Ottertail Pass Trail

Ottertail Pass Trail is a 15.5 km (9.6 mi) out-and-back from Helmet/Ochre Junction campground, climbing about 540 m through forest to open alpine meadows below a wooded pass. Allow about six hours from camp. The old tread is faint, brushy and interrupted by deadfall, so route-finding is part of the outing. The saved route turns around at the pass; it does not continue north toward Ottertail Falls and the Yoho trailhead, a much longer through-route. The old spur's present access and maintenance status could not be established. Confirm public access with Parks Canada before leaving the designated Helmet Creek approach.

Pass the camp's bear lockers to find the historic route. Reports describe a rough, overgrown lower stretch that becomes clearer after the initial climb. A viewpoint before the meadows looks toward Helmet Falls; farther on, the forest opens into a broad alpine basin with streams and wildflowers. The pass itself is wooded, so the meadow and the view back toward the falls are the main rewards rather than a wide summit panorama. The abandoned camp west of the pass is decommissioned; do not count on it for an overnight stop.

Paint Pots is the road access. From there, the designated Helmet Creek approach climbs 5.8 km (3.6 mi) one way to Helmet/Ochre Junction campground. Add that 11.6 km (7.2 mi) round trip if starting from the lot, for about 27 km (16.8 mi) total and roughly four more hours of hiking. An overnight backcountry trip requires a permit, and camping is limited to authorized sites. Parks Canada's main backcountry season is June through October; higher routes can remain snowbound until late June. Pets are allowed in the backcountry but must stay leashed.