everydayhiker

Hard, 11.5 mi loop trail

3,832 ft elevation gain including vertical chimney section

Hiked 7/2/25

Full Photoset

Another of my top hikes in Canada, it involves a vertical chimney section climbing up ledges. This gets you to the ridge, where you will still gain another 1k ft of elevation using just your legs again. Unreal views, including of the US. The valley for Wall lake could be a less adventurous version.

The trail follows along the left up Akamina ridge. You'll be hiking everything you seen and then returning down the valley on the right.

Looking south from the ridgeline is the United States, with Kinnerly Peak in the center. A thin strip signifying the border may be seen running left to right along the middle ridge.

Akamina ridge as seen before you descend down the other side towards Wall lake (pictured). On the far left where that little notch is is the other side of the vertical section.

A Marmot was stopped to smell the flowers while I climbed the chimney. One look at the shape I was in and it knew I wasn't a threat at that point. Probably the most relaxed Marmot I've ever encountered.

Moderate 7.3 mi out and back

1,703 ft elevation gain

Hiked 7/1/25

A relatively easy hike that accumulates 1700 ft of elevation to make it moderate, this trail takes you to the back end of the valley between Mt Lineham and Hawkins where a bridal veil type waterfall rushes down. With the burnt forest, glimpses may be seen from miles away. Optional scramble at falls gets you to a great large flat ledge area.

Looking towards the Falls through the burn section early on the trail.

Head on view of Lineham falls and the ridgeline of Mount Hawkins.

Picture of Lineham falls from roughly where the scramble area begins. Still a great view while still being relatively easy to get to if you want to skip the scramble.

Hard, 18mi loop trail

4,715 ft elevation gain

Hiked 6/29/25

Full photoset

One of the top Canadian hikes I did, this hike is a monster that gets views of all of the surrounding park at some point. Trail is in great shape but has several physically demanding uphills. Two campsites allow it to be backpacked as well, final several miles (counterclockwise) are a slog to finish after such epic views and long miles.

The long walk along the backside of Avion ridge before you'll do a steep climb again. No photos, but after I did this part I saw a mountain goat absolutely haul full speed down this slope. Had heard him kicking rocks from above as I passed.

This section of the Hike to the top of Avion ridge was very steep, but had pretty wide solid rock trail to ascend. Goes from about 7400' to 7800'.

Close to the highest point you'll get on Avion ridge (although Newman Peak would have taken you higher). Wildflowers dot the ridgeline as you go. After hiking the backside, you’ll follow beside that snowline before descending into the unseen canyon.

Hard, 12.3 mi out and back

3,845 ft elevation gain

Hiked 6/29/25

Full Photo Set

Adding roughly 1600 ft in elevation to the Goat Lake trail as well as crossing a very steep sided scree field with surprisingly good traction, with an epic view from the top. Once on the ridges its wide open, but you'll work to get there. Return the same route or a very long loop using Avion ridge.

Looking towards Newman Peak from the ridge line between it and Avion Ridge. A trail may be seen cutting along the scree to the right to get to the next ridge. It then ascends to the peak and can either loop or return the way you came. I was unaware of the loop and just came back across the scree field.

Looking Northeast from the pass below Newman Peak. Spread Eagle mountain in the distance and Yarrow creek flowing from the lake in the valley.

Photo of me on the pass below Newman Peak. The flat area was incredibly wide along this pass.

Moderate 8.7 mi out and back, connects to Newman Peak and Avion Ridge trails 2,217 ft elevation gain Hiked 6/29/25

Full photo set, incl. Newman peak and Avion Ridge Loop

2 miles are shared with a mostly level bike path, before it sharply ascends above the previously burned forest up a large valley with a many tiered waterfall in view as a motivator, or excuse for a breather. Above the falls is Goat lake, which is worth extending past a little even if ending here for one more view as it has a great view looking back from just before the next big ascent.

Looking back down the trail you just hiked. The trail may be seen cutting left then righ as it drops. Leftover trees from the 2017 burn leave their mark.

The first good viewpoint of the massive falls complex coming out of Goat Lake. Before the fire this would have likely been the first view of the falls you’d have at all as you emerged from the trees.

Looking out the upper bowl area back towards the way you came. I would consider coming up to this part even if you don't ascend to Newman Peak as its before any real elevation gain and offers better views than Goat lake.

Moderate, 9.1 mi out and back 2,264 ft elevation gain Hiked 6/28/25

Flickr image set

Generally mild until a steep ascent up a few switchbacks that get you to the upper twin lakes, this hike will take you along the valley between Rowe mtn and Mt Lineham and provides a variety of great views and wildlife opportunities. A lower Rowe lake is also accessed via a short spur trail. I believe the main Mt Lineham trail shares the milder first 3 miles.

