Picklejar Lakes Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Always carry bear spray! Keep in mind that this trail is NOT maintained by Alberta Parks, but it tends to stay relatively clear since it is fairly heavily trafficked.

Your journey will start at the Lantern Creek parking area. From here, you'll cross Hwy 40 and find the trailhead just to the north. This trail climbs fairly moderately aside from a few sections through mixed lodgepole pine forest. There are a few nice open meadowy sections during the climb where you'll be able to appreciate how much you have climbed and view some wildflowers through much of the spring and early summer.

Your "summit" is the saddle west of Lineham Ridge (unless, of course, you decide to take the Lineham Ridge Route). At this high point is a rock outcropping where many folks will stop for pictures. You'll see the first of the Picklejar lakes down the slope ahead. Campsites abound by the lakes for those wishing to stay the night. Pika abound among the scree piles below the ridge, and you'll likely hook into a westslope cutthroat trout if you toss a fly into the deeper lakes.

Small mammals, wildflowers