Lineham Ridge

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-8h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
17.2 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
960 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Directions to Trailhead
Panorama from the Lineham Ridge hike in Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada

The epic Lineham Ridge hike is one of our favorites. You’ll travel from a creek-side, to the forest, and through meadows. Then, you’ll curve along the sweeping expanse of the towering headwall with superb views. Finally, top out on Lineham Ridge with incredible panoramic views of Rowe Valley, Rowe Lakes, and Lineham Lakes.

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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

  • 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

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Lineham Ridge Reviews

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