An Incredible Backpacking Trip to the Stunning Floe Lake

Last summer, a group of 6 of us decided to take a single night trip to Floe Lake from August 7 to 8. We deemed this out “redemption trip” after being rained out on our third day along the Rockwall and never making it to the lake in 2019. This hike is a 21 km out-and-back trail with 1,110 metres of elevation that can be done as an extreme day hike (though I would certainly recommend staying at the backcountry site if you are able to book it!).

Hiking to Floe Lake

The hike is long but moderate for the majority of the trail. We gained elevation at the beginning of the trail through a short series of switchbacks, then maintained this elevation until the last 2 kilometres. We ate lunch along the side of the trail, between the on and off spurts of rain.

The valley here was filled with burned forest, a sparse number of trees still standing and making an eerie whistle in the wind. The aftermath of the fire however, left the slopes covered in bright purple fireweed, one of my favourite wildflowers. The mountains are quite spectacular through this valley corridor. There are a number of creek crossings as well, so stay aware and step carefully through these areas.

The trail heads into the tree during this final ascent, but the view from the bottom of this last elevation gain looks like something out of Lord of the Rings, with its magical and mystical landscape. These last 2 km are certainly the most difficult, so pace yourself well.

Once you reach the top of the trail, we hiked through a beautiful alpine meadow of wildflowers. Though the valley below was spectacular, this may have been the most gorgeous part of the hike.

Weather at the Rockwall

Though we wished for better weather (the Rockwall seems to catch clouds and hold on to them), the hike itself was incredible. The views, the wildflowers, and the lake were breathtaking. My return to this imposing wall of mountains in Kootenay National Park went much better than the first trip, and Floe Lake was a great reward at the top. However, don’t let these beautiful photos and videos from Floe Lake let you underestimate the grind up the headwall or the risk of poor weather in this region.

If you wish to do this trip I would leave you with two main pieces of advice. First, bring lots of layers and full rain gear, as the weather changes rapidly and was colder around the lake than it was on the hike up or down. Everyone I know has experienced a rainy trip to the Rockwall and Floe Lake, so make sure you’re prepared. Second, store boots and poles in your tent, as porcupines in the area are known for being attracted to salty rubbers, and will eat your shoes!

Finally hike safe and hike smart and enjoy the beauty that the Rockies have to offer!

Find more information about the trail at the Parks Canada Website!