I learned about the area is cycling the Highwood Pass every spring after a friend showed me a few years ago. The highway is closed to traffic from Dec 15 - June 15 - usually come May the highway is clear of snow. We usually start at the juntion of Highway 40 and Highway 940 where the gate is and cycle to the actual Highwood Pass immediately north of Mist Mountain. We cycle right past where you hike started and continue north. Its about 35 Km from the gate to the pass - a very strenous road ride but a great way to get in shape in the spring! Also Marty FYI Andrew Niguara in his book "More Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies" has scrambled virtually all the peaks in the area that you were in - very interesting book to learn more about the summits in the area.

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +1

      I'll have to look for that book. I actually know the area quite well because I used to live in DeWinton, south of Calgary. I hunt elk along that corridor every few years, so I've walked many peaks and valleys in the area. This last trip was just an attempt to reach deeper into this wilderness, and I'm glad I did it. I like day hikes, but my real passion is long distance overnight. This area offers plenty of both.
      P.S. I passed 500+ cyclists on my way past Bragg Creek this past weekend. They were all doing the Enbridge Ride for Cancer. Good on them and on Enbridge.

    • @bcal5962
      @bcal5962 8 лет назад

      I was one of those riders!

  • @chad588
    @chad588 8 лет назад

    Yet another great video. Always get excited when I see you have posted another overnight trip video. Keep them coming! We are hitting up Tombstone (just down HWY 40) this weekend and this video has got me really excited to go.

  • @minkos61
    @minkos61 8 лет назад

    Another awesome solo Marty thanks for sharing .
    Ernie

  • @frase32
    @frase32 8 лет назад

    Marty, I look forward to all of your videos. And this did not disappoint. Thank you so much for this amazing content!

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +1

      This part of the park has so many options. I'll be returning for sure.

  • @petergibson4539
    @petergibson4539 7 лет назад +2

    Excellent iPhone video Marty. Kana ask is has been my "stomping grounds" since I was a kid...a long time ago. Can't get out as much as I use to, so I really enjoy going vicariously through your videos. Lots of good advice on planning and common sense advice. Thanks for doing these videos, really enjoy them!

  • @steveforsythe9264
    @steveforsythe9264 8 лет назад

    Awesome video Marty! Thanks for sharing your adventure!!

  • @filmic1
    @filmic1 8 лет назад

    Great video, again, Marty.... ! thanks..

  • @nickharland3795
    @nickharland3795 8 лет назад

    Great backpacking trip. Yeah definitely bear territory. That is a beautiful lake up there, looks like a fantastic place to camp. Too bad out the clouds. Saw my first bear while hiking earlier this year, small black bear. Sure makes the heart race.

  • @gregoryshaw6275
    @gregoryshaw6275 8 лет назад

    Thanks for another video Marty. I really enjoy the trips with you. I would love to take one of my dogs, but all my hikes are national parks and they are barred from entry. I enjoy yours vicariously!
    I am far away (Zimbabwe) but just had my own peak views obscured by clouds on Tuesday (Binga, border Zimbabwe/Mozambique) and can empathise.
    Looking forward to the next post.

  • @gregoryjeane350
    @gregoryjeane350 8 лет назад

    Great video, Marty. I so enjoy your hikes, feel like I am walking with you. What a treat to "walk" with you through this stunningly beautiful country. As a geographer, I love every minute of it.

  • @TomsBackwoods
    @TomsBackwoods 8 лет назад

    Great outing! Awesome you got to see a bear! Loved the lake and views! Thanks for sharing!

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад

      Thanks. I was a little disappointed that the clouds moved in so thick. That is the thing about mountain weather. One really good thing is that our park system is doing a really good job of preserving these areas. I can rest assured knowing that if I go back in 30 years it will still look the same. It really is like stepping back in time.

  • @meawoodsman8321
    @meawoodsman8321 8 лет назад

    It was very enjoyable to watch. I don't know how you can get comfortable sleeping with all those brown bear around. I'd be sitting up all night keeping a watch.

