Rummel Lake Hike

Rummel Lake hike is a popular summer trail as well as a popular snowshoe in winter. The views at the lake are spectacular, and the trail to the lake in winter is rated as simple avalanche terrain, provided you stay on the path.

We normally park on road to Mount Engadine Lodge, as that way our cars don’t get as dirty here as they do on the Smith-Dorrien.

Walk back to the Smith-Dorrien and cross the trail and take a path that heads off into the forest. The path is clear to follow as it heads SE and then switchbacks up to a NE direction. The trail is a good slope and not too steep, so you can make good time here.

As you hike up, you go through an old cut-block, which means you get some lovely views back towards Tent Ridge and the Spray Lakes Reservoir.

After roughly 1.7mi, the trail heads SE again, running above Rummel Creek.

After roughly 1.2mi the Rummel lake trail comes down and you cross Rummel Creek. The winter trail (shown in yellow) goes across the bridge and through the trees to Rummel Lake. In summer, there is a much more scenic hikers trail that goes right just before Rummel Creek and takes an alternate approach to Rummel Lake. If it’s dry out then take the more scenic hikers route, though also with a somewhat narrow ledge that some people may not enjoy. The hikers’ route has avalanche danger so keep clear when there is still snow up high above you.

Whichever way you go, you are soon on the shores of Rummel Lake. It is worthwhile to walk along the entirety of Rummel Lake, as the views change as you walk along it. Our favourite views are at the far end, though there is the danger of rockfall here.

Return the way you came.

Check out other amazing hikes in Kananaskis – Smith Dorrien:

• Burstall Pass Hike
• Rummel Pass Hike
• West Wind Pass Hike
• Chester Lake Hike