Boom Lake Hike, Banff National Park.

Boom Lake trailhead is located at the Boom Creek Picnic Area on the Banff - Windermere #93 Highway, 7.5K west of Castle Junction just past Storm Mountain Lodge, north side of the highway. Park at the picturesque, Boom Creek picnic area parking lot. Find the trail at the north end of the picnic area, cross the bridge over Boom Creek then follow a wide open trail 5.5K to Boom Lake. This hike is considered easy with a total elevation gain 215M. The trail is well maintained and is perfect for families with younger children. Once you arrive at the lake, you'll have to work you're way over and around large boulders (kid's will love this) to get to the shore. Exploring the shore of the lake is well worth the effort. Views of Mount Quadra, Chimney Peak and Boom Mountain are stunning. The lake was named after a large log boom that forms at the south end drainage into Boom Creek. You can also access O'Brien Lake and Taylor Lake from the Boom Lake trail, it is a longer approach and the trail is not that well defined. If you can catch a warm sunny day in late spring, it's well worth the hike just to see all the active ice and snow slides that rumble down the surrounding mountains. Eating lunch in sight of active snow and icefalls is an unforgettable experience. Boom Lake offers excellent Cutthroat Trout fishing, you'll need a fishing license to try your luck. The pictures below were taken early June. The trail is usually snow free by mid to late June but can be muddy, bring good boots and gators in early spring. Boom Lake trail is also excellent for cross country skiing. A winter wonderland indeed. Nearby campgrounds include Johnston Canyon, Protection Mountain, Castle Mountain, Lake Louise. Beautiful Rockbound Lake, Johnston Canyon, Boom Lake, Bourgeau Lake, Taylor Lake, O'Brien Lake, Consolation Lakes, Moraine Lake, Mount Temple (Scramble), Plain of Six Glaciers, Sentinel Pass and Silverton Falls are also located near here. You are in bear country.