Those who hike the Rockwall north-south can enjoy their final night on the lake’s scenic shore, then a downhill jaunt to the trailhead. Those who hike south-north, beginning at Floe Lake, however, have an intense uphill to reach the lake, followed by even more uphill to reach Numa Pass after that.

From Floe Lake toward the trailhead, the trail leads gently upward through open forest and crosses a ridge, then plunges downward. It takes many switchbacks into the drainage of Floe Creek, which is extensively burned. If starting from the Floe Lake trailhead, these switchbacks are, of course, in the uphill direction instead.

Below the switchbacks, the gradient mellows, and the trail traverses above the creek. Among regenerating growth and skeleton trees, views throughout the valley are quite good on a clear day. Closer to the trailhead, a bridge crosses the Kootenay River, in a striking miniature gorge where turquoise water slides between tilted rock layers. Here the trail re-enters mature forest, providing shade for the final, flat stretch to the parking area.

Note that day hiking to Floe Lake does not require any permit, but camping there requires a wilderness pass, which should be reserved in advance.

Sources: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/activ/arrierepays-backcountry https://www.jennexplores.com/canada/british-columbia-canada/floe-lake-hike-kootenay-national-park/ https://travelwiththesmile.com/blog/floe-lake-kootenay-national-park/