Merlin Lake Backpacking Trail
![Merlin Lake Backpacking Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CAN-AB-BANFF-NATIONAL-PARK-MERLIN-LAKE-TRAIL-1709x633-Dummy.jpg)
Table of contents
The backpacking route to the Merlin Lake Trail follows the main Skoki route and covers all the popular landmarks in the area. Climb both Boulder and Deception passes and hike alongside Ptarmigan Lake on your way to the incredible Skoki Valley.
Route Description for Merlin Lake Backpacking Trail
Hiking the Merlin Lake Trail through Skoki Valley is an excellent weekend backpacking trip. You will need to plan ahead to ensure you are able to book a spot at Merlin Meadows (Sk18). If you are flexible, keep watching for cancellations and you might get lucky!
From the Fish Creek Parking lot, begin hiking up the road behind the Lake Louise Ski Resort. When you can see the Temple Ski Lodge, start looking upslope for signs leading to Skoki Lodge. Take this forested trail and cross Corral Creek on a small footbridge. You will continue on the main trail over boulder pass and beyond Ptarmigan Lake to the sometimes-dreaded Deception Pass. The pass isn’t bad once you realize it’s all downhill from there!
Descend the pass towards Skoki Lodge and hike 1.2 km beyond the lodge to find your camp at Merlin Meadows (Sk18). Set up camp and ditch your gear before hiking back to Skoki Lodge and taking the trail to Merlin Lake. You will follow signs to Packer’s Pass on the right. Merlin Lake is 2.9 km and 196m from the campground and is worth the extra distance!
Remember to bring some cash and treat yourself to some beer or wine from Skoki Lodge. It is open to the public in the afternoons for tea time, where food and drinks are available for purchase. Return the way you came on day two to complete this out-and-back trip.
Getting to the Merlin Lake Backpacking Trail Trailhead
You will be starting at the Fish Creek parking lot for your trip along the Merlin Lake Trail route. From the Lake Louise Village, take Lake Louise Drive southbound towards the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Cross the Trans-Canada Highway and continue on this road until you see signs for Skoki Lodge and Fish Creek Road. Take this road that soon becomes gravel until you reach the parking lot.
Route Information
When to do:
June-September
Backcountry Campsites:
Campground: Merlin Meadows Sk18
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Merlin Lake Backpacking Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Mount Redoubt](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CAN-AB-BANFF-NATIONAL-PARK-MOUNT-REDOUBT-SCRAMBLE-1709x633-Dummy.jpg)
Mount Redoubt
Banff National Park
![Heather Ridge](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Heather Ridge
Banff National Park
![Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CAN-AB-BANFF-NATIONAL-PARK-HIDDEN-LAKE-TRAIL-1709x633-Dummy.jpg)
Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail
Banff National Park
![Skoki Mountain Loop Backpacking Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/CA-AB-1-3.jpg)
Skoki Mountain Loop Backpacking Trail
Banff National Park
![Lake Louise to Bow Summit Road Biking Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CAN-AB-Banff-RoadBike-LL-2-Bow-1940x480.jpg)
Lake Louise to Bow Summit Road Biking Trail
Banff National Park
![Baker Lake and the Skoki Region](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CAN-AB-Banff-Baker-Lake-1920x480.jpg)
Baker Lake and the Skoki Region
Banff National Park
![Mount Richardson](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CAN-AB-Banff-Mount-Richardson-1920x480.jpg)
Mount Richardson
Banff National Park
![Deception Pass](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CAN-AB-Banff-Snowshoe-Deception-1940x480.jpg)
Deception Pass
Banff National Park
![Skoki Lakes](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-AB-Lake-Louise-Skoki-Lakes-1920x480.jpg)
Skoki Lakes
Around Lake Louise
![Redoubt Lake via Boulder Pass](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-AB-Lake-Louise-Redoubt-Lake-1920x480.jpg)
Redoubt Lake via Boulder Pass
Around Lake Louise
![Hidden Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-AB-Lake-Louise-Hidden-Lake-1920x480.jpg)
Hidden Lake
Around Lake Louise
![Lake Louise Ski Hill](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-AB-Lake-Louise-Ski-Hill-Pano-1940x480.jpg)
Lake Louise Ski Hill
Around Lake Louise