Trail photo showing the up and down from a switchback. While steep, it has great traction throughout. A section of Mt Lineham is seen on the left.

I believe this is considered Rowe Mountain, but I could be wrong. Passed on the left as you go along the trail. Seeing water cascade down the slide area would be a treat.

The creek flow out of Rowe lake left some snowbank overhangs which were great from waiting out the rain.

Moderate 7.3 mi out and back 2,713 ft elevation gain Hiked 6/27/25 Full Photo Set

A couple of flat areas along with a very steep ascent towards the beginning and a fairly steep ascent at the top will take you to a set of 3 small lakes. One is in a lower bowl and is where the campsites are, while the others are above it. Waterfalls below each set of lakes and access to the ridge above, which was too stormy when I was there to go to the top of.

Looking across the larger of Southfork lakes towards Southfork mountain.

A patch of Kings-Crown, Rhodiola integrifolia Raf. growing in the rocky outcrops a short distance from the lake.

A patch of Twinflower, Linnaea borealis L. growing among some dead wood.

Nature Walk, up to 1.3 mi 200ft elevation gain Hiked 6/26/25

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head-Smashed-In_Buffalo_Jump

A museum and two short hikes on the upper and lower areas of this world heritage site where indigenous peoples of the plains used the geography for hunting bison. The museum on site celebrates Blackfoot culture and provides historical context. The design of the museum is well done and enjoyable.

Looking straight on the jump site from below. Over time, the height dropped by 10m due to usage.

A diorama depicting the jump scene.

A winter count robe on display. These were an effective way of marking the passage of time and each symbol delineated what the corresponding years name was.

Nature walk, up to 1.3 mi 318 ft elevation gain Hiked 6/25/25

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Slide

Site of the deadliest landslide in Canadian history, which took place on April 29, 1903. ~44 million cubic meters/110 million tonnes of limestone broke free from Turtle Mountain, burying a section of the town of Frank. The walk tours the rubble field which spilled out over 2 miles. Museum on site.

A diagram displaying the various formations and how they are stacked. Diagram out of frame details that this kind of willy nilly stacking may have contributed to the slide.

The trail along the boulder field has been leveled and cut from the debris, making an easy trek through otherwise rocky terrain. Turtle mountain beyond showing both the slide and the intact sections.

A view of Turtle mountain showing both the slide section as well as the still intact section, which still has the potential to slide as well.

Moderate 7.6 mi out and back 1,781 ft elevation gain Hiked 6/24/25

Spending most of the time hiking along a forest service road, this hike offers some view of the Crowsnest mountain area from the valley and a better view of the area up near the cell tower that marks the peak. Ample signs of wildlife, as well as my first sighting of a new favorite, Purple Fringe.

Bigfoot tracks! The previous couple days had been rainy and a bear left a few tracks in the muddier sections. Saw some fresh scat at the end of the trail, but by then it was too dry to make any good tracks.

Sentry mountain, across from the viewpoint at the base of the cell tower.

A beautiful ball of multiple species of butterflies along with a bee. Just don't pay attention to what they're eating.

Full HQ Flickr set

Nature Walk, 1.1 mi 127 ft elevation gain 6/20/25

An easy stroll to the source of the mighty Columbia River. Having spent a lot of time working on the other end of this 2,143 mi river, this was a must stop for me. May be good for birding, with fire lilies growing along the sides, it's an enjoyable walk with minimal features. For hydro/geology nerds.

View into the marsh and spring area from the bridge along with a sign depicting the marshland and its confluence of waters. Information section reads:

Source to the Sea

Rising from this hummocky marsh, small streams merge and flow under this bridge to Columbia Lake. From here, the Columbia River flows 2000 km and tumbles over 14 dams to empty into the sea.

As the spring water seeps through the wetland it is cleaned and filtered by plants and soil organisms. So while the lower reaches of the Columbia are quite polluted, here the water is still pure and full of life.

Pedestrian bridge spanning the water in the marshlands.

Water flows from the marshland towards Columbia Lake, this is the furthest point on the loop and has a couple benches out of frame.

A multi-use path developed for bikes, this hike may be shortened to I believe as low as 4.4 miles while still seeing the amazing hoodoos they have to offer. I also saw a Dusky Grouse strutting about. Hoodoos are fin-like rays and ridiculous for the ease of access. Near Radium Hot Springs/Kootenay National Park.

The two tower like collections of finned hoodoos at the end of the two outcrops.

The upper tower area of one hoodoo set above Toby Creek.

This ridge line of hoodoos has thinned to little more than a single row. Toby Creek with glacial melt in it flows below.