This trip itinerary allows for extra time to explore the spectacular Skoki Lakes region and take a side trip to Badger Pass. I hope you can visit one day. You’ll be seeing 3 beautiful alpine lakes (Ptarmigan Lake, Zigadenus Lake, Myosotis Lake) surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks and an iconic hut – the Halfway Hut, also known as Ptarmigan Hut. Hidden Lake hike Map Thank you for sharing this scenic post . Hidden Lake 1799 State Route 9 Lake George NY 12845. This is the “other side” of … It is an area of abundant wildlife and exceptional views. Skoki Lakes is an epic hike in the Skoki region near Lake Louise. The day, ♡ Camp 2 - Wildflower Creek. At the top of the incline you’ll see Ptarmigan Lake before you. Skoki region is famous for backpacking trips, but you can also do day hikes here. Although it was spooky hearing strange sounds in the pitch black, the headlamps lit the way and allowed us to safely hike up the road. To stay in any of the campsites requires a backcountry permit through Parks Canada . You’ll see undiscovered gems along the way. Mouseover for peak pointers. Elevation Gain: 510 m. Time: 3 hours (including stops for pictures and food) How To Get There: From Calgary, drive west along the TransCanada until you reach the turnoff for the Lake Louise Ski Resort. For the next 1.4 KM (0.9 miles), you’ll enjoy a gentle ascent up the pass, gaining 130 metres (425 feet) of elevation. Distance: 5.7 km. I hope you will visit again. Looks amazing!! That lake and your photos are stunning! This route takes in Boulder Pass, Ptarmigan Lake, Packers Pass, the Skoki Lakes (Zigadenus and Myosotis Lakes) and then Deception Pass before coming back. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! He gets up at 6:00 am almost every day. This is a long hike, we recommend starting early. The right trail leads to Boulder Pass, that soon begins a steady ascent. This will be one of our snowshoeing destination during winter and perhaps stay on Skoki Lodge. Thanks Sydney. On the way to the summit of Richardson. The classic winter blues in the Canadian Rock, ♡ I want to go here someday. A backcountry campground is situated one km before reaching the lake. Nature’s whipped cream You will gain 965 metres of elevation, however it’s spread out over the entire hike and there’s no overly steep spots. Richardson Hover on a thumbnail for photo information. Starting Trailhead: Fish Creek/Lake Louise Ski Area. We just got back from a weekend in Alberta! That was a challenge! The trail begins on the road behind it. Take the left trail and you’ll come to a sign with distances to various locations, including the Hidden Lake Campground 3.3 KM (2.1 miles) away. I dare not visit during winter nights . No crowds to beat and beautiful alpine scenery. Best Season to Scramble: Mid-July to Sept. From Skoki Lodge parking, add 15 km (return trip) and 550 m elevation. There is a backcountry campground located nearby. Skoki. We spent a full day in Lake Louise hiking the Plain of 6 Glaciers. It truly is Ashley. To check out Part 3 of this blog, click here! One of our favourite trails now. It’s always good to start early, and boy did we get an early start. In an effort to improve and maintain a quality fish population at Hidden Lake and ensure many park goers the same opportunities to enjoy … I can’t wait to take this trip! Elevation Gain: 200 m Elevation Loss: 150 m. Time: 3 hours. Richardson, Fossil Mountain, Brachiopod Mountain and Anthozoan Mountain (see Alan Kane’s Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies … First time seeing the Larches for us!! That looks superb! Hiking in the mountains always reveal these other-worldly looking places, so beautiful. They still still ski to the hut on winter nights, play poker and drink rum. I’ve been praying I get to Banff National Park in the near future. I would love to go camping here. Hidden Lake features nearly a mile loop trail, a nine-acre pond and a pier extending into the pond for fishing and wildlife observation. Gorgeous! I’ve been wanting to explore the Skoki area for ages – maybe next year’s larch season…? From Skoki Lodge there is a trail up to Merlin Lake. This place lives