Lake Annette

In May, we popped onto Lake Annette one evening during our trip to Jasper. Annette was significantly affected by the 2024 fire. We put in at the beach and picnic area in the northeast corner, which was not affected by the fire. The pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are all intact and the beach was clean.

We went right off the beach and paddled the lake counter clockwise. The water was clear and as blue as ever. And most of the trees were intact for the first part of the paddle.

As you get around to the south shore, the burn starts and the trees were burned right down to the waterline.

You could see an amazing distance into the forest. Note the deer in the picture below.

The burned trees were pretty upsetting to see and continue for the full east side of the lake. The lakeshore walking trail was open all the way around.

Eventually, we paddle out of the burn and passed the main beach.

 

We usually do two laps of Annette since it only takes a half hour to go around but we were too bummed by the burn and instead went for ice cream in town. I imagine things will green up as summer goes on. Lake Beavers, which we could not access, had a similar vibe when we stopped at the Jasper Park Lodge for a quick walk.