Paget Lookout Trail

Paget Lookout Trail starts from the Sherbrooke Lake Trail. Therefore, to get to Paget Lookout Trail, find the Sherbrooke Lake Trail trailhead at a small parking area next to a lodge on the TransCan (Hwy 1). It is easily accessible when going west on the TransCan and is marked with a small sign. When going east on the TransCan, make a U-turn at the lodge to go west on the TransCan to find the parking area and trailhead. Hike up Sherbrooke Lake Trail for about 0.9 miles to a trail junction where Paget Lookout Trail starts. Go right at this junction to go to Paget Lookout. This is well marked by a sign. The beginning of Paget Lookout Trail is fairly level as it travels through the fir forest. After about a quarter of a mile, the trail begins to climb. It continues climbing until it reaches Paget Lookout at the trail's end. After the first quarter mile, Paget Lookout Trail veers left to head northwest, climbing on a long traverse for the next 0.75 miles. As the trail climbs, the Kicking Horse River Valley comes into view to the southwest. The trail then switchbacks and heads southeast for about a quarter mile to a wonderful viewpoint of the Kicking Horse River Valley; Field, BC; and mountains that go on forever into the distance. Turquoise Wapta Lake along the TransCan can be seen far below at the mouth of the Cataract Valley and O'Hara area. The trail then does a couple more short switchbacks and arrives at the old Paget Lookout, a fire lookout last used in the late 1970s. The views from here are awesome! Rocks at the side of the lookout building are a great place for lunch. From the lookout: The Kicking Horse River Valley is to the southwest. The TransCan (Hwy 1) and trains run down it. Field, BC and snowy peaks can be seen in the distance. The Cataract Valley and O'Hara area, a popular hiking area, are to the south, across the TransCan and behind Lake Wapta. To the east, across the continental divide, is the Bow River Valley. Behind the Bow River Valley is the Slate Mountain Range in Alberta's Banff National Park. Paget Peak is to the north. This lookout is on the south side of Paget Peak.