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Jess FischerExplorer

An east coast transplant exploring the wild and wonderful PNW ⇞

This lake quickly becomes crowded and for good reason. The lake is eerily still in the morning hours making it a perfect mirror. We got eaten alive by mosquitoes but it was worth it. In July the shores were dotted with tons of wildflowers too and if you're lucky you'll see some wildlife.

Unless you have a campground reservation or lodge reservation you'll have to hike in the 11km to the lake itself before you can start exploring (which is what we had to do) but every km was worth it. The entire area is unlike anything else we experienced in Yoho and the hike up Opabin Pass to the overlook was my favorite part. We were fortunate enough to catch the bus back out ($10 CAD per person) but if they can't fit you on the bus you'll have to hike. But the area is worth every step! GO!!

I didn't canoe the lake but we did explore around it and it really is the prettiest emerald color. When we were there there were tour buses full of people and it was SO crowded, be sure to go early in the morning or later at night!

I did this hike in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday and there were only a handful of other people on the trail. It was overcast but the color of the river was bright, bright blue. The falls are gorgeous and if you don't mind stripping off your socks and boots you should wade across the shallow river to the island in the center. Awesome hike! Awesome waterfall!

Takakkaw Falls is a gorgeous waterfall and when we went in July it was fully flowing from the glacier runoff! Definitely recommend exploring this whole area.

After spending a lot of time in Banff, Jasper and Yoho this was hands down my favorite hike I did. Takakkaw Falls is amazing and you get to see it from below and above it you park at the base of the falls (which I recommend). The initial climb is steep with a ton of switchbacks but once you pop up above the treeline you'll be tripping over your own feet because you won't be able to look down. I also suggest doing the quick side trail to Hidden Lake on the way up. This is my favorite hike I've ever done!!

Explorer

10/03/17

This hike was recommended by multiple people and we ended up doing it as a quick day hike. Start EARLY to beat the crowds (although the crowds aren't bad compared to other hikes because of the mileage). Be prepared to spend at least an hour at the lake soaking up the beauty. Also - the color of the lake really is vivid and so unreal in person. I recommend hiking the extra half mile (mile round trip) out to the red rock outcrop as well. Also a great hike to catch wildlife, especially on a quiet morning!

So I did a different version of this hike and it was only about a mile long from the parking are at MP 302 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Short but sweet, I did this hike on a day I was driving back home; I took the BRP and stopped for a little to hike up to the summit right after sunrise. The views are incredible and the rock you can sit on makes you look like you're hanging off the edge of the world (you're not, it's quite safe). Overall I recommend this hike!

Explorer

05/19/17

The hike is easy and short but super cool since you're hiking up the gorge. You'll have a few river crossings and make sure to bring your bathing suit in the summer! However, go early because it can definitely get crowded with families, couples and dogs.

This waterfall is incredibly unique and so beautiful. It's a super short hike to the main falls and we brought lunch to eat on the big rocks below. You can hike a few miles down the trail and the water is much calmer, you'll find more waterfalls and a swimming spot!

Explorer

05/19/17

... the trail to the lower falls was closed when we visited. I don't want to give it a lower review because the main waterfall looks AMAZING, but check the State Park's website to make sure the lower falls is open before you go. Other waterfalls are pretty too.

Really pretty waterfalls up an easy trail. Also a great spot for fly fishing! Best after some good rainfall.

Explorer

05/19/17

This hike is super accessible right off the highway but after hiking for about a mile you forget you're close to civilization. Sweeping views of the reservoir and mountains beyond offer a unique experience. Loved this hike! We went and kayaked below afterwards- also recommend doing this.

Explorer

05/19/17

I finally got around to hiking to the waterfall and it was everything I hoped it would be even on a rainy fall day. Gorgeous trails and beautiful waterfall! I highly recommend going.

Great short hike with views at the top! Great spot to try out trail running or take small children who can't hike very far. You can also skip the hike all together and drive straight to the top. Outlook faces west and is great for sunsets.

This is a great spot to watch the sunset and is a really easy hike. You can quickly hike out to the summit or do the longer loop. If you do the longer loop you can find some campsites as well. Also you'll find apple trees above the bald!

One of the best views in Central Virginia. A short, but steep hike up to the top with a fun rock scramble at the top. Lots of campsites under the summit that can sometimes be packed full on a warm, beautiful weekend. One of my favorite go-to hikes in Virginia!

If you're a history nerd you'll love Camp Rapidan. If you love fly fishing this is also a great place to catch wild, native Brookies!

This really is one of the best overlooks in Southern Shenandoah to catch a sunrise. You'll be rewarded with great mountain views and light reflecting off the lake below. Also within proximity to a lot of wonderful hikes you can hit up after watching the sunrise.

This is a gorgeous waterfall after a good rainfall but when there hasn't been much rain it can be a trickle of water. This is also a great hike in the winter time.

This is a really unique adventure and cool spot to hang out on a hot summer day. Lots of little sand beaches off the pipeline and during the spring this is a great spot to see all the baby herons!

This is a great spot to relax and have a picnic in Shenandoah. The Wayside across the street also has a great little restaurant and gas station. Not much in terms of views but for astrophotography you'll have big open skies.

This hike is great but it's also amazing for fly fishing. Hike a mile or two up the trail to get away from the crowds and get in the river. Native rainbows can be found but will be tough to catch. Multiple waterfalls along the hike are a perk as well. Really wonderful area, but can get crowded on weekends. Also on a hot summer day you can rent tubes from nearby and float down the lower half of the river.

AH! I loved this hike so much. So many great geological features, great distance and great elevation gain. It'll definitely have your heart rate up but it's so worth it. Hike the extra 0.7 out to Myrtle Point and make sure to allow extra time to stop and really enjoy the many views and changing terrain. Loved this hike so much!