Running Rain Lake Hike, Kananaskis Country.

Running Rain Lake trailhead is located west of the city of Calgary, approximately 10.3km south east of the Highwood Pass Summit near Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country. For local wildlife preservation, highway #40 is closed to motorized traffic from December 1st to June 14th. During this closure time the highway is excellent for early spring cycling. The hike to Running Rain Lake is considered easy with an elevation gain under 175 Meters. Approximate return distance is 5.8km allow, 2.5 - 3 hours return trip. The trailhead is located on the west side of the Kananaskis Trail #40 highway, 10.3km south east of Highwood Pass. You'll see a two lane pullout on the west side of the highway, follow the pullout to the end of the guard rail then park in the ditch. Find the trail at the end of the guardrail then drop down a few meters to the first stream braid that is coming off Storm Creek. I suggest carrying a pair of light stream crossing shoes. You may find a log or beaver dam that will bridge your first crossing. However, trying to keep your feet dry is pointless. In another 50 Meters or so you'll have to wade across Storm Creek proper. Storm Creek can run high and is piercing cold, you'll appreciate a good hiking pole when crossing the creek. Once you cross storm creek, stash your wet shoes and follow the well worn trail as it runs along Running Rain Creek. In a short distance you'll see a fork in the trail to your right leading up a short, steep, dirt and rock slope. Turn right here, the trail straight ahead follows Running Rain Creek through the bush then eventually joins the main trail. Keep on the main trail as it slowly climbs through the forest. In about an hour or so you'll reach the Meadows below Running Rain Lake. Cross the Meadows towards the lake until you reach the outlet stream. From here, Campsites can be found on your left, near the south shore of the lake or you can keep following the small lake trail as it circles the lake. Interesting to note that in the Spring of 2012, a large avalanche of snow, rock, dirt and large Engelmann Spruce filled the deeper west end of the lake. In turn this may have killed all the trout. During my visit in early July 2012, the lake was dead. It may take several years before the lake can sustain a fish population again. If you still want to stretch your legs, the top of the headwall located above the back of the lake is a great place to have your lunch. Views of Running Rain Lake, Mount Lipsett and the valley below are beautiful. Pictures below were taken in early July. Nearby hikes include Loomis Lake Hike, Carnarvon Lake Hike, Lake of the Horns Hike, Picklejar Lakes Hike, Mist Ridge Hike and Lineham Ridge Hike. You are in bear country.