BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 69

This trail follows Wolverine Creek to a small subalpine lake nestled at the base of an im-
pressive limestone amphitheater. Although the trail is moderately steep, plenty of distrac-
tions along the way are worthy of a stop (and rest). Back across the Bow Valley, the Saw-
back Range is easy to distinguish. As the forest of lodgepole pine turns to spruce, the trail
passes under the cliffs of Mount Bourgeau and crosses Wolverine Creek (below a spot
where it tumbles photogenically over exposed bedrock). After strenuous switchbacks, the
trail climbs into the cirque containing Bourgeau Lake. As you explore the lake's rocky
shore, you'll hear the colonies of noisy pikas, even if you don't see them.
Shadow Lake
• Length: 14.3 kilometers/8.9 miles (4.5 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 440 meters/1,445 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: Redearth Creek Parking Area, TransCanada Highway, 11 kilometers (6.8
miles) west of Sunshine Village Junction
Shadow is one of the many impressive subalpine lakes along the Continental Divide and
a popular base for a great variety of day trips. It follows the old Redearth fire road for 11
kilometers (6.8 miles) before forking right and climbing into the forest. The campground
is two kilometers (1.2 miles) beyond this junction, and just 500 meters (0.3 mile) farther
is Shadow Lake Lodge. The lake is nearly two kilometers (1.2 miles) long, and from its
southern shore trails lead to Ball Pass, Gibbon Pass, and Haiduk Lake.
Castle Lookout
• Length: 3.7 kilometers/2.3 miles (90 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 520 meters/1,700 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: Bow Valley Parkway, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northwest of Castle Junction
However you travel through the Bow Valley, you can't help but be impressed by Castle
Mountain rising proudly from the forest floor. This trail takes you above the tree line on
the mountain's west face to the site of the Mount Eisenhower fire lookout, abandoned in
the 1970s and burned in the 1980s. From the Bow Valley Parkway, the trail follows a wide
pathway for 1.5 kilometers (0.9 mile) to an abandoned cabin in a forest of lodgepole pine
and spruce. It then becomes narrower and steeper, switchbacking through a meadow before
climbing through a narrow band of rock and leveling off near the lookout site. Magnificent