up, ♡ Behold the signature glacial colour of the Koo, ♡ Hidden gem for sure! Hidden Lake is located in Banff National Park.. Access would generally be from the trail leading from the Lake Louise Ski Area. My name is Jane & I'm a world traveler and an outdoor enthusiast based in the Canadian Rockies. Drive for 1.9 KM (1.2 miles), and take the second right (the first will be Bow Valley Parkway). Canada's oldest national park protects large tracts of stunningly beautiful mountain wilderness. Fascinating isn’t it? Not only are there larches as far as the eye can see, but gorgeous lakes too. Take that trail and head towards Boulder Pass. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until September. The trail continues and after a 5-10 minute walk will lead to a rock outcropping above Lake Myosotis. Five Night Option. You’ll see the small dirt trail heading up towards Packers Pass. The trailhead starts behind the closed gate along an old fire road. Cross the small wooden platform and you’ll come to a junction. And it’s one of the gems in Banff National Park. 11 Lake Louise to Skoki Traverse | 2012-08-12. Paradise Valley. But I’ve never heard of Skoki. Not a lot of people know about Skoki backcountry. Skoki Circuit- Part 2 (Hidden Lake to Baker Lake) July 4, 2016. Thanks for sharing!! For the next 3 KM, the trail is mostly flat and in the trees, which makes for an uneventful but relaxing stroll. This is a long day, though it is especially pretty in Autumn. You’ll also gain about half the elevation of the entire hike along this road. The left goes up and into the trees, the right goes up a steep incline. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hidden_Lake_(Alberta)&oldid=982812378, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from June 2015, All articles needing additional references, Articles using infobox body of water without alt, Articles using infobox body of water without pushpin map alt, Articles using infobox body of water without image bathymetry, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 10 October 2020, at 14:14. I'm also a strong advocate for the Leave No Trace Principles. The lake is the starting point for possible ascents of Mount Richardson, Pika Peak and Ptarmigan Peak. I hope you can visit again. I've traveled the world for the last 21 years, and enjoyed countless hikes and road trips here in the Canadian Rockies and abroad. ❄️ canadian rockies explorer. It’s also a prime area for winter activities (skiing & snowshoeing). WHERE: The Hidden Lake trail from the junction with Boulder Pass/ Skoki Trunk trail, including the Hidden Lake backcountry campground (SK5). That is a very beautiful park! Here’s the key – after the trail starts to turn away from the lake, start looking to your left. I don’t know when I’ve seen such blue water! The Halfway Hut was built in 1931 by the Ski Club of the Canadian Rockies as a rest stop for skiers on their way to Skoki Lodge from Lake Louise. Hidden Lake, on approach to Mount Richardson, Skoki area of Banff National Park, July, 2007 There are four campsites on the Skoki Loop: Hidden Lake, Baker Lake, Red Deer Lakes, and Merlin Meadows. This drainage that leads to the lower slopes. That water is so clear! Sk5 Hidden Lake 82 N/8 626-029 Sk11 Baker Lake 82 N/8 672-049 Sk18 Merlin Meadows 82 N/9 635-093 ... Lake Elk Lake Luellen Lake Lake O'Hara Skoki Lakes Merlin Lake Douglas Lake w Creek Lake Louise Hector e Fish Lakes Drummond Glacier Katherine Lake Helen Lake e Peyto Lake Wapta Icefield aputik Icefield Delta The swimming hole near Skoki Lodge if you don’t mind freezing cold water There really is a fork on the trail on the way to Merlin Lake This area is a little gem in the Canadian Rockies, close to the famous Lake Louise and Valley of the Ten Peaks. I love finding those hidden gems where there won’t be as many people, so this is right up my alley. It’s stunning! You may not have heard of the Skoki region before, but it’s one of the most beautiful pristine backcountry in Banff National Park. The cutline got us through most of the trees Hidden Lake is a very pretty lake in the Skoki Region. There are also several other peaks you can scramble with varying degrees difficulty including Mt. To get back to the Fish Creek parking lot, we returned the way we came. Ahhh..I’m glad to hear that Marianne! Beautiful pictures! Camp 3 - Luellen Lake or Johnston Creek. The first 3.9 KM of the hike has no views as you’ll be hiking up the fire road around the Lake Louise Ski Hill. Thanks Jill. This looks like an awesome hike! The gate is closed because only vehicles belonging to the Lake Louise Ski Resort are allowed to travel on it. