The trail also offers spectacular views across the Yoho Valley of the 380 m Takakkaw Falls (see Rachel's photos; pictures of The Iceline and other points in the Yoho Valley are also discussed here). The Highline continues south to Yoho Lake and Yoho Pass, linking to the Emerald Triangle and Burgess Shale. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. Twin Falls and Whaleback Trail is a 5.2 mile out and back trail located near Columbia-Shuswap A, British Columbia, ... Then the trail leads to the bridge over Yoho River. The Yoho Lake hike is one of the shorter options in Yoho National Park. It’s better to bag it as part of a multi-peak weekend trip and Mike and I did it as the second objective of our 6-peak weekend. We did this trail from Twin Falls campground counterclockwise to Little Yoho Valley. • It is more common to approach the hut on the former trail, and to hike the Iceline on the descent, to avoid the immediate grueling uphill of this trail. The views of the glaciers and ice fields were gorgeous! The trailhead was packed with horse trailers by the time we got there. The popular Iceline Trail is one of the premiere Yoho National Park hikes. Awesome hike! As expected, the trails in Yoho national park are remarkably well maintained. The Iceline Loop Trail is a hike we recommend as part of the larger backpacking journey of Iceline/Whaleback/Twin Falls Loop (aka: Takakkaw Loop). Laughing Falls and Twin Falls 27 Little Yoho Valley 7 hours or 2 days 18.6 km 520 m Moderate to steep forested hike into a scenic hanging valley. ... Again, the grade is painless (nothing seems steep after the central cheam approach trail), and we gain the whaleback after 30 minutes of climbing. It is typically hiked as a loop/circuit including Takakkaw Falls, the Iceline Trail, Little Yoho Valley, and Laughing Falls. It can be added as a different loop bypassing Marpole Lake and returning to the Yoho Valley at Laughing Falls. But this is big country and over the course of four hours we saw only four horses and five humans. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. The Whaleback trail is a fantastic hike that will take you up above the amazing Twin Falls in Yoho National Park. Description: A signature circuit climbing to a high bench with spectacular glacier views, descending to meadows in the Little Yoho Valley and returning past Laughing Falls in the Yoho Valley. It's raining but we're on the Whaleback Trail, soon back on the Little Yoho Trail. If you'd prefer to do the elevation gain at the beginning of the trail, continue up Little Yoho Valley Trail another half kilometer where you'll meet the other end of the trail. Then the trail leads to the bridge over Yoho River. The Twin Falls and Whaleback Hike is a fantastic trail in Yoho National Park. After the falls the alpine meadows on the top were full of beautiful flowers. The Iceline Trail, Whaleback, and Yoho Valley trails make for a great two-four day backpacking circuit in Yoho National Park. The Iceline Trail is one of the great hiking trails in Yoho National Park. You can then walk up high along a ridge with views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. 689' Up Whaleback Mountain/Ridge Trail (Iceline/Yoho NP) When got up to to the Whaleback Trail (we walked the ridge for a bit) and then backtracked and followed the sign to "camp"/Stanley Mitchell Hut. The Whaleback Trail goes as high as 2300 metres (7,545 ft), the mountain summit is at 2,633m (8,638ft). Yoho Glacier Trail: Continue hiking by taking the Yoho Glacier Trail that starts just before reaching Twin Falls and the trail to Yoho Glacier. Another option is the Whaleback Trail from Twin Falls. We continued southeast past the junction, through a stark landscape of cairns, until we … des Poilus and the vast Yoho glacier. The first of many sights along the trail is Laughing Falls. From here, the trail will switchback up the "whales" back leading you onto a shoulder of Whaleback Mountain. NOT OKAY! It is a tough grunt with a heavy pack on, but your reward - the scenic highlight of the Yoho Valley - … It is typically hiked as a loop/circuit including Takakkaw Falls, the Iceline Trail, Little Yoho Valley, and Laughing Falls. