Viewpoint Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Viewpoint Trail is found at a well marked trail junction in Elk Lakes Provincial Park, in its Elk Lakes and campground area. In this area there are signposts indicating the direction to Lower Viewpoint. Follow the arrows to Lower Viewpoint to find Viewpoint Trail.

Viewpoint Trail is a forested trail. However, there are good views through the trees, especially on the steep slopes. The trail starts off by following a creek downstream to Lower Elk Lake, where the creek empties into the lake. A short and flat 0.2 miles brings one to the shores of Lower Elk Lake, revealing nice views across it. The eastern slopes of the Elk River Valley can be seen in the distance.

The trail then veers right and soon begins a steep climb to the viewpoint - 400 feet up in 0.4 miles. This climb is in the forest so there are no true views while climbing.

The trail levels off and turns left to traverse a very steep slope. This slope faces southwest, thus providing great views of several glaciated mountains - Mt. McCuiag, Mt. De Gaulle, Mt. Nivelle, Mt. Casteinau, and nearby Mt. Elkan.

Moving away from the steep dropoff, the trail heads for the summit of this hill. There is a bench at the summit, and more great views. Lower Elk Lake is below, and the Elk River Valley backed by a rugged mountain range stretch southeast into the distance.

Conifer forest that thins as the trail climbs.