Little Lost Lake - Image 1
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Little Lost Lake

4.6
·17 reviews·Tête Jaune Cache, Canada

A serene, secluded lake near Valemount offering a moderately challenging hike with beautiful scenery and swimming opportunities.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Long weekend mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy solitude

CrowdLow
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Little Lost Lake - Image 1

Little Lost Lake

Best Time

Long weekend mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy solitude

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene, secluded lake near Valemount offering a moderately challenging hike with beautiful scenery and swimming opportunities.

4.6
(17 reviews)

"A nice secluded trail with a decent amount of steepness; the lake is nice and serene."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Trailhead Signage

Keep an eye out for the parking area; the trailhead sign itself can be subtle. :camerawithflash:

🥾 Steep & Sandy Trails

Wear sturdy shoes for the steep sections. Traction can be challenging on sand and shale. :athletic_shoe:

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 17 reviews

Type

Hiking Area

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine Little Lost Lake

Pristine Little Lost Lake

End of the main trail

A serene, secluded lake perfect for a refreshing dip after a moderate hike. Enjoy the tranquility!

Scenic Lake Loop Trail

Scenic Lake Loop Trail

Around Little Lost Lake

Continue past the main lake access for stunning, often solitary, views and a more immersive nature experience.

Challenging Lookout Trail

Challenging Lookout Trail

Off the main trail

For a good workout, tackle the steep, sandy, and shale-covered path to rewarding, though sometimes frustrating, lookouts.

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Planning Your Visit

Finding the Trailhead

The entrance to Little Lost Lake can be tricky to spot, with signs that don't stand out. Look for the parking area, which is more visible. Once you're on the trail, it's well-signed, but be prepared for a steep ascent through the forest.

Trail Conditions & Lake Activities

The hike is moderately steep and can be sandy/shale-like, especially near lookouts. The lake is pristine and great for swimming, but be aware of potential leeches. Continuing the trail around the lake offers gorgeous views.

Best Times

When
Long weekend mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, enjoy solitude
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter trails, peaceful lake
Crowd
Low
When
Summer days
Why
Perfect for a refreshing swim
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Trailhead Signage

Keep an eye out for the parking area; the trailhead sign itself can be subtle. :camerawithflash:

🥾 Steep & Sandy Trails

Wear sturdy shoes for the steep sections. Traction can be challenging on sand and shale. :athletic_shoe:

🏊‍♀️ Lake Swim Warning

The lake is chilly but refreshing! Be aware of potential leeches. :bug:

🚶‍♀️ Social Distancing

The trail is narrow in parts; be prepared to step aside for passing hikers. :peopleholdinghands:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Trailhead Signage

Keep an eye out for the parking area; the trailhead sign itself can be subtle. :camerawithflash:

🥾 Steep & Sandy Trails

Wear sturdy shoes for the steep sections. Traction can be challenging on sand and shale. :athletic_shoe:

🏊‍♀️ Lake Swim Warning

The lake is chilly but refreshing! Be aware of potential leeches. :bug:

🚶‍♀️ Social Distancing

The trail is narrow in parts; be prepared to step aside for passing hikers. :peopleholdinghands:

🏞️ Explore Beyond the Lake

Don't miss the trail loop around the lake for even more gorgeous, secluded views. :hiking_boot:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Little Lost Lake is praised for its pristine, secluded beauty and the rewarding, albeit moderately challenging, hike. Visitors enjoy the opportunity for a refreshing swim and the peaceful atmosphere, often having the lake to themselves. Some find the trail to lookouts steep and difficult, and a few mention leeches in the water.

"The start of the hike across the parking lot. The trail is well signed. Steep trail to the forest, we were alone there during the long weekend. Pristine lake at the end of the trail, kids enjoyed swimming there. Continue the trail around the lake! Gorgeous!"

Yael Babichev

"The Little lost lake trailhead was a bit of a challenge to find as the sign doesn't stand out. My wife, 16 yo daughter and I hiked it in just over an hour. It's a nice secluded trail that has a decent amount of steepness to it so it's a good challenge for casual hikers. The lake is nice and serene and we had the whole place to ourselves."

Scott Robson

"The entrance to the recreational area wasn't easy to spot but the parking area is. The hike to the lake is enjoyable. It is narrow for the most part so sometimes you have to step into the brush to maintain social distancing as people pass.
The hike to the lookouts should come with a significant warning! It was more difficult than the Terry Fox Trail. The path was steep and not good traction as it was sand and shale the closer we got to the first lookout. We were frustrated that we'd spent all that time climbing without the benefit of enjoying the view."

Angela Jeffery

What People Like

Pristine and secluded lake
Rewarding moderate hike
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Steep/sandy lookout trails
Leeches in the lake

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead sign can be hard to spot, but the parking area is more visible. Look for it carefully near Valemount. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking area available at the trailhead, making it accessible by vehicle. Reddit

The drive is generally straightforward, but the final approach to the trailhead requires attention to find the correct signage. Reddit

While specific directions vary by starting point, focus on locating the recreational area and then the parking lot, as the trailhead sign is subtle. Reddit

It can be popular, especially on long weekends, but many visitors report having the lake to themselves, suggesting it's less crowded than other spots. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There's no mention of tickets or entry fees in reviews, suggesting it's likely a free-access recreational area. Reddit

As an outdoor natural area, Little Lost Lake is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific operating hours mentioned. Reddit

Reviews do not mention any parking fees, indicating that parking is likely free. Reddit

While accessible, winter conditions might make the trails challenging or impassable. Summer and fall are generally the best seasons. Reddit

No reservations are mentioned or seem necessary for visiting Little Lost Lake. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The hike is moderately steep, with some sections being steep and covered in sand and shale, especially towards lookouts. It's a good challenge for casual hikers. Reddit

The trail is generally well-signed, but it is narrow in many parts, requiring hikers to step aside for others. Reddit

Yes, the lake is described as pristine and great for swimming, though it can be chilly. Be aware of potential leeches. Reddit

Yes, there are picnic tables available at the lake, making it a nice spot for a break or a meal. Reddit

You can expect very scenic views, especially if you continue the trail around the lake. The lookouts offer elevated perspectives. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at Little Lost Lake. It's a natural area, so plan to bring your own food and drinks. Reddit

Absolutely! There are picnic tables available, making it an ideal spot for a packed lunch or snacks. Reddit

Pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike the loop or the lookout trails. Reddit

You'll likely need to purchase food in Valemount before heading to Little Lost Lake, as amenities are scarce in the immediate vicinity. Reddit

As a natural area, it's best to pack out everything you pack in to preserve the environment. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake itself offers beautiful reflections and serene shots. The trail loop provides varied scenic perspectives. Reddit

Yes, the pristine lake, surrounding forest, and elevated lookout points offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules before flying a drone in the area. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto can capture distant mountain views. A polarizing filter can enhance lake reflections. Reddit

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