Floe Lake

Floe Lake is a remote alpine lake beneath a huge limestone escarpment in Kootenay's backcountry. The lake is a standout day hike, but getting there is a serious commitment: The hike is 10.8 km each way, with 1,120 m of climbing on the approach; budget about seven hours round trip. Choose it for a fit day hike or an overnight stop on the Rockwall route; it isn't a roadside stop.

Start at the Floe Lake parking lot on Highway 93, about 72 km east of Radium Hot Springs. The trail climbs through forest and open country before steep, sunny switchbacks. The last 1.8 km gains about 430 m with almost no shade, so start with enough daylight and keep some energy for that push.

The trail reaches the shore beside a turquoise alpine lake, with the Rockwall rising across it. In calm conditions, the wall and snowfields can reflect in the water. For a higher angle, continue uphill toward Numa Pass; it's another climb, so add it only if you have the time and energy.

The cliff above Floe Lake is Ottertail Formation limestone, with thin layers and strong fractures visible in exposed rock. Along the Rockwall route, limestone cliffs rise as much as 900 m above the trail, with three high passes, subalpine meadows and hanging glaciers along the way.

Floe Lake Campground sits beside the water with tent pads, dry toilets, communal picnic tables and food-storage lockers or cables. Treat an overnight visit as a backcountry trip: a permit and reservation are required. Bring food and treat or boil water taken from the lake; there isn't a service stop at the end of this trail.

Floe Lake is the southern access point to the 54 km Rockwall multi-day trail. For most day hikers, the lake is a worthy turnaround; backpackers can continue over Numa Pass and onward to other campgrounds on a three- to five-day route through alpine passes, meadows and hanging glaciers.