Near Emerald Lake Trail
Emerald Lake with Mount Field in the background.
Near Emerald Lake Trail
Emerald Lake and Emerald Lake Lodge in late November 2015
Near Emerald Lake Trail
The early morning reflections in Emerald Lake are worth the earlier alarm.
Near Emerald Lake Trail
Mount King stands prominently behind Emerald Lake.

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Hike Trail

Emerald Lake Trail

4.0 (4 Ratings)
A flat trail that encircles Emerald Lake offering excellent views the whole way.
3.1
mi
Distance
82
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
Family FriendlyLakeLakefrontRiver/CreekViewsWildlife
Access Issues
Trails can be closed due to bear activity so check if the trail is open and have a back-up plan.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.12mi
Distance
82ft
Elevation Gain
82ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
4,351ft
High Point
4,265ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail starts at the Emerald Lake parking area and goes around the lake in either direction. If you start near the boat house and bathrooms, the trail is paved and great for families or those with limited mobility. There are a number of benches along the western edge while it is paved as well. The southern and eastern side of the trail is still in excellent condition and great for the family, but is singletrack and dirt. The northern edge is wide and gravel. The lake is visible from almost the entire trail. Emerald Lake is really beautiful and a deeper green than some of the other milky-blue lakes in the region. When it is smooth, the lake offers wonderful reflections of the stunning mountains around it.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Karl W