Lake Oesa

Lake Oesa is an alpine lake east of Lake O’Hara, tucked beneath layered, copper-coloured quartzite cliffs. It is a hiking destination, not a roadside stop: the named trail reaches the lake after 3.2 km one way from Lake O’Hara’s eastern shore, climbing 240 m.

The trail begins on Lake O’Hara’s shoreline path, then climbs switchbacks across broad talus and scree. It crosses steep rocky outcrops on stone steps built by Lawrence Grassi before reaching delicate meadows between the cliffs. Stay on the established path through the meadow, then follow a trough cut into solid bedrock to the tilted slabs that hold the lake.

The angled rock at the shore gives you a place to sit and take in the cliffs around the water. It also makes a useful photo foreground: include part of the slab below the lake and the layered rock above it, so the frame shows the basin rather than only the water. Carry a snack if you want to linger; there is no food stop on this backcountry trail.

Lake Oesa is a junction for longer routes. The Yukness Ledge Alpine Route and the route to Lake Victoria branch near the stone steps, while the Wiwaxy Gap/Huber Ledges Alpine Route meets the trail shortly before the lake. If Lake Oesa is your destination, return to Lake O’Hara by the same trail.