Dolomite Valley, Isabella Lake, Devon Lakes and Pipestone Pass – Backpack Trip (Banff National Park)

This will be a 7 night, 8 day backpack trip into the rustic Dolomite Valley, Isabella Lake, Devon Lakes and Pipestone Pass, exiting via the North Molar Pass to Mosquito Creek.  This is one of the most breathtaking parts of the Rockies.  It feels more remote and is less travelled.  Camping in the Dolomite Valley, Isabella Lake and Devon Lakes are a real experience in the backcountry, as there are no designated camping spots.  It is possibly one of Banff’s best kept secrets!

Location: Banff NP, S end of Icefields Parkway, E of Bow Lake

Round Trip: ~85-90km

Hiking Time: 7 nights, 8 days

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Elevations:  Helen Lake 1833 m, Katherine Lake 2412m, Dolomite Pass 2781m, Isabella Lake 1840m, Siffleur Campground 2000m, Devon Lakes 2329, Pipestone Pass 2457m, Fish Lakes 2240 m, North Molar Pass 2590m, Mosquito Creek Campground 2000m, Mosquito Creek Trailhead 1880

Itinerary

What to expect

• Hiking style is slow and steady.  This hike is not a heads down and storm through.
• Terrain will be moderate and at times very challenging.
• Hikers can expect to have to ford streams on this backpack.  Water may, at times, be knee to thigh deep.

Gear

• Hikers must have their own gear.
• Hiking poles are highly recommended, as we will be fording on this trek. A sturdy pair of water shoes or sandals will also be required.
• There is no established campgrounds in the Dolomite Valley, at Isabella Lake and Devon Lakes, which means no convenient bear-proof food storage.  In the Dolomite Valley and at Isabella Lake, we will likely be able to hang our food from the trees. There is a large boulder with rocks in place to store our food for the night at Devon Lakes. You will need some sort of bear proof container or bag (I have the UrSack).
• In the absence of an outhouse in the Dolomite Valley, at Isabella Lake and Devon Lakes, you may wish to bring a small shovel.
• Bear spray is a must, as the area is known to be populated with Grizzly’s.
• Come prepared with bear safe Bug Spray, certain areas along this hike are known to have lots of bugs.

Backcountry Permits

• All backcountry visitors must make reservations for overnight backcountry trips. A backcountry reservation will be attempted to be made for Mosquito Creek, Fish Lakes and Siffleur River campsites. ($10.02 per night – https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/tarifs-fees )

• Backcountry permits are required for random camping at Dolomite Valley, Isabella Lake and Devon Lakes and can only be obtained in person at Parks Canada visitor centres in Banff and Lake Louise, or by calling 403-762-1556 in Banff or 403-522-1264 in Lake Louise. A non-refundable reservation fee applies to all bookings.
• Maximum group size is 8 people.

Accommodations off the Trail

• Spend a few nights at the HI Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel to explore more trails in the area! There is also a hostel in Lake Louise.
• Another option would be the Mosquito Creek campground across from the trailhead.

Links of Interest:

• *** https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/fish-devon-katherine-ox-mosquito
• ***https://monkeystale.ca/2020/07/29/hiking-around-canadas-dolomite-peak/
• ***http://www.hikingwalking.com/destinations/ab/ab_rockies/banff/helen_dolomite/helen_dolomite_detail
• https://www.10adventures.com/backpacking/banff-national-park/devon-lakes-backpack/
• https://mattclay.zenfolio.com/devon_lakes

Backcountry Reminders

Manage Risk

Safety is your personal responsibility. Be prepared for possible hazards and always exercise caution.

• Know your physical limits.
• Inform friends or family of your itinerary.
• Ensure that you have adequate food, water, clothing and equipment for your trip.
• Be prepared for at least one day more than your planned trip.

Bears and Wildlife

You should always:

• carry bear spray
• know what bear signs look like
• make noise to let the bears know you’re there

More information about bears and safe hiking practices is available in the Bears and People and Bare Campsite brochures.

Food

To make your campsite less inviting to bears and other wildlife:

• You must use the food storage cables or lockers provided to suspend or secure all food, garbage, toiletries (e.g. deodorant) and cooking equipment
• Prepare meals in a designated cooking area, away from your tent
• Strain food waste from your dishwater and pack it out
• Pack out all garbage including food waste, diapers, tampons and sanitary napkins

Drinking Water

It looks pristine, but is it? Follow these tips to keep it fresh:

• Boil, treat or filter all water before drinking it.
• Do not wash yourself or your dishes in streams and lakes. Carry the water to your campsite and wash there.
• Dispose of grey water on land, well away from water sources and campsites.
• Minimize use of soap, including biodegradable soaps.
• Drinking Water in the Great Canadian Outdoors

Human Waste

Have to go but can’t find an outhouse?

• Select a spot at least 70 m (seven bus lengths) away from trails, campsites and water sources.
• Dig a shallow hole with a stick or heel of your boot.
• Cover the hole with soil or rocks afterwards.
• Pack out used toilet paper (really!)

Weather

Never underestimate the power of weather in the mountains. Check the local weather forecast before you leave, but be prepared for anything.

• Conditions can change from minute to minute and place to place.
• Generally, the higher you go, the colder and windier it gets.
• Ultraviolet radiation is also stronger at higher elevations.
• A toque, warm jacket and sunscreen may all be required on any given day during the summer.

Pets

There are no pets allowed on this hike.