Pros & cons
PROS
- Walkable start from Jasper townsite—no car required
- Excellent birding around Cottonwood Slough along the loop
CONS
- Numerous junctions can be confusing without a map
- Mosquito-heavy near lakes and wetlands in early summer
Park at the Jasper Activity Centre (303 Pyramid Avenue). A trail kiosk marks the start; the loop begins on signed Trail 8 and closes via Trail 2.
Active wildlife (bears, elk) possible—carry bear spray and make noise. Junctions are frequent; bring a map or GPS. Expect mosquitoes near water and muddy spots after rain; boardwalks and bridges can be slick when wet or icy.
Why hike it
If you want a peaceful, close-to-town nature fix without committing a full day, this loop delivers. It strings together two small, scenic lakes with birdy wetlands and mellow forest, and it’s popular with hikers, runners, and in winter, snowshoers and cross‑country skiers. Don’t come for big alpine drama—come for tranquil water, mixed forest, and easy accessibility.
Route overview
The full loop is about 5.3 miles (total), starting from the Jasper Activity Centre area. From the kiosk, follow signed Trail 8, skirting Cottonwood Slough, then link to Trail 2 near Pyramid Lake Road to close the loop back toward town. Expect gentle rolling terrain with roughly 450 feet of elevation gain and a few short ups and downs. Junctions are frequent—pay attention to signage to stay on the Mina–Riley circuit.
What you’ll see
You’ll circle quiet Mina Lake and Riley Lake and pass the Cottonwood Slough wetland, a reliable birding spot. Forest stretches mix spruce, pine, and aspen, with occasional openings that give peeks toward town and surrounding peaks. Wildlife is common—think deer, beavers, squirrels, plenty of birds, with occasional elk or bears moving through.
Trail feel and conditions
The surface is packed dirt and gravel with some roots and occasional muddy spots after rain. It’s well signed, but the web of connecting trails means a map or GPS app helps. Mosquitoes can be fierce near the water in early summer; bug spray isn’t optional.
Best time to hike
Spring through fall is prime (roughly April–September for dry trail and open water). Early or late in the day is quieter and best for reflections and wildlife. Winter is very doable as a snowshoe or ski outing when conditions allow.
Tips
- Start from the Jasper Activity Centre and look for Trails 8 and 2 signage; remember the sequence: 8 → Cottonwood Slough → 2 → back to town.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it; make noise in brushy sections.
- Bring bug spray, especially June–July.
- A valid Parks Canada entry pass is required for Jasper National Park.
Where it starts
52.8798, -118.0850Wildlife on this trail
Near Mina and Riley Lakes Loop
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayTrail 8 (MinaLake)Close-to-town forest loop to tranquil Mina and Riley lakes.Moderate · 5.3 mi · 2.5 hr
0.1 mi awayJasper Yellowhead Museum and ArchivesSmall museum packed with Jasper stories, artifacts, and archivesExhibit · Parking
0.2 mi awayFlo Charging Station - Jasper LibraryTownsite Level 2 FLO charger beside the libraryParking
0.2 mi awayJasper Library (Flo)Cozy library with free WiFi, kids area and an EV chargerWiFi · Exhibit
0.2 mi awayBear's Paw BakeryBeloved scratch bakery for pre-hike coffee, trail cookies, and piesFood · Restaurant
0.3 mi away11 Town trailEasy loop around Jasper with steady mountain views and benchesEasy · 5.2 mi · 2.5 hr
1.2 mi awaySaturday Night Lake LoopClose-to-town lakes loop that’s mellow, bikeable, and beginner-friendlyModerate · 15.3 mi · 8 hr
1.2 mi awayCottonwood SloughQuick, flat wetland stroll with A+ birdwatching near townEasy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
