3 Local Alpine Lakes that are not Window Mountain Lake

Lakes are rewarding destinations. Arriving at one via self-propelled travel – such as hiking – is an experience everyone should have, especially when the venue is the alpine.

Here are three lakes in the Crowsnest Pass area that are lesser travelled, stunning, and off the beaten path:

1.    Lake at the base of Mount McCarty, Castle Park, AB

Coordinates: 49.389875, -114.487001; or 82G/8 825736

Difficulty: Medium

Directions: Start hiking at the end of Carbondale Road, where the first ATV bridge is. Proceed past the bridge for about 1km, then take a left at the overgrown trail with a hitching post across the entrance. Follow trail which quickly turns into a single track until you reach the lake.

Highlights: Waterfall en-route, well shaded, awesome views of the flathead range, including Mt. Darrah.

2.    Lake in Ptolemy Valley (Andy Good Basin), Castle Park, AB

Coordinates: 49.565491, -114.605035; or 82G/10 733928

Difficulty: Hard

Directions: Hike the Ptolemy Valley trail. After the seven creek crossings, at the primary intersection, head left into Andy Good Basin. Follow the trail all the way into the bowl, then head to the right through the trees.

Highlights: Minimal driving, experiencing Ptolemy Valley trail, creek crossings, explore a basin hosting Mount Parrish, Andy Good Peak, and subsidiary peaks of Chinook and Ptolemy.

3.    Lake up Alexander Creek Road, BC Public Land

Coordinates: 49.823135, -114.654259; or 82G/15 687214

Difficulty: Easy/Medium

Directions: Drive to the end of Alexander Creek Road (old drill site), and start hiking about 100m before the drill site on a cutline heading to the east. At the intersection between two cut lines about one kilometer up the trail, take the left turn. Follow cutline trail until you are in the bowl. Cut over to the lake at the end of the bowl.

Highlights: Hiking access to the southern slopes of Mount Domke, 4x4 road for most of the way.