Mount Hunter Lower Lookout

Mount Hunter Lower Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower at the end of a steep trail through open forest. It is a proper uphill outing: 3.5 km one way, about three hours return, with 495 m of climbing and a little descent at the far end. Choose it when you want the hike as much as the tower; this is not a quick roadside stop.

Park at Wapta Falls Day-use area on the south side of Highway 1, then cross the Trans-Canada Highway to reach the trailhead. Access to the lot is eastbound only. If you are heading west, continue 5.5 km to the west boundary and turn around at the Beaverfoot exit before coming back east; there is no left-turn lane at the lot. The two-kilometre Wapta Falls access road closes seasonally for winter, so check road access before setting out.

The lower endpoint is a historic fire-watch tower above the Kicking Horse and Beaverfoot valleys. It is a steel lattice structure with an enclosed cabin and an outside ladder; current access to the ladder and cabin is unconfirmed, so plan to enjoy the tower from the ground. For a photo, include the full frame of the tower with the forest and valley behind it; that gives the view a sense of scale.