Fish Lakes Hike

Trailhead: Park at the Mosquito Creek Campground or Hostel. Approximately 24kms north of Lake Louise on the east side of the Icefields Parkway. Banff National Park.

Description: Follow the Molar Pass trail towards North Molar Pass. Within an hour you’ll arrive at the Mosquito Creek backcountry campground. Continue through and past the campground until you reach a signed fork in the trail. Take the left hand fork leading up towards North Molar alpine meadows.

In a short distance you’ll arrive at a vast alpine wildflower meadow along with a small lake near it’s center. Views of Mount Molar’s twin summits and Mount Andromache are stunning. Stay on the well defined trail as it climbs again to the saddle of North Molar Pass. The east side of North Molar pass is often blocked by a snow cornice until mid July.

Descend down North Molar pass towards Molar Creek. After another kilometer or so cross the wooden bridge over Molar Creek where it cascades down the valley below. Before you start to descend there is a short detour to the east ridge on your right offering nice views of Fish Lake below. Continue down to the lake until you arrive at the Fish Lake backcountry campground. The lake holds Cutthroat Trout. I did see a few swim by when I was there. You’ll need a fishing license to try your luck, check regulations for closures.

On your return trip you may want to consider an alternate route via South Molar pass. Hike back the same way towards North Molar pass. As you look ahead west towards North Molar pass, you’ll see a saddle shaped ridge to the left. Head towards the top of the right buttress just below the saddled ridge then scramble your way up through boulders and scree until you top out.

Views from this saddle are absolutely incredible and well worth the extra effort. Mount Hector, Hector Glacier and Mount Andromache seem to tower over the skyline. Mount Hector looks enormous and somewhat evil from this viewpoint. Views towards South Molar Pass and the meadows below will renew your energy as you descend to the South Molar Pass headwall. When you reach the valley bottom locate the South Molar Pass trail and follow it out towards the Molar Pass Junction. This Is Bear Country.

Bow Valley Parkway Map PDF