Panorama from Cobb Lake hike in Kootenay National Park
Panorama from Cobb Lake hike in Kootenay National Park

Cobb Lake hike

Kootenay National Park
View Photos
Trail of Cobb Lake hike in Kootenay National ParkTrail through the forest on Cobb Lake hike in Kootenay National ParkAmazing scenery on Cobb Lake hike in Kootenay National ParkCobb Lake hike in Kootenay National Park is a family-friendly trailCobb Lake hike in Kootenay National Park has beautiful lake viewsAmazing views on Cobb Lake hike in Kootenay National ParkTrailhead of Cobb Lake hike in Kootenay National ParkGreat views on Cobb Lake hike in Kootenay National Park

Cobb Lake hike

Distance: 3.9mi
Elevation: 781ft
Time: 2-2.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
10 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

The Cobb Lake hike is a good family hike in Kootenay National Park. This is a great hike for a hot, sunny day, though be sure to check the status of this hike, as there are often Bear Closures.

Cobb Lake Hike Map

Getting there

From Radium, go East on the 93S highway to Banff for 9.3mi and look for the Cobb Lake parking lot on the right.

I’ve done this 43 people have done this
I want to do this 56 want to do this route

About

When to do

June - October

Backcountry Campsites

No

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Out and back


Cobb Lake
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Cobb Lake

On a hot summer day, a hike to Cobb Lake is a good option if you’re near Radium. The hike is primarily in the forest, so you have shade on most of the hike. Before starting this hike, make sure to check the status of this hike, as there are often Bear Closures. You can check the status on the Parks Canada Bulletins page.

Start at a large and well-signed trailhead, and immediately follow the Cobb Lake trail, a clear trail that goes through the forest. The trail feels magical as it makes you make your way through the forest and thick beautiful foliage.

The trail initially descends to Swede Creek before climbing back up on the other side to Cobb Lake. Cobb Lake is a pretty lake, though it doesn’t have the stunning beauty of other lakes in Kootenay National Park.

Return the way you came back to your car. The ascent up from Swede Creek can be tiring if you are not used to hiking.

Find other great hikes in Kootenay National Park:

Insider Hints

  • If you are with little legs, keep in mind that the descent to Swede Creek will now be an ascent on the way out.

  • This Cobb Lake trail, like many in Kootenay National Park, is often closed due to bear activity. Check the status on the Parks Canada Bulletins page, and be sure to respect the signs and closures.

  • Stop at Radium Hot Springs afterwards for a relaxing dip in the restorative hot springs. For hot days, continue 15 minutes past Radium to Invermere, and go for a dip at Kinsmen Beach!

Comments

RandyO 4 years ago

Lovely trail with few ascends that my little ones enjoyed.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
2h 30m Time Taken
Hiking-eh 4 years ago

Beautiful trail. Good trail for a quick hike.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Niamh Gorget 4 years ago

It's amazing how this short hike can be rewarding once done with a group than when done alone. I've been here a couple of times before alone.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Nathan R. 4 years ago

Lovely hike in Kootenay. We saw many bear signs such as scat on the trail but no bears. Definitely make sure to bring some bear spray!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Dan G. 4 years ago

Amazing trail. Good trail for a quick hike in Kootenay. Stunning views of Cobb Lake.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Jessie Illumin 4 years ago

Wonderful trail and surroundings. Plenty of spots to take pictures. Lots of people around too.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Tara Green 4 years ago

was there last year and it was a great length, good trail, and very few bugs

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
2h 30m Time Taken
Nadeem Medulla 4 years ago

Beautiful trail without the fuss! The views are absolutely gorgeous. Autumn is definitely the best time to go if you want to the brilliant color of the thick foliage.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Jango l. 4 years ago

I prefer Olive Lake but this one is not that bad at all!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Andy J. 5 years ago

Kids-friendly hike. Extremely doable for them and I am glad they enjoyed the trip.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
29 Comments Show all

Similar hikes to the Cobb Lake hike

Haffner Creek Trail Map

Haffner Creek Trail

Difficulty:
11.1mi
4754ft
7-10h

The Haffner Creek Trail is a lengthy hiking route that will lead you along a winding creek for some scenic…

Kimpton Creek Trail Map

Kimpton Creek Trail

Difficulty:
6.3mi
1667ft
3-4.5h

The Kimpton Creek Trail would be a nice and easy hike through the forest along a charming creek if it…

Redstreak Creek Trail Map

Redstreak Creek Trail

Difficulty:
2.8mi
669ft
1.5-2h

Hiking the Redstreak Creek Trail is a quick and relatively easy hike that features several steep sections of terrain and…