  • @shcmoly
    @shcmoly 8 лет назад

    That's one beautiful lake. I have seen alot of bear crap on trails too.

  • @jeffbone8475
    @jeffbone8475 8 лет назад

    Awesome!! I wanna go there. Good to see that the bear took off in the right direction...away from you!! I will take some gopro of Lillian and Galatea Lakes to share with you this weekend.

  • @lastadolkgGM
    @lastadolkgGM 8 лет назад

    Amazing video Marty! Tikka is clever and a sweet dog :)

  • @fisheyeguy
    @fisheyeguy 5 лет назад +1

    Up early this morning, and had a chance to enjoy another one of your videos. Man what views you get to see! The tutorial about your map and GPS is very informative.

  • @blakedoyle8291
    @blakedoyle8291 8 лет назад

    Keep doing what your doing Marty! Your doing a great job. These vids always get me excited to get out there and treck the land. Hope to see some more vids soon

  • @Chevy-hw6lw
    @Chevy-hw6lw 8 лет назад +1

    I have to say I think one of my favorite parts of watching your vids is when you scoop up water and drink straight ! Can't do that where I hike, I'm jealous. You gotta keep doing that at least once per video . I'm gonna call it the Marty Scoop.

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +4

      I get so many comments from viewers who say the opposite. They try to convince me that I'm taking too much of a risk. Of course I always disagree. The water in the high mountains is so pure. Being able to drink directly from a creek is real evidence that the parks are still clean. It really gives me the feeling of stepping back in time when I can do that.

  • @RyanTheWebGuy
    @RyanTheWebGuy 8 лет назад

    I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for making them for us!

  • @michaelshepardson
    @michaelshepardson 8 лет назад

    Man I remember as a kid going to missanabi lake as a kid. Fishing exploring a couple islands Indian paintings and as you say the history down lake 10 miles and hiking back to old logging camps with pues and old stores (chicken wire seperating the stores etc). Nice area. Spend at least 13 years of my childhood going there. Only one campground. Except camping in the bush or on an island. I could go on and on.., my parents have both passed away now but want to get back there with my knowledge they instilled in us

  • @jackgti
    @jackgti 8 лет назад

    Enjoyed your video!

  • @worldcup88
    @worldcup88 8 лет назад

    Beautiful! Glad you had your bear spray just in case.

  • @prooney007
    @prooney007 8 лет назад

    awesome as always

  • @shawnyork9065
    @shawnyork9065 8 лет назад +1

    I spent some time there in the early 90's and camped right beside the beaver dams. We caught and ate Cutthroat trout (legal then ) out of the creek, Never made it up the lake but I know its stocked.

  • @yanlap2183
    @yanlap2183 8 лет назад

    Vraiment ce lac.Ça doit être stressant de rencontrer un ours avec le chien car tu ne contrôle pas la réaction du chien ni de l'ours! merci pour le vidéo, toujours un plaisir à regarder.

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад

      Oui. Vous pouvez voir et sentir le stress et l'excitation dans ma voix. A la fin tout allait bien. Merci pour les commentaires.

  • @markgieljoumie
    @markgieljoumie 7 лет назад

    I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of watching. Thanks for posting such great videos. I'm hoping to out into the Cederberg mountains here in Cape Town in a few months. It's full on leopard country and they are very quiet stalking cats. Luckily we are allowed to carry guns in South Africa, but I'll sure be taking some pepper spray with me also.

  • @filmic1
    @filmic1 7 лет назад

    Cool, PineMarten does the same routing in Ontario. Beautiful, Marty! 'going up is a choice getting back down is imperative.' I heard said.

  • @allwetterknifewanderer7389
    @allwetterknifewanderer7389 8 лет назад

    Hey Marty like your Videos great Pictures wonderfull Landscape Many Greetings from the German Forest ☺ Allwetterknife .

