Picklejar Lakes Kananaskis

There are four Picklejar Lakes, each lovely in its own unique way and all nestled in an amazingly picturesque cirque. They’re a popular destination for both hikers and anglers, and getting there is a relatively easy task. The trail up, for the most part, has a moderate grade and is not overly taxing. Whether you come for the nature, fresh air, the workout, the fish, the scenery, whatever, or some combo therein, it can’t be beat.

If you like solitude this trail isn’t ideal and we passed maybe a couple dozen people on the hike. Most, as could be expected given the specular surroundings, seemed to be in a jovial mood. The mountains have a way of doing that to folks. To avoid the crowds go during the week when it’s quieter and you should be fine.

The trailhead is located at the Lantern Creek day use area on Highway #40 south of Highwood Pass. Cross the highway, head north a bit and take to the obvious path on the far bank of the creek. That’s Lantern Creek gurgling away beside the trail.

For the next bit the trail climbs rather gently in the trees but later traverses steep grassy slopes high above the creek. But also at a gentle grade. The trail is narrow here, and passing opposing hikers is like playing a game of twister. The side-slope is too steep on each side to do much else.

Along the way there’s bridges or boardwalks that cross wet and swampy areas. The whole trip you’ve been heading roughly northeast, however at a side valley, the trail turns north for a bit.

Soon after tackle a steep and treed slope ahead. In years past, it did so straight on, but since our last visit in 2014, a switchback trail was built. The old one was probably eroding, and the new one, while longer, has a gentler grade.

Here’s what we said about the old route from a trip report that year: “…a long leg burning forty five degree angle plod where you head straight up. Levelling off briefly, if one desires, they can do some scrambling by tackling the obvious rib that drops down from the right. Turning east again, soon there is another steep climb (shorter) which brings you to a low rock band.” If we were to describe it now, it’d be rather mundane in comparison.

Once at the high point, things open up and the trail is seen descending down to the first of the Picklejar Lakes. You can see its waters shimmering off in the distance and it beckons you to come.

There’s a good viewpoint from here looking north and we recognize place we’ve been up to, but from a long time ago now. There’s a group of bumps called the South Mist Hills and we’ve been eyeing them up for a triumphant return. Our little hiking journal tells us it’s been a decade since we last visited. That’s Mist Mountain further back.

There’s a rockslide to cross, which happened a decade back, but the trail is well beaten down now. It was a little more rough on our first visit, but well established now. Interestingly, what was swept away was replaced with an almost equal amount of material from higher up, and therefore it was not that big of a problem. But it did look ugly back then, but nature has a way of healing itself.

In no time arrive at the first lake and it was a pretty busy place this visit. Rather then doddle, we made a run for the last, upper or fourth lake, then planned to leisurely work our way back.

Getting to second of the Picklejar Lakes requires climbing a small head wall but it’s no big deal. The second lake is rimed on all sides by trees and feels the least open. Like the fourth seen a little bit later, it’s quite shallow and has a a muddy bottom. A gurgling stream and cascading falls connects the second and first lakes.

Climbing a little more, the third and arguably the most photogenic lake, comes into view. You can follow a trail in the scree on the south bank and on return can loop around the other side if you so choose. In fact, there’s many offshoot trails one can take, if they wish to explore more and have the time. The third lakes appears the the deepest and as such the most colourful. It’s deep, sparkling blue and a photo from 2014 we’ve included really shows that.

After another short climb come to a large rock bench and directly below is the fourth of the Picklejar Lakes. It’s the shallowest and more like a seasonal pond. It was rather dry and unattractive on this visit. We’ll show some photos from a previous time we were here when it looked better rather than ruin the series with ugly ones.

There’s some woods beyond the final lake, then it’s solid, barren rock rising ever higher and higher.

To the south, Lineham Ridge is seen, along with one of those mountains whose name is simply an alphanumeric “grid reference” sequence (GR593982 – yup, that’s it). The ridge that wraps around to the north, to the best of our knowledge is not named officially, but maybe considered an extension of Highwood Peak, far to the north and unseen from this angle. Some call it Picklejar Peak but we call it awesome.

