Pine Valley versus Dove Lake/Waterfall Valley overnight

[Roniellay]

Hi guys!

besides our Western Arthur Range traverse in December me and my partner still have a few days left and would love to do 1-2 nights walk either in Pine Valle area (with Acropolis, Labyrith etc) or in Cradle Mountain area (Dove lake to Scott-Kilvert hut, Waterfall Valley, Marions Lookout, Crater lake etc). Could you please advice which one of these two places would be more scenic? (we both are photographers). The big disadvantage of the Pine Valley area is that we would walk around Lake St Clair instead of taking the ferry (can't pay $35 per person one way!), which means it would add extra 5 hours both ways, but would do it (add extra night) if its worth! If you could only do one part of the Cradle Mtn/St Clair area, which one would you do? Thank you!

[Roger]

Both areas are magnificaent and both areas are worthwhile visiting. Both areas are also a photographers paradise. However, they are quite distinct and different from each other so, in my opinion it comes down to what you like and how much time you want to spend.

The walk around Lake St Clair via Eric Point to Narcissus is, in my opinion, enjoyable but nothing special or of real photogaphic interest. Pine Valley, Labyrinth, Acropolis etc are spectacular but you have to invest int he time to get there. Pine Valley Hut is the place to drop your pack and do the Acropolis, Laryrinth, Mt Geryon side trips and explore the Du Can Range. You need a few days to really do that.

Cradle Mountain is a more accessible start/finish point and when you start walking in the Cradle Mountain area, you're into it from the start, Dove lake, Marions Lookout etc. The plateau is really beautiful and I enjoy being up there, even in the ugliest weather. If the weather is good there is Cradle Mountain itself and Waterfall Valley is a nice place to hang for a night. You could nip over to Barn Bluff if you're feeling really energetic and perhaps take an alternatiuve track like Lake Rodway track on the return journey (be a big day though).

My thoughts anyway

[stepbystep]

Tend to agree with Roger, the Lake Hanson/Twisted Lakes area are great for photography as is the plateau especially around Kathleen's Pool. You could easily cover that ground and nip up Cradle Mountain in 2 days.

PV with the lake walk needs an extra day or 2 to really make the most of it.