Lineham Ridge Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Lineham Ridge
Note that much of Waterton National Park was severely impacted by the 2017 Kenow Wildfire. To find out what trails are open, please check the Parks Canada website.
Just a short distance from the trailhead the senses are awakened with the sight and sound of the Rowe creek streambed, with its beautiful red argillite. As you follow the trail up Rowe Creek valley, look back for views of Buchanan Ridge.
You’ll gain elevation, through the woods, at moderate grade on a pleasant trail. At 3.9 km, you’ll reach a junction with Lower Rowe Lake, which is just 200 m down the trail to the left. Continue straight for Lineham Ridge, travelling along with a gentle ascent.
At 5.2 km, you’ll reach open ground at the beautiful Rowe Basin. In the right season, the meadows explode with wildflowers. We think this makes the meadow a wonderful place for a snack break. Take a minute to gaze at the amazing rock formations on the headwall to the west.
Walk through the meadow. You’ll cross over the creek on the log bridge to continue on the trail for Upper Rowe Lakes and Lineham Ridge. You’ll reach a signed junction just past the meadows: turn right to Lineham ridge.
After travelling on a short, moderately steep section, emerge from the trees for views of the trail ahead: a sweeping traverse across the headwall. Begin the gradual ascent along the curve of the scree trail. Upper and Lower Rowe Lakes come into view behind you as you gain elevation. Continue to travel the arc until you reach the switchback, which will ease the final ascent.
The ridge continues towards Mount Lineham straight ahead. Follow the trail left until reaching a cairn, marking the high point of the ridge. Look for orange trail markers, sometimes easier to spot in the scree than the stony path.
Soak in the glorious views surrounding you. Lineham Lakes appear 400 m below, ringed by spectacular headwalls. To the west, the trail drops down to the valley as the Tamarack Trail continues, running north to Lone Lake. Mount Hawkins dominates the north view, with Mount Blakiston to the northeast and Mount Lineham to the east. Looking south, the beautiful Akamina ridge is visible, with peaks further afield in Glacier National Park, Montana.
After soaking in the views, pick up your jaw and return the way you came. You can take a detour to Upper Rowe Lake at the Junction on the way back if you like it’ll add a couple kilometres onto your trip as it’s an out and back trip, but we think it’s worth it.
Insider Hints for Lineham Ridge
- Adventurous scramblers can continue east along the ridge to the peak of Mount Lineham. Guidebooks list this as an “easy” scramble from the ridge.
- The Lakeside Chophouse at the Bayshore Inn has a wonderful patio right by Waterton Lake. It’s a great place for an après hike drink or dinner.
Getting to the Lineham Ridge Trailhead
Drive 10.6 km up Akamina Parkway to the Rowe Lakes trailhead. The trailhead is on the right (north) side of the road.Route Information for Lineham Ridge
When to do:
July to September
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Lineham Ridge Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Lineham Ridge
Quite a rocky ledge and a lot of route finding. An uphill grunt mostly in the trees. Once you get out of the trees-beautiful views!
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The work of art by the nature is really amazing. Make sure to capture the beautiful views.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The amazingly extensive views of three lakes on the top of Lineham Ridge is a must-see.
- Trip Length
- 07:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Bigger challenge, rewarding views. Wish we started a bit earlier in the day so we weren't chasing sunlight, but wow, what a hike.
Lineham Ridge hike was perfect. Everything, the forests, the meadows, the views, the birds we've spotted. We had a perfect day out.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The Lineham ridge trail was really diverse. It allows you to see different landscapes and enjoy the wilderness.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Lineham ridge trail was spectacular. And it really was one of the better challenges in Waterton, that I've done. I really recommend it to everyone who loves a good challenge and heights.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Great scenery and a nice level of exercise
- Trip Length
- 06:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The scenery was always changing and this hike was one of my favourites.
- Trip Length
- 06:30
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
This is one of the best hikes in Waterton. It's also the gateway to the Hawkin's Horseshoe - 3 peaks - Lineham, Hawkins and Blakiston. See the scramble section for this (if not now, later, for sure). Mount Lineham is, however, a relatively easy hike up to your right once you reach the ridge. Only experienced scramblers should attempt the Horseshoe.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.