We did the spectacular Rowe Lakes hike in Waterton in mid June, the trail takes you to three alpine lakes, all of which are a little different. Hiking through the forest it was fairly easy getting to the Lower Rowe Lake, a beautiful spot with a green lake surrounded by rock walls. A fair amount of elevation in the form of switchbacks took us to Upper Rowe Lake. We started on the scramble to Mount Rowe from here but in June the trail still held a fair amount of snow, so we got a great view but ultimately couldn’t make it to the summit.
For those with strong legs, the Rowe Lakes hike can be combined with the Lineham Ridge trail which leaves from the meadow above the lower Rowe Lake. This would be a full day with plenty of elevation gain and is best attempted from July onwards when the snow has melted.
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Quick Facts
Distance: 8km return (to Lower Rowe Lake) 12km return (to Upper Rowe Lake)
Elevation: 350m (to Lower Rowe Lake) 575m (to Upper Rowe Lake)
Estimated Time: 5 hours return to Upper Rowe Lake
Rating: Moderate, especially the steep switchbacks to the Upper Rowe Lake
When To Hike: Typically from July through to October. We hiked it in mid June on a low snow year though. Check trail conditions before heading out.
Fees: The Rowe Lakes hike is in Waterton National Park, so you’ll need to pay to enter the park, either by purchasing a day pass at the park gate or as part of an annual Discovery Pass.
Trailhead
The great thing about Waterton is there are lots of trailheads but they are all well marked. For the Rowe Lakes hike, parking is located at the Rowe/Tamarack trailhead. Located 10.5km along the Akamina Parkway which is clearly signed from the town.
Rowe Lakes Hike
We were looking for a great day hike which offered good bang for our buck, so we decided to check out Rowe Lakes. Depending on the time you have will depend on the type of adventure you have on this trail. For those looking for a three hour, easy trip, its worthwhile to head to Lower Rowe Lake, for those with 5 or more hours, head up to the Upper Rowe Lake and take a picnic to enjoy on the shore.
Lower Rowe Lake
The Rowe Lakes hike starts straight from the parking, the trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. It slowly gains elevation as it climbs through the burnt forest. When we did the Rowe Lakes hike in mid June, there were a lot of incredible wildflowers in this area. Note there is also not a lot of shade on this section of the trail. A sun hoody helped protect me while out hiking.
Soon enough the trail enters the forest which escaped the fire and there is more shade but also little in the way of views as it continues to gradually gain elevation. It is easy going though and you can make good time on this section.
The trail crosses a few rocky sections which offer up a few views between forest sections and you can hear water running nearby. There is a non maintained but hiker worn path down through a small gully which offers up a view of a waterfall.
Eventually the trail opens up and there is a trail marker, the Lower Rowe Lake is clearly signed, so follow the left trail, cross the creek and head up the trail beside it before it pops you out at the lake. There isn’t much in the way of things to do around Lower Rowe Lake.
Most people seem to stop when they arrive at the lake due to the large rocks to sit on and picture perfect view from this spot. There was a trail which continued on, we followed it a short way to get a view of the waterfall which feeds the Lower Rowe Lake.
Upper Rowe Lake
Back at the junction on the main trail, take the right fork, straight on, for the Upper Rowe Lakes trail. It heads back into the forest and this was one of my favorite parts of the trail as the Rowe Lakes hike follows the river, criss-crossing it on a series of small wooden bridges.
Eventually you end up in a gorgeous meadow, the Rowe Lakes hike is easy to follow through this area while you marvel at the surrounding ridges and mountains. On the far side of the meadow there is a trail sign, left takes you towards the Upper Rowe Lake while right heads up Lineham Ridge, we could easily spot the ridge trail traversing the bowl as it headed up to the ridge top, you’ll want strong legs for that one!
Meanwhile on the Rowe Lakes hike, the hard work really begins, there are a series of steep switchbacks which help you gain elevation quickly, although you’ll likely want to take them slowly, especially on a hot day.
The great thing is, once the switchbacks level out, you pass a small lake on the left, stay on the main trail and you soon appear on the shore of the Upper Rowe Lake. This is a beautiful spot, if you want to enjoy time here though, I’d recommend bringing a sit pad because the lakeshore was very wet when we did the Rowe Lakes hike, it may have just been because it was early season though.
For those who enjoy a scramble, there is a route from the lake which heads straight up a loose rock shoot to gain the ridge above the lake before traversing to the summit of Mount Rowe. This is not a maintained or official trail though and shouldn’t be attempted by anyone without experience.
Complete the Rowe Lakes hike by turning left and following the lakeshore, where the lake drains, there is a well worn trail which takes you down beside a small waterfall to the smaller lake passed earlier, the trail loops back and joins the main trail to start the descent back to the parking lot.
What We Took To Hike To Rowe Lakes
Hiking Boots – We encountered some water and snow on the trail in mid June, waterproof hiking boots were a must for a happy day.
Day Pack – Carrying the essentials is a must in the mountains, a comfortable day pack makes this easy.
Water Filter – On long hot hikes, we like to take a water filter so we have to carry less water and can fill up when we find a cold creek.
Bear Spray – Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Where To Stay In Waterton
Townsite Campground – We always stay at the Townsite Campground in Waterton, it is centrally located and a perfect base for adventures.
Waterton Glacier Suites – A beautiful spot which is open year round, right in the middle of town with recently renovated rooms.
Prince Of Wales Hotel – The iconic Waterton hotel, it sits up on the shoreline of the lake, filled with history and offering incredible views.
Other Hikes In Waterton
- Bears Hump
- Carthew Alderson
- Crypt Lake
- Forum and Wall Lakes