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. Overview: Distance: 30km (~19.5mi) Time: 3 days, 2 nights Difficulty: Moderate We picked up our annual parks pass and paid for the camping at the visitor centre in Field. Shots 3-5 show a couple of the views from the whaleback. To reach the glacier is a steep, rough hike and not very exciting. So we hiked in via Twin Falls camp. Still, late fall is probably not the smartest time to be hiking here. Yoho National Park, BC. 1044.99 m Down, 6.1 mi I think it would have been hard to mistake John and I and the dog for a deer or a moose. So we hiked in via Twin Falls camp. You'll find the trail at the end of the Marpole Lake Connector. Located just northwest of Lake Louise, Yoho National Park is known for its looming peaks, thundering waterfalls and fossil-rich rocks, and is covered in fantastic hiking trails. Two Day: summit the Iceline Trail, descend the Celeste Lake Trail to the Whaleback and finish on the Laughing Falls/Yoho Valley Trail. If you choose to overnight please make sure to obtain a Wilderness Pass and make a reservation prior to … Seasonal suspension bridge – check the trail report to ensure it is in. If you don't, head further up the Little Yoho Valley trail and turn right at the next junction onto the Whaleback Trail. This long boring/endless walk in the forest was over 3-4km until we reached SMH. We hiked the full loop to make sure we saw the Whaleback and Twin Falls and it is about 30km. Whaleback trail climbs 1000 feet over 1.3 mile. Prepare for a mid to full day hike as this took us 5 hours with minimal stops. If you'd prefer to do the elevation gain at the beginning of the trail, continue up Little Yoho Valley Trail another half kilometer where you'll meet the other end of the trail. 2,569' Up The idea was to tag the Little Yoho Valley, Whaleback, Twin Falls, Marpole Connector, Stanley Mitchell, a "bonus loop" to Kiwetinok Pass (a place that has also been on the "to do" list), the Iceline AND Yoho Lake. Two Day: summit the Iceline Trail, descend the Celeste Lake Trail to the Whaleback and finish on the Laughing Falls/Yoho Valley Trail. 576.45 m Down, 9.2 mi The trail continues over an exhilarating suspension bridge to the top of the Whaleback, where we will be greeted by breathtaking views of Mt. Juggling further with the permutations brings the Whaleback into this last combination to make one of the best backcountry hiking routes in the Rockies: Iceline–Little Yoho Valley–Kiwetinok Pass–Whaleback (35.5km; 1375m ascent), a route up there with the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay, Skyline in Jasper and Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park. ... Whaleback, and crosses by the Stand Mitchell Hut. Another great area to explore. The Whaleback Trail is a beautiful hike but it is strenuous as it adds over 1300′ of elevation gain and about 4 miles to the journey. Something else? Some great scenic views of “The President” and “Michael Peak”. 1042.79 m Up Iceline, Little Yoho Valley and Yoho Valley Trail Loop, Twin Falls Trail and Little Yoho Valley Trail, Yoho Lake to Whiskey Jack Falls via Highline Trail. To reach the glacier is a steep, rough hike and not very exciting. We stayed together and I kept my whistle handy. Spam? To get to the Whaleback Ridge you must cross a small creek where the road turns north – and then walk beneath the power lines. 3,421' Up The brink of the falls was very, very cool. From here, the trail will switchback up the "whales" back leading you onto a shoulder of Whaleback Mountain. • The whole 14.2 km trail is simply stunning offering waterfalls, glacier views, glacier lakes, and beautiful wildflowers if you hit it in the right season. Hiking the Whaleback Ridge Trail #7396 Timestamp Exempt: 2020.12.02 - 06:23:23 A very scenic hike in Yoho Valley When we climbed the Presidents a few years ago we were not able to get a campsite in Little Yoho for the first night. We've done it a few times and have yet to see anyone else on the trail, so it's a great option to get away from the crowds. This trail starts at the wonderful Takakkaw Falls (click on the link for more photos of that gem!) The trail between takakkaw and laughing had some flooded bits so we either splashed through them or bush whacked around them. 14.8 km The trail now climbs to the top of second moraine where great views open northwest to the wall of peaks rimming the Little Yoho Valley including The Whaleback (8,585-ft.), Isolated Peak, Mount McArthur and Mount Pollinger. Once we’ve soaked in the views, we drop back into the valley below, and after a brief walk, arrive at our home for the night, the Little Yoho campground. The trail was in pretty good shape except for an area that had a rock fall which has had some temporary work done to it. Challenging full day hike for us (8.5 hours including several stops) but the views are so stunning. Yoho Glacier Trail: Continue hiking by taking the Yoho Glacier Trail that starts just before reaching Twin Falls and the trail to Yoho Glacier. The views are breath taking! This was an incredibly tough but rewarding hike! Yoho is a hiker’s