Floe Lake, Kootenay National Park, BC - June 29th 2025

Trail : Floe Lake to a little lookout on the East side of the lake
Date : June 29th 2025
Location : Kootenay National Park, BC
Trailhead location : Floe Lake parking lot, 72 km east of Radium Hot Springs or 34 km from Castle Junction
Distance : 22.9 km
Elevation gain : 1033 m
Time to the first creek crossing :2h15
Time to the lake : 3h35
Total time : 7h10 including lunch and enjoying the lake
Difficulty : Hard hike / no scrambling
Trail traffic : busy

After hiking Raspberry Ridge yesterday, we met up again this morning, ready for a more challenging adventure and Floe Lake definitely delivered! Not only did it push us physically, but it rewarded us with breathtaking beauty at every turn. What a spectacular trail, and what a magnificent lake!
Floe Lake is one of the most popular day hike in the park for strong hikers. It’s also the gateway to a legendary backpacking route along the impressive Rockwall. I’m already dreaming of coming back with Steve for an overnight trip, this place is just too beautiful not to experience again!

In 2003, a wildfire swept through the valley all the way to the headwall, forever changing the landscape. Today, that transformation brings vibrant new life, and we were lucky to witness a stunning display of wildflowers lining the trail. The paintbrush flowers were impressive! After crossing the Vermilion River via a charming bridge, the trail gently climbs for the first 4.1 km before heading straight toward the majestic Floe Peak. At km 7.1, you will be crossing your first creek and a second one will be awaiting at the base of the switchback. None of them got us wet, they were pretty easy to cross.

Around the 8 km mark, the real climb begins, a relentless series of steep switchbacks up the headwall. That section felt never-ending, especially with tired legs from the day before! But once the trail levels off, you’re greeted with a gorgeous alpine meadow dotted with colorful flowers and larch trees, leading the way to Floe Lake Campground (#12).
Floe Lake, named for the ice floes that drift across its turquoise waters, is truly a wilderness gem. Nestled beneath a towering 1000-meter limestone cliff, a small glacier clings dramatically above the lake. This is the southern end of the famous Rockwall, which stretches an incredible 53 km northward.

Although the trail continues another 2.7 km to Numa Pass (2355 m) for sweeping alpine views, we decided to save that challenge for another day. Floe Lake alone was more than enough to leave us in awe. Instead, we explored along the east side of the lake to a lovely little lookout point, well worth the extra 1.5 km and bit of elevation gain.

After a long day of hiking, there’s no better feeling than spotting your car in the parking lot. Another unforgettable mountain adventure shared with my amazing friend Jen!