Lower Elk Lake Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Lower Elk Lake Trail picks up where Elk Pass Trail ends. This is at a major trail junction on the Alberta/British Columbia border. There is a large trail sign with a map, and also a post pointing the way to the several trails converging at this trail junction. Look at the map and follow the arrows for Elk Lakes Cabin on the trail post, to hike Lower Elk Lake Trail.

Initially flat, Lower Elk Lake Trail heads to a patch of forest, but almost immediately emerges into wet, large meadows with mountain views. Boardwalks over the wettest places are sprinkled along this trail. Upon crossing the meadows, the trail is back in the forest, following Elkan Creek downstream. The creek can be heard to the left (east), but not seen.

At the one mile mark, still in forest, the trail descends for the next 3/4 miles. During this descent it is closer to the creek and there are some glimpses of the creek as it cascades down. As the trail levels out, it crosses the creek and leaves it behind, for now.

Some more meadows with mountain views, are then crossed. A trail junction with an option leading to the Elk Lakes Cabin is then reached. Lower Elk Lake Trail turns right (west) here, without visiting the cabin. But does almost immediately come upon a bridge over a creek - it's Elkan Creek again.

Then it's back into forest and meadows for 0.3 miles before another bigger creek is reached. This is the Elk River. The trail follows Elk River for a short 0.3 miles, to its source - Lower Elk Lake, where Lower Elk Lake Trail ends and Interlakes Trail begins.

Conifer forest with dense undergrowth in places, and less undergrowth elsewhere. Open grassy meadows with stands of trees. Muddy wet areas with boardwalks to preserve the trail.