The Akamina Pass hike is popular for a reason, it takes hikers from Waterton National Park in Alberta, over the border into British Columbia. From here it is possible to explore the beautiful Forum Lake and Wall Lake. Two peaceful blue, alpine lakes which make a great half day hike. For those who want to link the two together it is possible to hike Akamina Ridge between the two lakes, however when we were there in mid June, there was too much snow to complete the loop, so we went out and back to the two lakes.
For those short on time or looking for an easier day on the trail, the Akamina Pass hike with an extension to just Wall Lake is the easiest option with excellent views still. The trip up to Forum Lake is considerably steeper, so takes more energy and time.
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Where Is The Akamina Pass Trailhead
As with most trails in Waterton National Park, trailhead parking is fairly easy to find. From town take the Akamina Parkway, after 14km there is parking on the left hand side of the road, clearly signed. Cross back over the road to access the trailhead once you are parked.
Hiking To Akamina Pass
Distance: 3km to the pass
Elevation: 123m gain
The Akamina Pass hike is clearly signed from the parking area and immediately starts climbing. It’s a wide, easy to navigate trail which gains elevation with no switchbacks.
The burnt forest offers its own unique features and when we hiked it in mid to late June there were wildflowers galore to take in along the Akamina Pass hike. As the trail gains elevation there are also glimpses of Cameron Lake down below.
Eventually the Akamina Pass hike levels out and heads away from the valley it started in. It continues to be a wide easy trail and before you know it, you’ve reached the Alberta, British Columbia border. Signaled by a great new sign. There is also a small trail to the right which takes you to the official border marker.
When we hiked the trail, we saw a number of people who stopped here, took and picture and returned back down the Akamina Pass hike.
For those looking to extend the hike, continue down the main trail which is wide and rocky but easy as it slowly descends.
The Forum Lake Extension
Distance: Approx 2km from the Warden cabin junction
Elevation: Approx 200m gain from the Warden cabin.
Shortly after heading down from Akamina Pass there is a trail junction. Signs make easy work of the navigation in this area. Turn left to head towards Forum Lake. There is a British Columbia Parks Warden cabin just after you turn off the main trail which seemed to be recently replaced. There is no public access to the cabin but there is an outhouse outside the fence which the public can use. It even had toilet paper when we were there!
As the Forum Lake hike heads through the burnt forest, there is a sign for Forum Falls, a short and flat detour which offers a beautiful view of the waterfall. Backtrack to get onto the main trail again.
From here the uphill grind of the Forum Lake trail begins. It starts very steeply as it gains elevation through the burnt forest and I found poles pretty handy both going up and down this section!
Eventually the Forum Lake hike heads into green forest, unaffected by the 2017 fire. The trail continues to gain elevation but not as steeply for the most part and the shade provided by the forest is nice on a hot day.
The trail levels out through a meadow, follow the wood boardwalks and Eventually you pop out, towards the end of Forum Lake. We saw very few other people on the trail here and only shared the lake with one other person.
If you want to hike the Akamina Ridge trail, follow the trail right and look for a sign for Akamina Ridge just above this trail.
When we did the Forum Lake hike there was still lots of snow on the ridge according to trail condition reports, so we headed back the way we came.
Continuing On To Wall Lake
Distance: Approx 2km from the Warden cabin
Elevation: 50m gain from the cabin
Back at the junction near the BC Parks Warden cabin, you can continue on the main trail which came down from Akamina Pass towards Wall Lake. Following the wide trail as it continues to descend, there is a backcountry campground on the right hand side. Shortly after the Wall Lake hike starts on the left. Again it is clearly signposted.
Cross the bridge over the creek and follow the undulating trail through the burnt forest. There was little in the way of shade along the Wall Lake hike but it’s a fairly easy stretch of trail. As it curves left you can see the Rockwall behind the lake.
Due to the fire having come through the area, there are some gorgeous wildflowers to be seen along the Wall Lake hike and it’s easy to get distracted. As the trail reached the lake, there is an outhouses on the left and a bridge which crosses the outflow of the lake on the right. We headed across the bridge and followed the trail around the edge of the lake for a short way until we found a nice little rocky beach area to stop for a break.
If you’ve done the Akamina Ridge hike, this is where you will come out if you started at Forum Lake.
For me, Wall Lake was beautiful, backed with steep rock and lush green trees and moss cling to the rock walls which surround the lake.
Trail signage suggests you can turn the Wall Lake hike into a loop but this will add a few kilometers distance, so we headed out the same way we came in. Returning back to the main trail and hiking back out over the Akamina Pass trail.
What We Packed For This Day Hike
Day Pack – A small backpack is the ideal thing to take on the Akamina Pass hike, with an extra layer, water and snacks.
Trail Runners – This is a wide, easy trail, I chose to wear trail runners as it was a hot day. A pair of hiking boots would work well too.
Water Filter – it was a hot June day when we did the Wall Lake hike, so we packed a water filter to get cold water along the way and to save packing so much water for the day.
Bear Spray – Waterton is known for its bear population, we packed bear spray and kept it accessible.
Where To Stay In Waterton
Townsite Campground – Centrally located right on the lake, the Townsite campground is a perfect base for adventures in Waterton, with excellent facilities.
Waterton Glacier Suites – Open year round, the rooms were recently upgraded and this is a great spot to relax after a day of exploring.
Prince Of Wales Hotel – This gorgeous hotel sits up above the lake and offers incredible views from some of the rooms.
