Tamarack Trail

Waterton Lakes NP’s outstanding landscape has been shaped by fire, ice, wind and floods and contains a rich variety of plants and wildlife. Above rich forests and beautiful lakes, high, bare, stony, but often surprisingly level hilltops above broken cliffs and cirques command huge and glorious views. 

The park provides homes for many animals, including wolf, coyote, cougar, grizzly bear and American black bear. The gorgeous lower grasslands are home to the famous elk, mule deer and white tailed deer.

The 36km, 3 day Tamarack Trail is perhaps the NP’s most famous walk. It traverses high ridges with superb views, winds through tamarack (larch) forest, explores a stunning canyon and potters (indeed camps) by gorgeous lakes. It is a demanding trail with major climbs/descents. That said, it can be done on horseback.

The track is walkable mid June to mid October – permit needed. 

This is demanding walking in high, remote mountains with fickle weather, on which you will have to be self-sufficient. Come prepared and be ready to deal with bears!

See KB Backpacking blog for an excellent account and fantastic photos.

This page is at an early stage of development. Please HELP US by sharing experiences, making suggestions and sending photos! THANK YOU!

See our Waterton Lakes LP page for further general and practical information and photos.