
Jade Lakes Trail
Hike to the mesmerizing, vibrant blue Jade Lakes in Mount Revelstoke National Park for breathtaking alpine scenery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy serene views

Jade Lakes Trail
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy serene views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the mesmerizing, vibrant blue Jade Lakes in Mount Revelstoke National Park for breathtaking alpine scenery.
"One of the bluest lakes I’ve ever seen!"

🎒 Pack for the Elements
Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Snow can persist on the trail even in summer.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Fueled
Carry plenty of water and snacks. There are no facilities on the trail.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jade Lake's Azure Waters
Jade Lakes Trail
Experience the breathtaking, vibrant blue hues of Jade Lake, a truly unforgettable sight.

Eva Lake Vista
Jade Lakes Trail
Enjoy panoramic views from Eva Lake, offering a stunning perspective of the surrounding mountains.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Washington State (for some variations of Jade Lake)
Explore the rugged beauty of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a haven for backpackers and nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Jade Lakes Trail
Prepare for a Challenging but Rewarding Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack for the Elements
Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Snow can persist on the trail even in summer.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Fueled
Carry plenty of water and snacks. There are no facilities on the trail.
🗓️ Weekday Visits Recommended
To avoid peak crowds, plan your visit for a weekday.
🗺️ Check Trail Conditions
Before heading out, verify current trail status and weather forecasts.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for the Elements
Bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots. Snow can persist on the trail even in summer.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Fueled
Carry plenty of water and snacks. There are no facilities on the trail.
🗓️ Weekday Visits Recommended
To avoid peak crowds, plan your visit for a weekday.
🗺️ Check Trail Conditions
Before heading out, verify current trail status and weather forecasts.
🏕️ Campsite Amenities
Be aware that campsites at Jade and Eva Lakes may not have tables or designated cooking areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Jade Lakes Trail for its absolutely stunning, vibrant blue lakes, offering unparalleled scenic beauty. The challenging hike is considered well worth the effort for the breathtaking rewards. However, some find the trail strenuous and note the lack of amenities at campsites.
""
Jerkie _
""
Melissa Bruno
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Jade Lakes Trail is located in Mount Revelstoke National Park, British Columbia. Access typically involves driving to the trailhead, which is often reached via the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. For the Washington State version, access is usually from the Marmot Lake trailhead.
The Meadows in the Sky Parkway in Mount Revelstoke National Park is a seasonal road, typically open from June to October. Always check Parks Canada for current road status.
For the Alpine Lakes Wilderness version, the trailhead is often accessed via the Marmot Lake trail. Specific directions can vary, so it's best to consult detailed hiking guides or apps like AllTrails.
Yes, parking is generally available at the trailhead for the Jade Lakes Trail. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Public transportation options to remote trailheads like Jade Lakes are very limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange for a shuttle service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Mount Revelstoke National Park. For the Washington State version, you may need a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass depending on the specific access point.
Camping at Jade Lakes requires a backcountry permit and reservation, which can be booked through the Parks Canada reservation system. Fees apply.
Mount Revelstoke National Park is generally accessible year-round, but specific parkways and facilities have seasonal operating hours. The Meadows in the Sky Parkway is typically open from June to October.
Day use of the Jade Lakes Trail does not require a separate day pass beyond the general park entry fee or pass.
While day hiking is generally possible without a reservation, backcountry camping requires a permit and reservation. It's always best to check the latest regulations with Parks Canada or the relevant US Forest Service.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Jade Lakes Trail is approximately 24-26 km (15-16 miles) round trip, with a significant elevation gain of around 1000 meters (3280 feet).
The trail is considered strenuous due to its length and elevation gain. It's best suited for experienced hikers or those with good physical fitness.
You'll encounter stunning alpine meadows, dense forests, and of course, the incredibly blue Jade Lake and Eva Lake. The views are spectacular.
There are pit toilets at the campsites, but generally no picnic tables or designated cooking areas at the Jade and Eva Lake campsites.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Jade Lakes Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Always check park regulations for the most current information.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a magical glow on the lakes and surrounding peaks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for mountain details. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The shores of Jade Lake and Eva Lake offer numerous stunning vantage points. The higher you climb, the more dramatic the panoramic views become.
The vibrant blue is often best captured under clear skies. Experiment with polarizing filters to enhance the saturation and reduce glare on the water's surface.
Besides the lakes themselves, look for opportunities to photograph wildflowers in meadows, reflections in calmer water, and the rugged mountain terrain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider breaking the hike into sections or opting for shorter, more accessible trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park if you have younger children. The park offers other beautiful, less strenuous options that still provide stunning natural beauty.
🎒 Backpackers & Overnight Trekkers
Pack efficiently, focusing on lightweight gear. The reward for your effort is waking up to the serene beauty of the alpine lakes. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve this pristine environment for future visitors.
📸 Photographers
Don't just focus on the lake; look for opportunities to capture the surrounding mountain peaks, alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, and reflections in the water. Be prepared for varying weather, as dramatic skies can add to the photographic appeal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Jade Lake's Color
Experiencing this color firsthand is a major draw for hikers. The intensity can vary depending on the light and weather conditions, making each visit potentially unique. Photographers often seek out this lake for its photogenic qualities, especially during the 'golden hour' when the light is soft and warm, further enhancing the lake's beauty.
While the Canadian Jade Lakes Trail is the most famous for this phenomenon, similar geological conditions can create similarly colored lakes in other regions, such as the Jade Lake in Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Navigating the Jade Lakes Trail: A Hiker's Perspective
Community discussions highlight the importance of proper gear. Sturdy hiking boots are a must, and carrying layers of clothing is crucial as mountain weather can change rapidly. Many advise bringing ample water and high-energy snacks, as there are no services along the trail. The trail can also be prone to lingering snow well into the summer months, so checking conditions beforehand is highly recommended.
Despite the challenges, the payoff is immense. The trail leads through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open alpine meadows, culminating in the breathtaking sight of Jade Lake and Eva Lake. For those planning an overnight stay, it's important to note that campsites may lack amenities like tables or designated cooking areas, so campers should be self-sufficient.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit