Floe Lake Hike (& Swim?)

Slow and Steady Hikers
**NOTE:**
**Departure Time From Petrocan: 06:36 am**
**Arrival Time @ Trailhead**: **~08:15 am**
**GROUP SIZE:** max 10
**TRIP DESCRIPTION:**
**Rating:** OT5 (similar to Memorial Lakes)
**Stats to Lake:**
Elevation Gain: ~1120m (Parks Canada)
Elevation Loss: ~295m (Parks Canada)
Distance: <21 km return

This trip will provide great views, weather permitting, and a good gauge of your fitness for longer and higher trips.

The trail through the main valley offers no shade and is exposed with overgrowth being the theme until we hit the switchbacks to the lake. In addition the valley trail has undulations which will add to the total elevation. The switchbacks are steep and present the most arduous section of the trip. In other words, **this is not for beginners or intermediate hikers**. The intent is maintain a steady pace to reach the lake and take advantage of the sunlight for pics prior to the typical afternoon cloud as there is an outside chance of rain. At the lake those who are Wim Hof practitioners can indulge. Depending on the group there will be an option to going up to Numa Pass which adds ~6.4km and 300m elevation gain. While the trip to the lake is worthwhile in itself adding this option will achieve spectacular views and more endurance for upcoming longer and higher trips. The intital hope was to do a loop via the Numa Cr route; however, the rain washout of the bridge resulted in this out and back trip.

Do not sign up if you have to be back by a specific time since we probably stop for a post trip recovery/refreshments/refuel afterwards.
Note that this is bear country so we will stay fairly close together.

**REFERENCE:**
[The Floe Lake Trail: Complete 2026 Hiking Guide | Off Track Travel](https://offtracktravel.ca/floe-lake-trail-kootenay-national-park/)

**WEATHER:** [Yr – Foster Peak – Long term forecast](https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-5956441/Canada/British%20Columbia/Regional%20District%20of%20East%20Kootenay/Foster%20Peak)

**Mandatory Requirements/Gear:**

🏔️ personal first aid kit & toiletry kit,
🏔️ 2-3L H2O , nourishment & energy refuel,
🏔️ layered weather appropriate clothing (no cotton clothing),
🏔️ backpack,
🏔️ sturdy hiking boots, approach/trail shoes, 🏔️ Note that **if you have bear spray bring it,**
🏔️ Hike as a group within sight of each other,
🏔️ Positive attitude

**Optional :**
🏔️Sun protection/sun block, sunglasses, bug spray
🏔️ trekking poles, gaiters
🏔️ camera
🏔️ warm me up for post swim

Suggested Gas Fee Contribution: $25 per person

**NOTES:**
🌲 RSVP to join the wait list. Make sure you answer all questions otherwise you stay on waitlist.
🌲 Participants will be confirmed after answering the questions. If you find yourself still on the waiting list, please go back and check that you have completed these steps. If unsure, contact the event organizer.

WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. Organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the meetup location and/or the trailhead. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: http://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.