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. Very pretty view from the summit. The obvious choice I had was a short hike to Hidden Lake. Skoki region is a habitat for grizzly bears. We walked to the end of the lake and took a bit of a detour to see the larches surrounding the valley on the way to Merlin Meadows. There is also a backcountry campground here that you can use to better explore the Skoki region. Banff is on our list, now living in Idaho, so within striking distance. If you miss the turnoff, you’ll be heading to Deception Pass and in for a long day. Cracking the wave In my blog, you’ll find all my trips and outdoor adventures. I really should start hiking so I could experience these views! Not one, not two , but THREE! As there are limited sites in the backcountry, it is recommended to also book these in advance (up to 90 days prior). So if you’re looking for a bucket list hike during autumn in Banff National Park, put this place on your list. It is an area of abundant wildlife and exceptional views. I have been to Lake Louise and your photos reflect its beauty. It was like a blue pearl among the massive mountains of rock and patches of snow. It’s the otherworldly... READ FULL ARTICLE : Exploring Skoki LOCALS SAY ANY OF FIVE GHOSTS haunt the old Halfway Hut on the trail between Alberta’s Lake Louise Ski Resort and backcountry Skoki Lodge. Reviews (518) 696-2244. Can’t wait to experience this someday soon. Hidden Lake Trail is a 10.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Absolutely beautiful. Fish Creek Parking Lot to Hidden Lake Campground. It’s definitely one of our favourite hikes this year and it’s not crowded. In autumn the views are very pretty with the golden larches on this hike. Legal. These pictures!! The more I read from you the more I am keen to rush back to the Rockies to explore more! Skoki region is a bucketlist larch hike and I’m sure you’ll love it! Eventually, you’ll get out of the trees and cross a bridge. The stark contrast of the golden larches against the cool blue waters of the lakes will astound you and have you snapping non-stop photos. Just beyond is our first campsite. Camp 1 - Merlin Meadows. The glacial waters of the lake are drained by Corral Creek through the Sikoki Valley into the Bow River. We wanted different perspectives of the lake, so we followed the shoreline to our right across a boulder field. This is an easy hike with gradual elevation gain. Before you reach the Hut, you’ll see a small dirt trail on your left going down and into the field across from you. I think we’re going to have to add this as one of our must visit places. Looks so incredibly peaceful! If you want to get away from the crowds in Lake Louise & enjoy some alpine views with no crowds, this is the place for you! Shades of Emerald Lake - last peek Although it’s a long day, the hike is relaxing & easy to do, and is a MUST for every fan of larches. Sometimes the white of winter is monotonous. Nestled beneath the peaks ahead of us was the beautiful Lake Zigadenus! This historic log cabin was once used as a shelter for travellers en-route to Skoki Lodge. Wow. It is located in the Slate Range of the Canadian Rockies. Designed & Developed by Solo Pine. Thanks Denise. Walk 3.9 KM (2.4 miles) along the road, where you’ll gain 400 metres (1,310 feet) of elevation. The cutline is about 200 m up the trail. I hope you can visit one day. Fog of War , a grade 1-winning juvenile, will stand the 2021 season for a $7,000 fee at Questroyal/Hidden Lake Farm near Stillwater, N.Y., Hidden Lake's Chris Bernhard announced Nov. 17.. … (C) Copyright 2019 - WindsofJane. From the southern point of Ptarmigan Lake to Baker Lake Campground is 3 miles, taking