Floe Lake / Numa Pass

Dist: 40.2km   Elev: 1850m   Time: 11h   Difficulty: 3/5

Day 1: 20.1km, 1010m, 6h       Day 2: 20.1km, 840m, 5h

For our annual backpacking trip, Byron and I decided to complete the southern half of the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park after accomplishing the northern half a few summers back. We had both heard great things about this trail and so we were eager to check it out.

DAY ONE: Floe Lake - Numa Pass - Numa Creek 

Day one began by gradually ascending through the Floe Creek canyon among young pines that have regrown since the massive fires of 2013. The grade was fairly gradual until becoming a series of steep switchbacks leading up the headwall guarding Floe Lake. Thankfully, we were amply compensated for our efforts - Floe Lake was a stunning setting that would make for an excellent backpacking destination. After a quick lunch and a few photos at the lakeside campground we continued climbing north through alpine meadows to the top of Numa Pass. This vantage point provided a unique perspective looking back of Floe Lake and Floe Peak towering above it. From here we descended north into forest to reach our destination for the night, Numa Creek backcountry campground. Most of day one was overcast and windy, but it only rained for a couple minutes here while we were setting up our tent. Byron and I celebrated a long and rewarding day with some creek-chilled beverages and gourmet mac n'cheese.

The trail begins by following Floe Creek.

The burnt forest provides views of Floe Peak in the distance.

Floe Peak and Floe Creek falls.

Approaching Floe Lake after the steep headwall climb.

Byron admiring Floe Lake.

Looking back at Floe Lake and Peak from the meadows of Numa Pass.

Meadows and snow in Numa Pass.

Looking north while descending from Numa Pass.

Waterfalls near the Numa Creek campground.

Creek-chilled beverages to celebrate a successful day!

DAY TWO: Numa Creek - Numa Pass - Floe Lake

Day two had us retracing the same route we took in, climbing up to Numa Pass and then descending to Floe Lake to follow the creek back to the parking lot. We departed Numa Creek early after making the decision to save our breakfast for the exponentially more scenic Floe Lake campground. The weather was also much more pleasant on day two and provided sunny skies and warm weather for the entirety of our return trip.

Morning sun.

View north as we approach Numa Pass.

Byron and Foster Peak.

Floe Peak (L) and Foster Peak (R) from Numa Pass.

 

Descending back towards the Floe Lake campground.

Stunning views of Floe Lake and Peak while we enjoyed our breakfast.

A view from the headwall switchbacks.

One final look back at Floe Peak.

Back in the burnt forest.

This bridge crosses Floe Creek just 500m from the parking lot.

Byron and I both stopped here to fill our water bottles and splash some cold water on our faces before beginning the trek back to Calgary. This was a great adventure with an equally great friend!