Rockies :: Jasper :: Maligne Pass

Lovely tarn at apex of Maligne Pass with trademark Alberta chinook skies above

August 2012

Trail of historical significance (used by Mary Schaffer and her party when they discovered Maligne Lake) and one of most scenic trips in Jasper National Park. 1-way crossing from Icefields parkway to Maligne Lake is about 46 km and requires backpack, but hiking to Maligne Pass and back in a day is feasible as long-day hike.  Like many others, this once official parks trail has been decommissioned and is slowly deteriorating.  Going is still easy and route obvious. Reward is one of most amazing alpine areas I have witnessed in the Rockies - pictures in the gallery don't do justice.  Many further options are possible from the pass, including scramble of Replica peak and exploring of Endless chain ridge. For that reason backpack is recommended option, even if not doing entire traverse to Maligne Lake.  Avalanche campground about 11-12 km from Poboktan trailhead is good base for further exploration, although Parks are now limiting its use. Expect solitude.

Drive Icefields Parkway 70km south from Jasper townsite to Sunwapta warden station on east side of the road. Parking is south of bridge over Poboktan creek;  after you have geared up, walk back across the bridge and find trailhead next to warden building.  Initial part is 6km flat hike on north side of Poboktan creek. Occasionally trail descends to creek level and grants some view, otherwise it is rather dull and completely foreshadows glory that is to come. Turn left at signed Jonas Pass junction and hike up Poligne creek valley. Creek must be crossed couple of times, and bridges are not maintained anymore - but rock-hop should not be too difficult. From Avalanche campground at top it is about 4km meandering hike to the apex of the pass where you are guaranteed to hike with camera around your neck.  From the pass trail drops on the other side; turn left (west) and ascend grassy bench where several beautiful tarns await. This would be an excellent, although illegal, bivy site.  Continuing north for full traverse to Maligne Lake is not as pretty; below the pass trail crosses swampy areas and soon descends below treeline.

Gallery