Rowe Lakes & the Tamarack Trail
3-6hrs/mod or hard: 3 great scenic hikes
One great hike from the Akamina Parkway is the Rowe Lakes Trail (5.2km one-way; 555m ascent), which is also the first leg of the Tamarack Trail.
Rowe Lakes Trail
Most people make their way to the Lower Rowe Lakes (return: 3hrs; 8km; 250m) and beyond to the lovely broad meadows of Rowe Basin (another 1.3km), and the start of the trail to the Upper Rowe Lakes (1.2km beyond).
Lineham Ridge
Stronger walkers should take the trail to Lineham Ridge (another 3.4km and 540m ascent – another 2–3hr return trip).
The trail up to Lineham Ridge is one of the most scenically impressive in the Rockies and culminates at an immense ridge with views of Lineham Lake – sapphire blue in the valley far below – and the vast sea of Glacier National Park’s mountains stretching to the south. Only come up here in good weather though, as it’s hazardous when visibility’s poor and the winds are up.
Tamarack Trail
Continue on from Lineham Ridge and you’ll be on the 36km Tamarack Trail, which follows spectacular ridges along the Continental Divide before dropping down to the Red Rock Parkway. It’s one of the Rockies’ greatest highline treks (maximum elevation 2560m) and is generally done in three days – with two nights at backcountry campsites along the way. Get permits at the Waterton Lakes Visitor Centre.