paradise, with more than 400 km of trails, ranging from easy self-guided interpretive trails to difficult all-day guided hikes to the Burgess Shale fossil beds The Yoho Lake hike is one of the shorter options in Yoho National Park. Yoho National Park, BC Yoho Valley, Iceline, Whaleback Trails Loop August 12-14, 2017 . It can be added as a different loop bypassing Marpole Lake and returning to the Yoho Valley at Laughing Falls. Whaleback. Trip overview – The Iceline Trail is one of the signature day hikes within Yoho National Park. Do the hike for take-your-breath away views of the Yoho Valley, Emerald Glacier along with views of the Vice President, Whaleback and Isolated Peak – if you hike to the high point on the trail. 26 Whaleback 7.5 hours or 2 days 21.3 km 700 m Classic circuit taking in the Yoho Valley and Twin Falls from both above and below. Please explain. Some great scenic views of “The President” and “Michael Peak”. This is the highest spot on the Iceline trail and gives a great vantage point of the Little Yoho Valley, Whaleback Mountain, and the Yoho Valley. When we hiked on Whaleback Trail past Twin Falls, it was a hard upslope. You'll find the trail at the end of the Marpole Lake Connector. • 2,926' Up I agree completely with the Copelands' direction of starting with the Iceline first, then the Whaleback so you are not hiking (and therefore squinting) into the sun. However, this is a trail that should not be missed even if you aren’t up for the much longer and more difficult backpacking circuit. des Poilus and the vast Yoho glacier. Cross a bridge over the river and in 0.1 km turn left up the endless switchbacks of the Whaleback Trail 4.0 km to Twin Falls. You'll find the trail at the end of the Marpole Lake Connector. You can then walk up high along a ridge with views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The Iceline Trail crosses a signpost junction (1925 m) with the Highline Trail. Overview: Distance: 30km (~19.5mi) Time: 3 days, 2 nights Difficulty: Moderate Past Celeste Lake it is not far to Little Yoho Valley Trail, which is 4.2 km from the Iceline Trail. We continued southeast past the junction, through a stark landscape of cairns, until we … The trail continues over an exhilarating suspension bridge to the top of the Whaleback, where we will be greeted by breathtaking views of Mt. But the park is one I’d highly recommend visiting if you’re doing any kind of cross-Canada road trip or even the popular Vancouver to Calgary drive because what it … There's a backcountry campground here if you wish to explore the area more before you… Trip overview – The Iceline Trail is one of the signature day hikes within Yoho National Park. We picked up our annual parks pass and paid for the camping at the visitor centre in Field. 576.82 m Up From here you will be hiking up very steep switchbacks, over loose rock and other obstacles as you climb over Whaleback Mountain (2633m). We've done it a few times and have yet to see anyone else on the trail, so it's a great option to get away from the crowds. I was rewarded by closer view north to Glacier des Poilus, and Yoho Glacier (above), and a more distant view of Vice President/President range (below). If you'd prefer to do the elevation gain at the beginning of the trail, continue up Little Yoho Valley Trail another half kilometer where you'll meet the other end of the trail. If you have more time, add the Whaleback trail, which allows you sky-high views of the Presidential peaks in Yoho National Park and includes a scenic stop at Twin Falls. Both eventually lead to the top of the Twin Falls, but the latter route is more direct (1.5km shorter) and saves a fair amount of elevation loss and regain. This trail starts at the Yoho Valley parking area which also has a camping area which could be a great staging area for you. The early stage of Yoho Valley Trail was a woody trail and sometimes a hard rocky upslope. The Highline continues south to Yoho Lake and Yoho Pass, linking to the Emerald Triangle and Burgess Shale. The decent down to Little Yoho valley was a lot of switchbacks. There are two areas to park, the first is the day use area; If you keep driving, there is a second car park for people who are planning to camp in Yoho overnight. We went clockwise - up whaleback first with a snack break at the top while enjoying 360 views, then down to the top of twin falls which is so exhilarating! The Iceline Loop Trail is a hike we recommend as part of the larger backpacking journey of Iceline/Whaleback/Twin Falls Loop (aka: Takakkaw Loop). Great views of more glaciers to the north at the top of the trail. Being a jerk / offensive? The Iceline Trail crosses a signpost junction (1925 m) with the Highline Trail. Yoho Twin Falls trail – Getting started. The popular Iceline Trail is one of the premiere Yoho National Park hikes. Past Celeste Lake it is not far to Little Yoho Valley Trail, which is 4.2 km from the Iceline Trail. The Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park is hands down the most incredible trail that I have had the pleasure (and a little bit of pain) of hiking so far in my life. The track heads underneath the power lines. 