The North Boundary Trail

Jasper National Park

North Boundary Trail Backcountry Guide (PDF, 705 KB)

The North Boundary trail is a remote wilderness route, recommended for users with significant backcountry skills and experience. Highlights include Snake Indian Pass and the headwaters of two major park rivers; the Snake Indian River and the Smoky River. Some major rivers are not bridged. Fords can be dangerous. Rivers can be impassable during times of high water. This trail is best travelled in later season.

Planning considerations

  • Maintained trail: low priority
  • 159 km one way
  • Trail #150: 7 - 10 days
  • Dogs permitted
  • Horses permitted
  • No bikes
The details Campground information How to get there Are you prepared?
 

The details

The trail begins at Rock Lake, in the Province of Alberta. The first 1.5 km of trail is on an old road. At the first junction, follow the trail to Willow Creek and cross into Jasper National Park at km 5. The first campsite at Willow Creek (#66) is in the Snake Indian River Valley. Between the Little Heaven Junction and the Blue Creek junction, take a short 400 m side trip off the trail to see Welbourne Falls. The trail gradually ascends with occasional views of the Snake Indian River to its headwaters in Snake Indian Pass. From the alpine meadows of the pass, the trail descends to Twintree Lake and then joins the Smoky River further down. The trail climbs along the Smoky River to Adolphus Lake and then to Robson Pass. This pass marks the boundary between Jasper National Park and Mt. Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia. From here, the final 23 km along the Berg Lake trail is popular and often busy. This trail can be hiked late into the season (early October).

There is an alternative starting point at Celestine Lake. See Celestine to Rock Lake guide.

There is an alternative route. See Little Heaven – Upper Blue Creek Trail Guide (PDF, 862 KB).

 
  • Many creeks and rivers are not bridged. Fords can be dangerous or impassable. Travel is not recommended during times of high water.
  • The trail may be overgrown and difficult to find in places; expect route finding.
  • Campground locations are signed but not the facilities within them. Some can be challenging to locate; coordinates are available. Camping areas are basic. Bear proof containers are recommended.
  • Fires are permitted only in approved fire pits. Check for fire bans.
  • The Rock Creek trail and the North Boundary trail are seasonally closed for caribou conservation from November 1 to May 15.
  • Camping in Mount Robson Provincial Park requires a reservation with BC Parks.
  • Dogs are not permitted overnight.

 

Campground information

Campground information
Campground Elevation (m) Description # of sites Toilet type Food storage UTM
Willow Creek – Hiker
#66

campfires  		 1360 m A simple camping area near Willow Creek, across the creek from Willow Creek Horse Camp. 4 Throne Cable 11U 410612
5914645
Welbourne – Hiker
#68

campfires  		 1440 m A beautiful camping area along the shore of the Snake Indian River. 4 Bar Pole 11U 400416
5911090
Blue Creek
#70

campfires		 1520 m A simple camping area, that is shared with horse groups, in the forest near Blue Creek. 4 Throne Pole 11U 391067
5910390
Three Slides
#72

campfires  		 1600 m A simple camping area with stunning views of the upper valley near the Snake Indian River. 4 Bar None 11U 380383
5905210
Oatmeal
#73

campfires		 1768 m A simple camping area in an open forest with some mountain views. 4 Throne Cable 11U 371608
5905189
Byng
#74

campfires  		 1803 m A simple camping area in an open forest along the Snake Indian River with mountain views. 4 Bar Cable 11U 365296
5914411
Twintree
#75

campfires		 1563 m A pretty camping area in the forest on the shore of Twintree Lake and Twintree Creek with great views over the lake. 4 Throne Pole 11U 357430
5919640
Donaldson Creek
#76

campfires  		 1400 m A simple camping area in the forest. 4 Bar Cable 11U 352417
5916365
Chown Creek – Hiker
#77

campfires  		 1441 m A beautiful camping area on the shore of Chown Creek with great views. 4 Bar Cable 11U 349209
5912358
Wolverine North
#80

campfires  		 1525 m A simple camping area in open forest along the trail. 4 Bar Pole 11U 353440
5903140
Aldolphus – Hiker
#81

campfires  		 1681 m A simple camping are in an open forest with some mountain views. 4 Bar Pole 11U 358730
5894746

How to get there

 
Rock Lake trailhead

This trailhead is located in the Willmore Wilderness outside of the park.

  • Travel Highway 16 east, about 70 km, toward Hinton
  • Turn north on Hwy 40 and travel about 40 km
  • Turn west at the Rock Lake turnoff and travel 32 km on a gravel road to Rock Lake
  • Look for the signs directing you to Willmore Wilderness Park and the trailhead parking lot. You do not want to park at the Rock Lake Campground.
Mount Robson Provincial Park/Berg Lake trailhead

This trailhead is located in Mount Robson Provincial Park west of Jasper.

  • Drive 80 km west on Highway 16 to the Mount Robson Provincial Park Visitor Centre
  • The access road to the trailhead is at this turnoff

Are you prepared?

Safety is your responsibility

 Safety is your responsibility

Refer to the Jasper National Park Backcountry Planning Guide:

  • descriptions of trail types and campground facilities;
  • equipment checklists;
  • responsible camping practices;
  • safety information.

Before heading out, check trail, weather and road conditions at: parks.canada.ca/jaspertrails.

 Maps

Maps
NTS
Rock Lake 83E/8
Blue Creek 83E/7
Twintree Lake 83E/6
Mount Robson 83E/3

 Permits

A backcountry camping permit is mandatory for all overnight trips and can be obtained online at reservation.pc.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-737-3783.

Related links

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