Crandell Lake Hike- Waterton Lakes National Park

The Crandell Lake hike in Waterton Lakes National Park journeys through montane forest to a small lake and backcountry campground surrounded by mountains. The trail is easy to follow and not very strenuous, making for a short and pleasant hike in a peaceful area of the park.

Crandell Lake Trail Description

There are three hiking routes to Crandell Lake, but the shortest option is to start from the Akamina Parkway trailhead (as described here).

From the roadside parking lot, Crandell Lake Trail heads into the forest beside the Akamina Parkway. There are nice views of Mount Crandell ahead as the trail gradually gains elevation.

Higher up, there are more views of the mountain-framed valley the parkway passes through. Once the forest fully recovers from the 2017 Kenow Wildfire, the scenery will be more obstructed. 

Next up, the trail starts heading northeast away from the parkway, going steadily, but not steeply, uphill and further into the forest. There’s nothing too notable other than some wildflowers and glimpses of mountain tops.

At about the halfway point of the hike, the trail comes to a junction with the portion of the Crandell Lake Trail that starts in the townsite. There is a sign here indicating the distance to Crandell Lake, Akamina Parkway, Red Rock Parkway, and the Waterton townsite.

After the junction, the trail starts descending. Ruby Ridge is ahead and soon there is a partial view of Crandell Lake on the right. 

Continuing downhill, the trail later curves and keeps gradually descending through the forest. 

Nearing the lake, there’s another signed junction, this time with the portion of the Crandell Lake Trail that starts at the Red Rock Parkway. Turn right to get to the lake. 

Soon the lake comes into view and the trail reaches its shore. Here there’s a map of the Crandell Lake area including where the tent sites, food preparation area, and outhouse are.

The lake is small but pretty, surrounded by rocky mountains and forest. The little pebble beach is a nice place to sit and enjoy the scenery.

It’s worth walking over to the tenting area for a different perspective of the lake and nearby mountains. It sure would be a nice place to camp, especially because you wouldn’t have to hike too far with all your gear!

Once you’re ready to leave the lake, the return hike is on the same trail you came in on. 

Review of the Crandell Lake Hike

The Crandell Lake hike doesn’t rank as one of the best hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park, but it is a great choice if you’re looking for a shorter and less popular trail. It’s also good for less experienced hikers because it doesn’t require a big time investment, isn’t physically taxing, but still gets into the backcountry.

The scenery during the Crandell Lake hike is not spectacular, but it is nice and varied with forest, mountains, a lake, and some wildflowers. It’s a hike worth doing if you’ve been in the park for a few days and have already done the more bucket list-worthy trails.

Accommodations in Waterton Lakes National Park

For your convenience, here is a list of hotels in Waterton Lakes National Park. Please consider booking your Waterton accommodations through the included link. It costs nothing extra and helps support this website. Thank you!