Picklejar Lakes Hike

Trailhead: Park in the Lantern Creek recreation area parking lot 134kms west of Calgary located on Highwood Trail #40 highway. Note: Highway #40 is closed at the Upper Lakes and Highwood House Junction from Dec 1st to June 14th for wildlife preservation.

Description: Cross the #40 highway and locate the trailhead next to Lantern Creek. Follow the trail as it slowly ascends through an Aspen and Spruce forest. At approximately 3kms the trail goes steep and loose for another 100ms until you reach a lookout with views towards Picklejar Creek below. Continue on the trail a short distance before rounding a jagged rock face. Here the trail forks to your right towards Lineham Ridge.

Keep going straight through jagged rock and several large boulders as Picklejar Lake comes into view straight ahead. Hike down to Picklejar Creek and the first lake. While standing at the lakes shore you can see Cutthroat Trout swimming along it’s edge. Expect to see several fisherman, it’s a popular backcountry fly fishing spot. Picklejar Lakes are stocked with Cutthroat Trout however their growth rate is very slow due to the lack of food at higher elevations.

From here you can continue up over a short headwall to the other 3 lakes. The third lake is the deepest and the nicest of the four. The lakes color and it’s jewel like setting are absolutely beautiful. As you hike along the lakes edge you’ll be amazed at it’s crystal clear water and the depth of visibility. There is an open ledge just above the 3rd lake that offers outstanding views. Picklejar Lakes are classified as Paternoster Lakes.

Sheep River Valley Map PDF