  • @allwetterknifewanderer7389
    @allwetterknifewanderer7389 8 лет назад +1

    P.S Don't forget to give Tika a Large Bone for crosing the River and climbing the Mountain is a brave Dog ☺

  • @alexandremarier7151
    @alexandremarier7151 8 лет назад

    Bonjour Martin tes video son excellent meme avec un iphone 😊 Je suis un futur Papa et j'adore t video avec ta famille j'espère en faire autend 😁 continue a publier t aventure .Merci Alex

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад

      C'est toujours un plaisir de recevoir des commentaires de mes fans francophones. Félicitations pour devenir bientôt un père. J'aime faire des choses avec mes enfants, et les regarder apprendre. J'espère que vous avez remarqué que j''ai fait un vidéo en français plus tôt cet été. Merci de votre soutien.

  • @FullCircleOutdoors414
    @FullCircleOutdoors414 8 лет назад

    Hey Marty, I'm a new subb to your channel and I think it's great! I have yet to do my first solo wild camp and planning one soon. You're definitely a inspiration! Thanks for sharing your awesome adventure!
    Atb
    Jenn 😆

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад

      Thanks and good luck with your own adevntures. Feel free to ask me anything about hiking and the outdoors.

  • @jdortonjanice
    @jdortonjanice 8 лет назад

    At 9:32, the only thing I can think of is from Giorgio A. Tsoukalos: "I'm not saying it's aliens, but it's aliens". ;-) Just couldn't pass it up. Love your adventures.

  • @HarlanFox--Scrambles
    @HarlanFox--Scrambles 7 лет назад

    Great videos Marty! Haven't done this one but I only live a couple hours away. I have Lake Carnavon/Mt. Strachan in Kananaskis on my list for this year. Gave you a sub.
    All of my videos are from the Lake Louise, Kananaskis, David Thompson and Banff areas. I trip report all my scrambles and hikes. Anyways great finish to your videos. Look forward to some more!

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  7 лет назад +1

      Thanks Harlan, we hike the same areas so I've watched several of your videos as well (and subbed). Carnavon is on my list for this summer. My big trip is a 200 km journey along the South Boundary in Jasper. Cheers.

    • @HarlanFox--Scrambles
      @HarlanFox--Scrambles 7 лет назад

      Thats a big one. Wow! Haven't done the Jasper area yet. Still plenty to climb closer to Red Deer where I live. Maybe see you out there one day. Take care!

  • @adkkev
    @adkkev 8 лет назад

    Great video Marty!! How chilly was it up by the lake?? And that sign about tents, etc., does that mean that hammock camping is prohibited? Although I suppose after a certain elevation there wouldn't be much in the way of substantial trees to hang your hammock from!

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад

      It was actually fairly warm by the lake itself. It's almost perfectly enclosed on 3 sides. If the wind had been different it would have been colder. I still didn't want to spend too long up there, just no place to hide if it turned really ugly. Definitely no place to hang a hammock. There was evidence of a campsite just 200 m lower. As far as I know, there are no rules yet preventing the use of hammocks. Are you seeing any rules?

  • @jadanwong5801
    @jadanwong5801 2 года назад +1

    Hey, looking to camp on this trail. Can you provide the coordinates where you set up your camp?
    Also, is this on crown land?

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  2 года назад +2

      Here is a link to my itinerary and a track that can be uploaded on a GPS. The trail is extremely well used, so a GPS is not necessary.
      caltopo.com/m/JR13
      The first 8 km of the trail is on crown land, in what is designated as a public land use zone. The lake itself is inside a wildland provincial park called Don Getty. Wildland provincial parks are established under the Provincial Parks Act to "preserve and protect natural heritage and provide opportunities for backcountry recreation". "Wildland provincial parks are large, undeveloped natural landscapes that retain their primeval character." Wildland Parks are more remote and offer more difficult access than Provincial Parks. In addition, recreational activities are more limited to minimize visitor impacts on the natural environment. You don't need a permit to camp inside the WPP, but you need a permit to park a vehicle in Kananaskis.