Speaking of names, on Google some of the Picklejar Lakes have been given some silly monikers by someone having a little fun. One is Polski Ogorki Lake and another Baby Dill Lake.

The first of the Picklejar Lakes (so Polski Oroki) later became our lunch spot and we enjoyed some yummy eats, and wine, while in awe of the view. It was intoxicating. We were not alone at this spot and in fact, most of this trip we were in the company of others who came, like us, to revel in this amazing place.

It starts pouring and refuge is taken under group of trees part way into the meal. Many people turn and hi-tail it out of the valley, but the jokes on them. They’ll still get wet and this is Kananaskis anyway, where one minute there’s a deluge and the next it often tapers off to a light mist. Like it did here, and right on cue the downpour stops. There’s odd bits of blue sky too, but still, the whole forest is really wet now and we end up soaked. So be it.

We passed many anglers this day and it’s clear fishing here is good. Most congregated at the third lake. From what we saw nearly every cast resulted in a strike and while quite tiny, the little trout proved feisty. The fourth lake (and perhaps the second too) may be too shallow for fish.

Many anglers do the fly fishing thing and when done by someone proficient, it’s art in the purest sense. It’s magic to watch. The fishing here is strictly catch and release. All the lakes have very clear water.

Random camping seems to be allowed and we saw a few people set up for an overnight stay at many points in the valley. We bet it gets real dark here, and deathly quiet…and lonely…come 2am.

When you’ve had your fill, if you ever could, retrace your steps back to the day use area. In no time hikers will be back at their car and with a very satisfying adventure completed. Amazing scenery is a hallmark of hiking trails in the area, and trail up to the Picklejar Lakes does not disappoint.

What’s in a name? Fishing at the lakes is said to be so easy, that it’s suggested one could use an empty picklejar to scoop them up. Or that it’s like pulling pickles from a jar and both are mentioned.

Know more: (new window): Picklejar Lakes Kananaskis.

They’re saying…

”These two are amazing!! I love following their adventures and the photography is…jaw dropping. Enjoy your working vacation, Chris & Connie!!… Dayna Kent. (this job really is like a vacation).

More like this…
Baldy Pass to Lusk Pass Loop.
Jumpingpound Mountain East Ridge.
Raspberry Ridge via Switchback Route.

If you wish more information about this adventure or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: .
Location: Highwood River area, Kananaskis.
Distance: 12km out and back.
Height gain maximum: 550m.
Height gain cumulative: 650m.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).
Reference: The Daffern’s Kananaskis Trail Guides.

The Picklejar Lakes hike begins off Highway #40.

An old sign at the start.

It begins in the trees but later there’s open slopes like this.

Paintbrush grows in open areas.

The scenery just gets better and better.

The old steep section was bypassed.

People up on the ridge above.

Looking back from the high point.

The South Mist Hills.

Entering the valley of the Picklejar Lakes.

Before you cast, a few rules to consider.

The second lake is small, shallow and the shore well treed.

The third lake is most spectacular of all.

The fishing appeared good.

The second lake on Google Map is called Baby Dill.

A little stream tumbles over the rocks.

Cheers!

There’s a downpour and we take refuge under trees.

The first Picklejar Lake.

On Google Maps it’s Polski Olgorki Lake.

There were lots of Goldenrod in the slide zone.

Back up to the highpoint, marked by that outcropping.

Soaking up the views – looking south-ish.

Back into the trees for a time.

A field of Fireweed.

Bridges and boardwalks cross wet areas.

We didn’t want to leave…

The forest was wet and we were soaked.

The map to a wonderous place.

From 2014…

The third lake was spectacular that visit.

The fourth Picklejar Lake is the typical end of the hike.

The cirque in behind.

We always toast the day.

At the outflow of the first lake.

Mist Mountain peaks out from behind the Mist Hills.