Upper Rowe Lake Trail hike on 23-Jul-2026

Trailhead discussion centred around the warning of an aggressive bear incident two weeks prior, with all feeling comfortable with the plan to maintain a tight group at a relaxed pace, with short breaks at Lower Rowe and the meadows both coming and going to collect everybody. After a long lunch at Upper Rowe Lake where some hung out and others wandered the lakeshore and flower filled meadows, we continued to and along the middle lake via the less traveled streamside route joining the two, to an overlook of Lower Rowe. Then, circling back a short way to rejoin the main trail near the top of the switchbacks. A beauty of a day out, with the heat tempered by breezes and the intact forest, and smoke lessening in the afternoon.

Life goes on as the forest recovers
Life goes on as the forest recovers

An untouched oasis in a burnt landscape.
An untouched oasis in a burnt landscape.

A rainbow of colour above Rowe Meadows
A rainbow of colour above Rowe Meadows

Lunch by the lake, with a quick return to sun after a few raindrops as we were settling in.
Lunch by the lake, with a quick return to sun after a few raindrops as we were settling in.

An infinity of buttercups
An infinity of buttercups

Upper Rowe Lake as seen from the outlet stream at the southeast corner.
Upper Rowe Lake as seen from the outlet stream at the southeast corner.

The stream between Upper and Middle Rowe Lakes.
The stream between Upper and Middle Rowe Lakes.

Philip at the cascades between the two lakes. A very pretty spot!
Philip at the cascades between the two lakes. A very pretty spot!

Middle Rowe Lake
Middle Rowe Lake

Possibly the best way to see the lower Rowe Lake. Rarely it seems, there is a waterfall here.
Possibly the best way to see the lower Rowe Lake. Rarely it seems, there is a waterfall here.

Gentian!
Gentian!

Like at Carthew Summit the previous day, there were many butterflies in the meadows taking advantage of abundant wildflowers.
Like at Carthew Summit the previous day, there were many butterflies in the meadows taking advantage of abundant wildflowers.

Heading out through Rowe Meadows below Lineham Ridge
Heading out through Rowe Meadows below Lineham Ridge

Participants: Rosanne, Philip, Nancy, Aldis, John, Joanne, Irene, Monica, Pat, Arnold, Jeannette, Tracy, Steve

Edit report | Back to List