Rawson Lake

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views

Bears are active around the Rawson Lake area, and you should prepare accordingly; bring bear spray and/or bells, talk loudly, and travel in groups if possible.

Restrooms are located at the start of the Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail. There is also an outhouse near the lake.

Park at the Upper Kananaskis Day Use Area in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. To get to the Rawson Lake trailhead, follow the Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail south until you pass the waterfall. There will soon be a sign indicating the start of the Rawson Lake trail, heading up the mountainside.

The majority of the hike will be spent climbing the steep incline through the forest. The climb is very steady with few areas where it levels off. The forest is thick and provides good protection from the elements in the summer months. Near the top, as the incline begins to lessen, there is a stretch with a narrow boardwalk in the middle of the trail. The ground can be very muddy and snowy at any time of the year given the amount of snowfall collected in the winter.

The trail leads directly to the lake, with views of the mountain ridges on nearly every side. Once you reach the lake, the trail becomes less obvious and takes you around the south end of the lake. The trail may be snowed under, but stick to the south side of the lake and you'll come across various informational signs and viewpoints.

While you hopefully won't see any bears, you'll likely see marmots scurrying about or fish jumping in the lake.