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    Hikes/Canada/British Columbia/West Kootenays

    Emerald Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    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.
    3-4h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    8.8 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.
    449 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead
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    The Emerald Lake Trail is an 8.8 km out-and-back hiking route near Kaslo, BC, that will take you through beautiful forests and over a rugged ridgeline to reach the charming, crystal-clear waters of Emerald Lake. The trail is a beautifully scenic route that also passes by several historic mining sites, making it a fun experience for nature lovers and historians alike. Ensure that you are either confident in your 2WD driving abilities, or make the rough trip in with a 4x4 vehicle to reach the trailhead.

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    Route Description for Emerald Lake Trail

    Although a bit tough to get to, the Emerald Lake Trail is an excellent family day-hike that will take you to a picturesque alpine lake beneath the shadow of Mount Jardine. Setting out from the trailhead, follow the old mining road for 1km before heading up a series of switchbacks. After 1.8 km, you will cross over a creek and pass a small cabin that stands as a remnant of the historic mining operations in the area.

    Continue past the cabin and up the creek bed, where you will eventually reach the saddle of Jardine Ridge. Follow the trail down the opposite side of the ridge and over a small boulder field to reach the crystal-clear waters of Emerald Lake. Spend some time exploring this peaceful destination, or simply relax by the water’s edge before heading back up the ridge and down the trail to return to the parking lot.

    Getting to the Emerald Lake Trail Trailhead

    To reach the Emerald Lake trailhead from Kaslo, head west on BC-31A for 11.0 km and make a right onto Blue Ridge FSR. Reset your odometer and continue for 0.4 km, where you will keep left through the junction. In 3.9 km, keep left again and continue on for 6.7 km, where you will also keep left at the fork. Continue straight for 0.7 km and keep left at the fork, followed by a right in 1.2 km. After another 0.7 km, park at the end of the switchback and look for the tape marking the trailhead.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      May-October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      Yes

    • Family friendly

      Older Children only

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Emerald Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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    Emerald Lake Trail Reviews

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