Skoki Lodge Trail via Deception Pass

Skoki Lodge Trail via Deception Pass is a one-way backcountry route from Fish Creek Parking Lot to Skoki Lodge: 8.9 miles (14.4 km) one way, including the Temple access road. Allow about six hours on foot. It is an approach, not a loop; if you are not staying at the lodge, plan a long return or a different exit before you start. Lodge guests can arrange a shuttle up the first road section.

The first 3.9 km follows a broad access road uphill to Temple Day Lodge. Beyond it, the route narrows and climbs through forest; over the next few kilometres the trees thin into larch meadows. At the Hidden Lake junction, a 2.6 km return detour reaches Hidden Lake. Leave time for it only if you still have the pass and lodge approach ahead.

The main route continues over Boulder Pass and past Ptarmigan Lake, then climbs above treeline to rocky Deception Pass. From the pass, look south toward Ptarmigan Lake and Redoubt Mountain; to the north are glimpses into the Skoki Lakes and the Wall of Jericho. The descent drops through subalpine forest to the lodge below Skoki Mountain. Published mileage varies with the starting point and extra lake detours; this map follows the direct one-way Fish Creek approach.

Skoki Lodge was built in 1931 for backcountry skiers and is now a National Historic Site. It is still a remote lodge at the end of the trail, not a roadside café or a day-use shelter.

The lodge’s visitor information describes afternoon tea for day visitors, but check with the operator before counting on it; meals are for overnight guests. Backcountry campsites in the area require Parks Canada reservations and permits. Dogs may use the summer trail on leash, but pets are not allowed inside the lodge.