Opabin Lake

Opabin Lake is a high alpine lake at 2,277 metres on Opabin Plateau, a hanging valley above Lake O'Hara. The lake sits on the Opabin Plateau Circuit among streams and smaller ponds, beneath steep mountain walls. This is a backcountry destination reached on foot, not a roadside stop.

The circuit gains about 250 metres. The west arm climbs past Mary Lake, then rises over open talus before reaching the plateau. The route crosses Opabin Creek, passes southwest of Hungabee Lake and climbs a final knoll to Opabin Lake. The east and west arms make a loop; Parks Canada describes the east-side return as a 0.8-kilometre switchback descent to Lake O'Hara.

At the far end of Opabin Lake, an approximately 800-metre glacier lies below Opabin Pass, a narrow gap between peaks. Parks Canada warns hikers to stay off the glacier because of crevasses. Looking across the lake toward the pass puts the ice and mountain walls behind the water. For the broad view down to Lake O'Hara, take the separate short side path to Opabin Prospect on the circuit.