Goldilocks Hike - Island Lake Fernie

12.3 km

835 m elevation

3.5 hrs

On a trip down to Fernie this summer, Kyle and I tagged along with the Milinos to hike at Island Lake.

Hiking up Spineback to the start of the Goldilocks Loop

 The Goldilocks trail is a new route that has been developed high in the Lizard Range above Fernie. To access the loop, you park at Island Lake Lodge and follow signs for Spineback Ridge Trail. The well maintained trail starts by meandering past the lake and across streams before starting to climb steeply up the ridge. After 3.5 km, we had climbed 600 m above the lake and lodge. We watched pikas scurrying around in the scree and spotted birds soaring overhead as we hiked.

Finished Spineback, on to Goldilocks

 At the top of Spineback Ridge, you have the option to continue up for another 300 metres into the alpine along the Goldilocks trail. This loop adds about 5 km onto your day (out and back on Spineback alone is a 7 km round-trip). The trail is a bit more rugged but still easy to follow. We had a lunch break on the ridge before tackling Goldilocks.

Ready for more elevation

Awesome day for a hike

Alpine meadows

The trail doesn't top out on the top of the ridge, but wraps around a big peak, giving you views down the valley on the other side of the Lizard Range. This perspective was cool as Kyle and I have done some ski touring in the area. It always looks so different in the summertime. 

Mandatory selfie

Island Lake is a long way down there

Storm clouds chasing Connie up the hill

Back-side views of the beautiful Lizard Range

 Descending the loose scree trail back to Spineback Ridge took some time. It was nice to have hiking poles!  

Coming down the scree

 Back on the Spineback, Kyle and I raced ahead to meet up with Chris, Elizabeth and Gina at the lodge for a cold beer and snack. A perfect way to end a great hike.

Back in the greenery