around 2 hours. My first visit of Maligne Canyon, ♡ Backcountry campground and Hidden Lake trail to left. That is gorgeous, and I love how the water looks so turqouise! There are so many things to see and do for the whole family. Hidden Lake is a small glacial lake in the Skoki Valley of Banff National Park, Canada. The cutline (centre) seen from the trail. Luckily, I had bought a couple headlamps for us to use, and they came in handy! There is a campsite at Hidden Lake if you’re lucky to get a spot (only 10 pads are available). Hidden Lake & Mt. Pretty straight forward. Once through the field, you’ll gain some elevation as you pass a huge boulder field on your right. Very amazing photos! All Rights Reserved. Looking back now, the dirt trail heading up to Packers Pass was quite obvious, but when distracted by the lake and the beautiful scenery, it’s easy to miss. From there, we enjoyed the view of the lake, and loved the view of a waterfall to our left. So pretty! One of the reasons why I hike – to see amazing views I don’t normally see. Drive along this short, unmarked road for 1.1 KM (1 mile)  and just before the road ends at a closed gate, turn right into the Fish Creek Parking Lot. Skoki Lakes - Hidden Gem Hike in Lake Louise - Winds of Jane In our case, we chose to stop here & enjoy a relaxing, well earned lunch. Skoki Lakes hike … Distance 7.3km. What a sight it is! Absolutely beautiful! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Beeeeautiful Jane! We missed the turnoff a few times – we knew it was there but just couldn’t find it, and spent about 10 minutes going back and forth in the area. Beautiful pictures! • Upfront estimates with no hidden costs • Examples of prior Kitchen Remodeling work in local area • Knowledge of local building codes • Access top proper permitting Starting a Kitchen Remodeling project can be an exciting time, although most homeowners are not well-versed in all the specifics that come with this task. Help Get directions, reviews and information for Hidden Lake in Lake George, NY. Make sure you carry a bear spray and that you know how to use it. At the end of the fire road, you’ll pass Temple Lodge on your left. Camp 4 - Mystic Valley. You can stop at Hidden Lake campground before your way in or out. Hopefully, next summer if not definitely the summer after! A walk amongst the giants The only drawback here is that it’s a long hike so you need strong legs to carry you all the way. There are five lakes you can include as side trips: Hidden Lake, Redoubt Lake, Merlin Lake, and Zigadenus and Myosotis Lakes (known together as Skoki Lakes). Distance: 7.3 km. Stunning sites! When you start leaving the lake look for a dirt trail on your left heading up to Packers Pass. This hike looks like fun! We went to the shore, and found that the view of the lake is much better from the trail a bit higher up. Seeing the diffe, You will love this hike Lisa. What a great way t, Easy Hikes with Jaw-Dropping Views in the Canadian Rockies, Hiking to the Frozen Waterfalls of Johnston Canyon, The Best Things to See and Do in Waterton Lakes National Park, The Conrad Kain Hut Hike - Bugaboo Provincial Park, Best Things to See and Do during Winter in the Canadian Rockies, Skoki Lakes – Hidden Gem Hike in Lake Louise. What an incredible adventure! Wow, those views are gorgeous! Shortly after that, you’ll reach a signed junction. You can stay overnight to allow you to explore Hidden Lake and the surrounding areas. Thanks Jordan. If you like, you can continue past Mysotis Lake to Skoki Lodge and back to Ptarmigan Lake via Deception Pass for a loop. Hidden Lake is set in an absolutely spectacular bowl beneath the rocky ramparts of Mount Richardson. With camp set up and my food stored on the bear pole I hiked into Hidden Lake and scrambled a short way onto the slope of Mount Richardson for a better view and a place to relax and enjoy the mountain peace. Camp 1 - Hidden Lake. Highlights What does it ta, ✨ Every now and then, turn around and look at Ptarmigan lake and the beauty of the surrounding area beneath you. We have yet to explore the other areas. Can’t wait to go . 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