    • @jadanwong5801
      @jadanwong5801 2 года назад

      @@Martyupnorth Perfect, thank you!

  • @jameshunt1221
    @jameshunt1221 7 лет назад +1

    How did you get around the bear? My bear spray advertises 30 feet , but has a ten foot spray. I carry two cowbells and a foot long hunting knife.

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  7 лет назад +2

      That bear didn't hang around. It took off as soon as it got up on its hind legs and got a whiff of me.

  • @SadraMonfared
    @SadraMonfared 8 лет назад

    Hi Marty, Great video as always. I read somewhere that it is not safe to have your dog off-leash especially during bear season. The argument was that dogs get cased by bears and run towards you for help. What is your thoughts on that? and what a year it has been for bear activities in AB....and mosquitos of course. Cheers from Edmonton.

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +1

      I would say that really depends on the dog, how well the dog is trained and how familiar your dog is with the outdoors. We live in the country and our dogs see moose, deer, coyotes, foxes and porcupines all the time. I prefer having Tikka off leash, so she can be an early warning. She will normally bark at other animals until they challenge her. If she's challenged she only retreats as far as she needs to go. She doesn't automatically run to me. I once saw her being chased by a moose and she did exactly what people do in that situation, she just ran in whatever direction would get her out of trouble. She wasn't looking for me, she was just trying to save herself. I've heard many stories of brave dogs who actually defend their masters. I always put Tikka on a leash when we are close to other people. Good question. Thanks for watching.

  • @dkhcando
    @dkhcando 7 лет назад

    Always some interesting new content in each video, thanks for showing some of your navigation methods. I am motivated to try this one, I grew up camping around Cat Creek down below. Since you go into remote areas, often alone, have you looked into these communicator GPS devices?

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  7 лет назад

      Thanks. You meant the Garmin-Rhino type radio/GPS. We use those snowmobiling. If you meant the "Spot" type that just sends an e-mail stating you're OK, no I have not. I just file a travel plan with the park service or with family.

    • @dkhcando
      @dkhcando 7 лет назад

      Yeah I was thinking of Garmin (former DeLorme) to be able to text messages, call for help if needed. The travel plan seems crucial, too.

  • @Trevor.Morrice
    @Trevor.Morrice 8 лет назад

    from my mapping tool that lake is in elbow sheep wildland park not don getty! either way always good to get out :)

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +2

      Sorry, but look again. Lake of the Horns is tucked between Mount McPhail and Mount Bishop on the Alberta-BC border, so it is totally inside Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park. Elbow Sheet is further North and East. Don Getty park is a bunch of scattered little chucks of land. I guess by the time Premier Getty retired all the good land was already set aside. We just pieced together a few parcels for him. I wonder what we will set aside for Ralph Klein. As far as I am concerned, when Rachel Notley gets the boot in a few years we can name a sewage treatment plant after her, or a landfill somewhere near Edmonton.

    • @Trevor.Morrice
      @Trevor.Morrice 8 лет назад

      i64.tinypic.com/33fc9wk.jpg the darker polygon is the don getty border from my understanding

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад

      +buddy mo this image is confusing. Just lookup the Don Getty park official website. I also know from a park boundary marker I saw on the trail

  • @lastadolkgGM
    @lastadolkgGM 8 лет назад

    I'm still watching the whole video, but have you tried getting tracks on wikilocs?

  • @voges14
    @voges14 7 лет назад +1

    Sorry if I missed it but are you in an actual campground or just random camping there? Also what do you use for a pack when your just exploring on your multi day hikes? Meaning if you wanted to do a small side trip and needed to carry a few things with you. Thanks

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  7 лет назад +1

      This is a random camping area south of Calgary. The top pouch of my pack disconnects and has a separate belt, so I use that for day trips.

