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Rockies :: Banff-Louise :: Merlin Lake

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Larch splendor in Merlin Lake basin. Mt. Richardson top left, Merlin Castle right of center

September 16, 2016

Merlin Lake is fantastic day hike from overnight base at Merlin meadows campground - or at Skoki Lodge, if you have too much cash in your hands.  Day trip from Fish Creek parking is not feasible due to overall length; besides it would leave almost no time to explore beautiful cirque below Mt. Richardson and tucked between exotic named Wall of Jericho and Merlin Castle.  Approach trail starting from Skoki Lodge is fantastic; built by Lawrence Grassi it traverses long talus slope below Wall of Jericho, before scrambling up the Headwall to upper basin. Less popular alternative starts from Merlin Meadows and climbs at north side of the valley.  Although longer, Skoki Lodge variation is preferred.

Assuming you camped at Merlin Meadows, make your way back to Skoki Lodge (about 10-15 minutes).  If you have broken the camp, you can ask lodge staff to leave overnight gear there, as you must return this way. Cross the bridge below the lodge, and find good trail heading west.  Soon you come to junction:  Packer Pass left, Merlin Lake right.  Trail rises through thinning forest, dotted with golden larches in 2nd half of September, then starts contouring wide talus slope.  This part looks like it might be rough, but is in fact mostly hands-in-your-pockets, and very reminiscent of Alpine Circuit in O'Hara area.  With snow cover it could be slippery and dangerous, while in spring you should not go this way as it is huge avalanche trap! Terrific view to the right unfolds - beautiful Castilleja Lake, with expansive Merlin Meadows behind.  Eventually trail comes to base of headwall, and scrambles up series of switchbacks that call for use of hands at couple of places.  Topping up, trail branches in several directions but is not needed anymore - just make your way to the slabs and gravel beach by the lake - turnaround point for most hikers.

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