Opabin Plateau Circuit

The Opabin Plateau Circuit is an alpine loop above Lake O’Hara, climbing the West Opabin arm, crossing the hanging valley to Opabin Lake, and returning by the East Opabin arm and lakeshore. The published circuit figure is 5.9 km, but tracing the closed walk from the West Opabin sign back along the shore measures about 6.7 km (4.2 miles); plan for the longer total. The route climbs about 250 m and usually takes 2½ to 3 hours, before longer stops. This is a moderate day hike with one steep, loose section that takes more care than the distance suggests.

Start at the signed trail on Lake O’Hara’s southwest end. The path climbs quickly to Mary Lake, follows the shore, then tackles an open talus slope that gains about 120 m. The stones are loose and the slope is steep; take your time rather than trying to keep the pace of the smoother lower trail. A grassy cleft brings you onto the rolling plateau. That sudden change—from cliff-side climbing to broad alpine ground—is one of the best parts of the route.

The trail enters the small Opabin Creek valley, crosses the creek on a bridge, and passes southwest of Hungabee Lake. It climbs another talus knoll before reaching Opabin Lake, tucked beneath the peaks at the end of the valley. A long glacier lies beyond the lake at Opabin Pass. Stay on the trail and off the glacier: crevasses make it dangerous even when the surface looks walkable. Filter or treat any surface water before drinking; the route’s streams are not a potable-water source.

Near the top of the West Opabin climb, a small path branches east to Opabin Prospect. The rocky edge opens a wide view across Lake O’Hara and Mary Lake below. It is an optional detour, not a required part of the circuit, but it gives you a useful look back at the cliff you just climbed. For a photo, use the rock lip in the foreground and include both lakes so the height reads in the frame. Late September can bring golden alpine larch, though the exact color peak shifts from year to year.

The return starts on Opabin Lake’s east shore and descends past Hungabee Lake along the foot of Yukness Mountain. The junction for the Yukness Ledges Alpine Route is a separate, more demanding outing; stay on the lower circuit. Grassy meadows lead to the valley brink, then a 0.8 km run of switchbacks drops back to Lake O’Hara. The descent is steady and can feel hard on tired legs, so save enough energy for the final switchbacks and shore walk back to the West Opabin sign.

The trailhead is not at the highway lot. Park at the Lake O’Hara parking lot beside Highway 1, then use a reserved summer day shuttle or walk the 11 km access road each way; that road approach is outside the trail distance and turns the day into a much longer outing. The road is not open to bicycles. Le Relais, near the shuttle stop, is a separate day-use shelter where hot drinks and snacks may be available during hiking season. The high trails can remain snowbound and avalanche-prone into late June, and mountain weather can change quickly. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Dogs may hike in the backcountry on leash, but cannot ride the shuttle or stay at the campground; anyone bringing a dog needs to plan the road access accordingly. If you want less climbing, the Lake O’Hara Shore Loop is a shorter, gentler alternative.