KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK AND VICINITY - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 260

tial climb from the highway; along the route, ascents are made to four additional passes,
with elevation gains ranging 280-830 meters (920-2,720 feet).
Hikers will need to make arrangements for shuttle transportation between the beginning
and end of this route—about 13 kilometers (eight miles) apart—or allow extra time to hike
back. As elsewhere in the park, all hikers spending the night in the backcountry must re-
gister and pick up a permit ($8 per person per night) at either of the park information cen-
ters.
Floe Lake
• Length: 10.4 kilometers/6.5 miles (3.5 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 730 meters/2,395 feet
• Rating: moderate/difficult
• Trailhead: Highway 93, 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Vermilion Crossing
Of all the lakes in Kootenay National Park, this would have to be the most beautiful.
Unfortunately, reaching it requires a strenuous day trip or an overnight expedition. From
Highway 93, the trail crosses the Vermilion River then begins its long ascent of the
Floe Creek watershed, passing through a forest of lodgepole pine and making many long
switchbacks before leveling off 400 meters (1,310 feet) before the lake. Nestled in a gla-
cial cirque, the gemlike lake's aquamarine waters reflect the Rockwall, a sheer limestone
wall rising 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above the far shore. In fall, stands of stunted larch
around the lakeshore turn brilliant colors, adding to the incredible beauty.
Dog Lake
• Length: 2.6 kilometers/1.6 miles (40 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 80 meters (260 feet)
• Rating: easy
• Trailhead: McLeod Meadows Picnic Area, Highway 93
Dog Lake is no Mona Lisa, but it is a popular and easily reached destination, especially for
those staying in McLeod Meadows Campground (if you're not camping, park at the picnic
area 500 meters/0.3 mile to the south). The trail first crosses the wide Kootenay River by
footbridge. Then it hops a low ridge over to the shallow lake, which is fringed by marshes
at the north end.
Kindersley Summit
• Length: 10 kilometers/6.2 miles (4 hours) one-way