Description

Distance: 18.70km
Elevation Gain: 847m
Trail Character: Maintained Trail
Trail Type: Point to Point
Parking: Cameron Lake Parking & Cameron Falls Parking

The Carthrew Alderson Trail is one of the premier trails in Waterton Lakes National Park—and it’s easy to see why. With sweeping alpine vistas, crystal-clear lakes, and perfectly graded terrain, it offers the kind of adventure that trail runners and hikers dream about.

The area was impacted by the 2017 Kenow wildfire and now beautifully showcases the natural burn-and-regrowth cycle of boreal forests. In its wake, the landscape bursts with fresh vegetation—fireweed in particular puts on a spectacular show, carpeting the slopes in brilliant pinks. Wildflowers, grasses, and young shrubs thrive in the open sunlight, making the trail feel alive with color and movement. It’s a striking reminder of nature’s resilience and the beauty that can follow destruction.

This route is best tackled as a point-to-point, beginning at Cameron Lake and ending in Waterton village. The initial climb through the switchbacks to Summit Lake and onward to the high alpine pass is remarkably efficient, making the ascent quick without ever feeling punishing. From there, the descent back into the valley flows beautifully all the way down to the village.

Getting to Cameron Lake requires a bit of logistics. A seasonal shuttle operates to the trailhead, and hitchhiking can also work well on busy summer days. For those craving a little extra adventure, biking the Akamina Parkway adds a scenic prelude to your day on the trail—just be prepared to stash and retrieve your bike at the end of the day. While it’s totally reasonable to do an out-and-back from the village, be warned: it’s enjoyable, but makes for a longer-than-expected feeling day. Reaching the inviting shores of Cameron Lake only to turn around and climb over the pass again can feel a bit conflicting.

A word of caution—this trail passes through prime grizzly habitat, and it shows. Towering berry bushes line sections of the route, particularly through the burn area, creating dense corridors of low visibility. On one outing, my wife and I had a sobering close encounter with a grizzly. It was a vivid reminder that this trail demands serious bear safety practices: stay alert, make noise, and never let your guard down.