  • @saraj9429
    @saraj9429 3 года назад

    Marty did you park overnight in the cat creek day use area? I want to do this trip and I am confused because the rules regarding parking

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  3 года назад

      That's where I parked for several of my trips. I believe the only thing that's changed in the last year is that now you need a pass to drive and park in Kananaskis.

  • @kendurham184
    @kendurham184 8 лет назад

    I was wondering why the nervousness about bears now. I ask u one time if u took a weapon and u said u didn't even take bear spray.

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +2

      Simple. My wife insisted on it, so I agreed to make her feel good. This video shows what can happen when people get a false sense of security. I think I got that false sense of security because I had a dog, a bell and some spray. With all that I let my guard down and had a near miss with a bear. It turned out good. Does it hurt to carry the spray? Probably not, so I carry it. Ultimately nothing beats being vigilant. A spray or a gun is a last resort.

  • @mindlab780ab6
    @mindlab780ab6 4 года назад

    I want a dog just like tikka . What is her breed type

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  4 года назад

      She's just a mutt. Part Border Collie, part Bluetick Hound. I like hiking dogs that are 50-60 lbs. She's a very nice dog,.

  • @royrogers7762
    @royrogers7762 6 лет назад

    You bought a bad compass bubbles

  • @jeffvazquez224
    @jeffvazquez224 8 лет назад

    Do you encounters bears often? Do you only bring bear spray, or do you have a firearm as well? Love the videos!!

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +1

      I've only encountered bears half a dozen times in 30 years of hiking. We're not allowed to carry firearms in Canada.

    • @fishinisgood8119
      @fishinisgood8119 6 лет назад

      Martyupnorth Your not allowed to carry firearms in Canada? Be a good idea to rephrase that!

  • @dankygreen6171
    @dankygreen6171 8 лет назад

    hey have you hiked abott pass before?

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад

      No I have not.

    • @dankygreen6171
      @dankygreen6171 8 лет назад

      Ok I'm loving the videos Alberta looks amazing!! Im traveling there at the start of next year for a 2 year working holiday from Australia and after watching your channel i can't wait. Thanks mate

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад

      You'll love it here. I hope you get to explore this great province and the rest of our country. Good luck.

    • @hansiperloff250
      @hansiperloff250 8 лет назад

      Marty plz upgrade to 720p HD

  • @lastminutebackpacker5632
    @lastminutebackpacker5632 8 лет назад

    Marty, Was that a grizzly or a black bear?

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +1

      I did not make a positive ID, but I'm 90% sure it was a small black bear that was cinnamon / tan coloured. The 10% chance it could have been a grizzly is based on the fact that I was almost in the alpine. Barely any trees where I was. I've never seen a black bear above the tree line.

    • @lastminutebackpacker5632
      @lastminutebackpacker5632 8 лет назад

      I do see black bear evidence every once in a while when I am above treeline here in Washington state. It is rare but, I think in late fall they are foraging for whatever is left. By the way, if you are ever make it down to Washington state, I can show you some great backpacking locations.

  • @sgt.h7117
    @sgt.h7117 4 года назад

    You can tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly by the scat. The black has scat filled with berries and vegetation. The grizzly scat has bear bells and clothing.

  • @peacequest69
    @peacequest69 8 лет назад

    I love to watch but it's often so hard to hear what you are saying

  • @susanbrown2909
    @susanbrown2909 6 лет назад +1

    Not sure going hiking alone is a good idea really...if u got I’ll had a accident..far easier if you got another person with you.
    I’d be way too scared to go alone..but your made of harder stuff Marty.

  • @naturlich21
    @naturlich21 8 лет назад +1

    man i like you videos, but it's the worst transition possible when you fade out your voice while you're still talking into the next scene. at least wait till your done talking

    • @Martyupnorth
      @Martyupnorth  8 лет назад +2

      I try my best.

    • @wildernesslife6479
      @wildernesslife6479 7 лет назад +1

      naturlich21 Marty makes the best videos in the backcountry by far so maybe just keep your comments to yourself.