783.13 m Up Yoho National Park in British Columbia isn’t very big compared to its next-door neighbour – Banff National Park. Whaleback trail declines gracefully over alpine meadows for about 1.5 mile until it reaches Twin Falls creek. • Yoho, the Cree word for ‘awe’ is the perfect description for this stunning part of the Canadian Rockies. Yoho Twin Falls trail – Getting started. 782.8 m Down. Another option is the Whaleback Trail from Twin Falls. Whaleback trail declines gracefully over alpine meadows for about 1.5 mile until it reaches Twin Falls creek. The trail from Twin Falls was switchbacks all the way up to the falls. 3,428' Down Do the hike for take-your-breath away views of the Yoho Valley, Emerald Glacier along with views of the Vice President, Whaleback and Isolated Peak – if you hike to the high point on the trail. The two common approaches to the Stanley Mitchell hut are the Little Yoho Valley trail and the Iceline Trail.Both originate at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot and follow well-developed National Park trail systems. Whaleback Mountain/Ridge Trail (Iceline/Yoho NP) When got up to to the Whaleback Trail (we walked the ridge for a bit) and then backtracked and followed the sign to "camp"/Stanley Mitchell Hut. Once we got up to the top there was a great flat area for lunch with amazing views looking down on Little Yoho River and the Twin Falls Lodge. ... Again, the grade is painless (nothing seems steep after the central cheam approach trail), and we gain the whaleback after 30 minutes of climbing. Yoho is a hiker’s paradise, with more than 400 km of trails, ranging from easy self-guided interpretive trails to difficult all-day guided hikes to the Burgess Shale fossil beds From here, the trail will switchback up the "whales" back leading you onto a shoulder of Whaleback Mountain. 19.7 km If you choose to overnight please make sure to obtain a Wilderness Pass and make a reservation prior to … Unfortunately, you won't be able to see Twin Falls from here as it's hidden behind the Whaleback. Yoho National Park, BC Yoho Valley, Iceline, Whaleback Trails Loop August 12-14, 2017 . Cross a bridge over the river and in 0.1 km turn left up the endless switchbacks of the Whaleback Trail 4.0 km to Twin Falls. • Shots 3-5 show a couple of the views from the whaleback. The Whaleback Ridge is on the other side of the woods in the distance. View of Yoho Glacier from Whaleback Trail viii) From the summit of Whaleback you begin a rather steep descent through a number of switchbacks into the Little Yoho River Valley to the south. It seems it was hunting season as the few people we saw carried guns. • 892.44 m Down, 7.0 mi Hiking the Whaleback Ridge Trail #7396 Timestamp Exempt: 2020.12.02 - 06:23:23 A very scenic hike in Yoho Valley When we climbed the Presidents a few years ago we were not able to get a campsite in Little Yoho for the first night. Then down to the twin falls chalet where we ate lunch, then we started the trek back through laughing falls to takakkaw. We camped at Little Yoho Valley backcountry campground. We hiked the full loop to make sure we saw the Whaleback and Twin Falls and it is about 30km. Another great area to explore. Whaleback Trail from Twin Falls: Whaleback trail climbs 1000 feet over 1.3 mile. Both eventually lead to the top of the Twin Falls, but the latter route is more direct (1.5km shorter) and saves a fair amount of elevation loss and regain. Twin Falls and Whaleback Trail is a 8.4 kilometer out and back trail located near Columbia-Shuswap A, British Columbia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Land Manager: Parks Canada - Yoho National Park, 17.2 mi I haven't got to enjoy much quality time in Yoho this year, and thus the idea for "Yoho in a Day" was born. Great views of more glaciers to the north at the top of the trail. 1,891' Down 30.6 multi-trail loop. We camped at Little Yoho Valley backcountry campground. 9.9 km 690' Down Strong day-hikers have several options for extended trips, and can combine the Iceline with connecting trails to Kiwetinok Pass , Twin Falls or the Whaleback. 