Scenery
Wildlife
The flora and fauna around Grande Cache and the Willmore Wilderness are many and varied due to the diverse eco-regions of the mountains. The montane eco-region generally occupies the river valley floors and creates ideal wintering grounds for elk, deer, bighorn sheep and their predators. Common trees include white spruce, lodgepole pine, balsam fir and aspen poplar. The aspen and poplar turn the mountains gold in September, making the region a photographer’s paradise. The coniferous forests of Willmore’s montane region are very dense, without trails, and are often difficult to traverse. A good set of maps are a must!
The subalpine zone is located at higher elevations than the montane zone, generally above the aspen forests. This region extends to treeline and includes a variety of coniferous trees. Many of the wildlife species that inhabit the montane region in the winter, are found in the subalpine ecoregion in the summer (they leave in the winter since the subalpine region has the highest snowfall accumulation of the mountain ecoregions). Moose, deer, elk, mountain caribou, bighorn sheep, wolves, coyotes, wolverine, cougar, lynx, black and grizzly bears are but a few of the wildlife species found in subalpine areas.
The alpine zone has the harshest climate and soil conditions. It does not have a great deal of biodiversity, however, its spectacular flowers and superbly adapted wildlife species make this region a must to visit. Defined as the area above treeline, the alpine ecoregion is home to the beautiful forget-me-not and western anemone flowers as well as marmots, rock pika, ptarmigan and Rocky Mountain goats. Once on the high alpine ridges, the breathtaking views and unique life forms will keep you coming back! Care must be taken when exploring these regions as the sedimentary rock can be risky to climb. Do not over extend your abilities.