After Dawson Creek I started heading west towards Alaska. So far this stretch of highway had the most sightings of wildlife. I had a blast seeing and photographing all the beautiful animals.

I felt like I had climbed all the way to Dawson Creek. Well, I wasn’t done climbing yet. I feel like I continued to climb all the way to the Alaska border. The more I climbed the more beautiful the scenery became.

While taking in that view above, I heard large rocks tumbling down the hillside near me. When I looked over, I saw a bear climbing up the hillside. I quickly got in my RV to get closer to take some photos. I barely made it in time before he disappeared into the trees. I got one ok photo.

The geology was changing as I was climbing.

I wondered how that sheer cliff face was created as I was driving towards it. Must have been quite the sight when it collapsed.

I soon made it to Summit Lake located at 2329 feet above sea level. That didn’t sound very high to me, but it sure felt high.

I loved the color of the water. Such a beautiful light blue. You would think Summit Lake would be at the summit of the mountain. Well, that’s not so.

I continued to climb after Summit Lake. The road became more steep the further I drove. The scenery was amazing.

I felt like I was stopping every few miles to take a photo. The scenery was just that spectacular.

As I drive I’m always looking for wildlife. Well, this stretch of highway did not disappoint. After the bear sighting, I was thrilled to see a male Moose right next to the highway. I love how you can see the velvet on his antlers.

After driving not another 10 miles down the road, I saw a caribou!

Yet another male with velvet antlers.

Not too far up the road is Muncho Lake at 2681 feet. This has been my favorite lake of the entire trip so far.

I camped by this river for two nights. I had found the perfect spot next to the lake that was free! I found the look of the lake changed so much with the time of day. By bedtime the lake was so broody.

I stayed two nights in this area because I wanted to do a hike at the lake. There is a trail that follows an old glacier bed. There were signs saying there were stone sheep in the canyon. I was hoping to hike this trail and see these beautiful animals.

The trail was strenuous but worth it. The entire hike was uphill and walking on large cobblestone. Not easy to do over an extended period of time.

Of course, Maddie had a blast running around and getting drinks out of the creek created by snow melt. This was the first good long hike we had in some time. So she was very happy to stretch her legs and get rid of some of that puppy energy.

The view uphill was so beautiful. I just kept wanting to keep going further in to the canyon. But it got increasingly more steep and more difficult to climb.

And looking back downhill the view was just amazing.

I hiked about 3 miles up the steep canyon and it took about 2 hours to do so. The higher I got the more amazing the view but more difficult it became. Eventually I decided to turn around. I’m glad I climbed as high as I did, because not long after turning around I saw two stone sheep!

They were working their way down to the water for a drink. What luck to run in to them so close to me. Thankfully they weren’t too afraid of me and Maddie. I was able to get quite close to them. I love the photos I was able to capture of these gorgeous girls.

As I left Muncho Lake I took a short hike that overlooked the river that feeds the lake. The view was so beautiful! The river was the same color as the lake – such a beautiful light turquoise blue.

As I finally felt like I had truly climbed up and over a summit, the land opened up and got so green. And with the green grass came buffalo! Baby buffalo!!!

The was a small herd of about 60 buffalo right next to the road. And they were all females with new calves. So adorable!

That was an exciting couple of weeks! My next post will be from Muncho Lake to the Alaska Border! That’s right! I finally made it to Alaska! It has taken me so long to get there because I stop so often to take photos! But that is the whole point of my trip so I’m a very happy girl!