209.99 m Up Juggling further with the permutations brings the Whaleback into this last combination to make one of the best backcountry hiking routes in the Rockies: Iceline–Little Yoho Valley–Kiwetinok Pass–Whaleback (35.5km; 1375m ascent), a route up there with the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay, Skyline in Jasper and Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park. This trail starts at the wonderful Takakkaw Falls (click on the link for more photos of that gem!) Once we’ve soaked in the views, we drop back into the valley below, and after a brief walk, arrive at our home for the night, the Little Yoho campground. 30.6 multi-trail loop. 891.99 m Up • I was rewarded by closer view north to Glacier des Poilus, and Yoho Glacier (above), and a more distant view of Vice President/President range (below). The decent down to Little Yoho valley was a lot of switchbacks. The Whaleback Trail is a beautiful hike but it is strenuous as it adds over 1300′ of elevation gain and about 4 miles to the journey. Length: 21.3 km … Beginning at Takakkaw Falls, we headed up Yoho Valley. Wow. If you have more time, add the Whaleback trail, which allows you sky-high views of the Presidential peaks in Yoho National Park and includes a scenic stop at Twin Falls. As expected, the trails in Yoho national park are remarkably well maintained. I agree completely with the Copelands' direction of starting with the Iceline first, then the Whaleback so you are not hiking (and therefore squinting) into the sun. The whole 14.2 km trail is simply stunning offering waterfalls, glacier views, glacier lakes, and beautiful wildflowers if you hit it in the right season. The Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park is hands down the most incredible trail that I have had the pleasure (and a little bit of pain) of hiking so far in my life. 2,568' Down Take this trail to the Whaleback and visit the beautiful Twin Falls Chalet. If you don't, head further up the Little Yoho Valley trail and turn right at the next junction onto the Whaleback Trail. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and • This trail leads to Twin Falls backcountry campground. Whaleback Mountain is a mere “easy scramble” and the easiest summit in Little Yoho Valley, but still involves a long approach if you do it in one day from parking lot. 1,892' Up Beginning at Takakkaw Falls, we headed up Yoho Valley. • Whaleback Trail from Twin Falls: However, this is a trail that should not be missed even if you aren’t up for the much longer and more difficult backpacking circuit. This long boring/endless walk in the forest was over 3-4km until we reached SMH. Start by hiking a short distance south along the road to the youth hostel, ... You'll pass the first branch for the Whaleback Trail. To get to this trail, you'll need to complete, Create Recommended Route or Wish there was more trail signs. Yoho National Park in British Columbia isn’t very big compared to its next-door neighbour – Banff National Park. 11.2 km After the falls the alpine meadows on the top were full of beautiful flowers. There are two areas to park, the first is the day use area; If you keep driving, there is a second car park for people who are planning to camp in Yoho overnight. Start by hiking a short distance south along the road to the youth hostel, ... You'll pass the first branch for the Whaleback Trail. Kiwetinok Peak rises beyond the head of the valley. Laughing Falls and Twin Falls were high spots. Looking back at the abrupt side of Whaleback Mountain. From there continue on the trail up the coulee. Laughing Falls Twin Falls. 27.7 km [9-Whaleback Trail summit] The reward on reaching the top is the scenic highlight of the Yoho Valley which is 2 kilometres away. But the park is one I’d highly recommend visiting if you’re doing any kind of cross-Canada road trip or even the popular Vancouver to Calgary drive because what it … • There's a backcountry campground here if you wish to explore the area more before you… This trail was well worth the extra kilometres and I would totally recommend not missing it if your in this area. This is about an injury or accident The Iceline Trail, Whaleback, and Yoho Valley trails make for a great two-four day backpacking circuit in Yoho National Park. The only blight on the landscape was huge power lines. Suspension bridge – check the trail at the top is the Whaleback gem... Is a steep, rough hike and not very exciting kilometres away Projects sites bits so we either through... And the dog for a mid to full day hike for us ( hours... Expected, the trail leads to the Falls the alpine meadows for about 1.5 mile until reaches! 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