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One of Fernie's beloved big alpine wilderness hikes. Do the classic 20km hike or choose from other long or short options.
This is a backcountry wilderness area with no cellular coverage, abundant wildlife, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies. This area contains a network of trails that run through a spectacular alpine environment with many unique features. Visitors will enjoy exploring cascades, waterfalls, a large cave, a rugged creek canyon and jagged peaks towering above expansive alpine meadows. These trails are designated for hiking and non-motorized use only, no bicycles or ORV's are permitted. All the trails are difficult and require wilderness hiking attire and preparedness (see below). Road access requires high clearance vehicles along forestry/dirt/gravel roads. Carring a GPS communication devise is a must. Read more safety info. Dogs on leash and under control are allowed on the trail, you must clean up after them. YOU are in BEAR Country!
Finished in 2003, the Classic 20km Heiko’s Trail to Island Lake Lodge was built by one of Fernie’s renowned residents, Heiko Socher, who moved to Fernie as a forestry manager in 1964 and was integral in the early development of Fernie Alpine Resort. Originally named Mountain Lakes Trail, it was officially renamed Heiko's Trail after the passing of Heiko in 2016. He was very active in the community so much that everyone knows the name and much of his legacy.
Purchase Trail Pass - before you head out
Trail Maps:
When can I hike Heiko's Trail?
Due to the elevation and slope aspect of this trail, it usually takes a while for Heiko's to become fully accessible. An average guideline time is around late June to early September, but this varies depending on the winter snowfall and spring thaw. You can find trail conditions and status by connecting with locals and see if there are any updates via Trailforks online.
One-way Route Options (see return / out & back hiking options further below):
Difficult Driving to Heiko's Trailhead - NOTE - it is highly beneficial to use Trailforks App on your GPS enabled mobile device to help you find the way. Access road needs high clearance vehicle. Drive 5.3 kilometres east on Hwy 3 from Fernie and turn left onto Dicken Road, continue about 600m then turn right up Hartley Lake Road (not signed, yard on each side of the road) and drive another 15 kilometres on this windy, rough dirt road that climbs past Hartley Lake Recreation Site. Continue on this road and just after your second left you will see a trail marker post. Turn left, it is highly recommended that you park at the first lot and hike the 2.5 km to the main trailhead (it can take as long to hike it as it does to drive it). If you have knowledge of driving rough backcountry roads and have a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance, you may continue on a further 2.5km to the last parking lot/main trailhead, note that this section of narrow backcountry dirt road is rutted with some over-grown shrubs and trees. The shrubs on this section of old rough road can scratch your vehicle. There is a large trail sign at the second lot, where Heiko's Trail formally starts. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.
The Hike - Follow a well-defined trail through alpine meadows, the iconic points of interest and over two distinct mountain passes with spectacular Rocky Mountain views. Just over 6km into the hike is the designated camping area for those overnighting with bear hang for food and a designated cooking area. At Three Sisters Trail junction stay right to continue 1km to Three Sisters Pass. At Three Sisters Pass you’ll stay right and continue 5km towards Windy Pass. At Windy Pass you’ll stay right and continue 3km towards Tamarack Trail, which is one of Island Lake Lodge’s hiking trails. Take this 3.1 km trail down (hiking poles are highly recommended) to the junction with Lazy Lizard Trail, take this final gentle trail west for the final 1km to the Lodge.
Starting the Hike from Island Lake Lodge (see important notice above first) - This route option represents the classic version above but in the opposite direction.
Driving to Island Lake Lodge - Head southwest out of Fernie on Hwy 3. Turn right at the Mt Fernie Park Road at the signs for Mt Fernie Provincial Park and Island Lake Lodge across the hwy from the Stanford Hotel. Continue on this road through the Provincial Park and on the dirt road until you reach Island Lake Lodge first entrance and gate. Staff may be on site to greet you and confirm access to the Lodge area approximately 7 km further up the road. The lodge has washrooms if open. Please arrange ahead of time if planning to park at Island Lake Lodge and/or start the hike from there by calling them directly at 250-423-3700.
The Hike - Follow Tamarack Trail from the Lodge, just over 3km up until it connects to Heiko's Trail, continue and addtional 3km up to Windy Pass, then 5km to Three Sisters Pass. A further 1km down brings you to the trail junction with Three Sisters Trail and the designated camping area for those overnighting. From there it is just over 6km to the end of Heiko's Trail on the Hartley Lake Road side, depending on where your pickup location or car drop is. The last 6km features a few highlights such as Bisaro Canyon, Bisaro Cave and Watergate (aka Jumping Waters). See 'Driving to Heiko's Trailhead' above to plan drive back to town.
Difficult Difficult Return / Out & Back Hike Options
All of the below hiking options are difficult and start and end at the Heiko's Trailhead off Hartley Lake/Sulpher Crk Road.
WILDERNESS HIKING - BE PREPARED: Be prepared with proper hiking boots and attire, lots of water and food. Having hiking poles is helpful. Fernie has many outdoor gear shops. Know what to expect for weather and dress accordingly, temperatures are cooler the higher in elevation you go. Tell someone you know where you are going and when you plan to be back in case you run into any issues. This is bear country, learn about being safe in the mountains and carry bear spray and know how to use it (WildsafeBC). Pack in, pack out. Don't leave any garbage behind. If you have a dog and it poops on the trail, use a stick to push it fully off the trail or bag it and pack it out (same with human poop). There are no toilets at the trailhead or on the trail, if you use toilet paper pack it out or bury it in the ground off the trail. To learn more about adventuring safely visit AdventureSmart.
More Info About Heiko's Trail
There is a defined singletrack trail the entire way, however in rocky/slate rock sections be sure to look for where the trail continues. See waterfalls, caves, cliff walls, big mountain passes, canyons, mountain meadows, wildlife and more. Allow a minimum of 8 hours for those experienced hiking at a steady pace with minimal stops, plan for 10+ hours otherwise. High level of fitness and some basic route-finding skills required. These times do not including vehicle shuttle/pick up to trailheads.View Photo Gallery of Heiko's Trail
Three Sisters and Mt Fernie Ridge (from Windy Pass) are fantastic trails to add to this hike if time allows within your schedule, overnight wilderness camping would be required.
Topographic Maps for Heiko's Trail: Download Map #'s 082G065 & 082G055
Current Trail Conditions
Trail conditions reports are powered by the TrailForks app through information contributed by local and visiting hikers. Please feel free to add and update the trail report if you have completed the hike recently. If the reports are old (more than a week) it would be beneficial to talk to local sources such as local sport/gear shops in town and the Visitor Centre or reach out to the Fernie Trails Alliance directly. Heiko's trail network isn't usually accessible until mid-June due to snow, and can become inaccessible into September due to changing weather and snow at high elevations.
