Backcountry Nuk Tessli Hiking Trails
Nuk Tessli is surrounded by a vast network of hiking and backpacking trails
From easy hikes to Strenuous, there are many options to explore
Easy Hikes
Lookout Loop
2-3 hours | 205m elevation gain | easy:
The Lookout Loop is often the perfect hike for your arrival day at Nuk Tessli.
This short half-day hike leads to the closest viewpoint overlooking the Nuk Tessli wilderness.
From here, you’ll get your first glimpse of the mountains, lakes, and alpine terrain you’ll be exploring over the next few days.
The viewpoint is surrounded by lightning-struck trees, their twisted shapes creating a beautiful and unique landscape.
Viewing point from the top of lookout point. Whitton Lake and Wilderness Mountain
A tree that was struck by lighting on the way to Lookout Point
Perfect day at the Lookout Point at Nuk Tessli
Viewing point from the top of lookout point. Whitton Lake and Wilderness Mountain
The Three Brothers Trail
5 hours | 150m elevation gain | easy:
The Three Brothers Trail is a wonderful day trip that combines hiking and canoeing.
The trail begins by winding through Chris’s Meadows, where you’ll find a beautiful variety of wildflowers in bloom. From there, it continues up to Jetha Lake, where canoes are waiting for you to paddle across to the far shore.
A short hike then brings you to Maila Lake, where another set of canoes takes you across the water once again. After that, the trail continues around Kancha Lake before climbing gently to a beautiful viewpoint, with sweeping views mainly to the east.
Meadows full of flowers on the Otter Lake hike
Amazing colors viewed from the hot tub at Nuk Tessli
The Nuk Tessli amazing log cabins on Whitton Lake
Meadows full of flowers on the Otter Lake hike
Around The Lake
3-5 hours | 20 M elevation gain | easy:
Around the Lake is a simple and pleasant walk along the shores of Whitton Lake.
This trail is often combined with canoeing. You can paddle to Sandy Beach and hike back, or do it the other way around. It can also be used as a connector to other routes, including the trail to Wilderness Lake.
Most guests enjoy this trail as part of a relaxed day, combining an easy hike with time on the water—paddling to Sandy Beach or the far end of the lake before walking back to the lodge.
Canoe the Nuk Tessli lake
Enjoying lots of Lupinus in the Meadows around the Nuk Tessli Lake
Enjoy a sunny day on Whitton Lake with a SUP
Canoe the Nuk Tessli lake
Moderate Hikes
The Mammaries Loop
5-7 hours | 630m elevation gain | Moderate:
The Mammaries Loop is a rewarding hiking day that climbs steadily to two small peaks with outstanding views in every direction.
From the summits, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Monarch massif, Wilderness Mountain, Anvil Mountain, and the surrounding alpine landscape.
The route is generally easy to navigate, climbing directly through forest and open meadows before opening up to wide, panoramic views all around.
Meadows full of flowers on the Mammaries hiking trail in July
360 Degrees of amazing view from the top of the Mammaries
North Pass Lake Loop
6-8 hours | 550m elevation gain | Moderate:
The North Pass Lake Loop is one of our most iconic hikes at Nuk Tessli.
The day begins with a short boat ride to Sandy Beach. From there, the trail climbs through forest and open meadows to beautiful North Pass Lake, a perfect spot for a short snack break.
After the lake, the trail continues up to North Pass Ridge, one of the best places in the area to stop for lunch and take in the views.
From the ridge, the route loops through Bubbly Valley before descending through wide-open meadows filled with wildflowers, small streams, and classic alpine scenery.
Once you return to Sandy Beach, you can either canoe back to Nuk Tessli in about 20 minutes or hike around the lake back to the lodge.
This is a trail you won’t want to miss.
Meadows full of flowers coming down from North Pass Ridge
Hard Hikes
Angelheart Lake (add-on to North Pass Lake Loop)
1.5 hours | 150m elevation gain | Hard:
Angelheart Lake is a spectacular add-on to the North Pass Lake Loop.
From the top of North Pass Ridge, the trail leads you past the colorful Atnarko Lakes and up to beautiful Angelheart Lake. On a warm day, it’s hard to resist jumping in.
From the lake, the route climbs onto the ridge, where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the massive Monarch massif.
The trail then loops around and reconnects with the North Pass Lake Loop at the top of Bubbly Valley.
Crossing a small stream on the way to Angelheart Lake
Strenuous Hikes
Avalanche Ridge
8-10 hours | 820m elevation gain|Strenuous:
Avalanche Ridge is a big and spectacular alpine day. It can be done as a full-day hike on its own, or as an add-on to the Mammaries Loop.
This route takes you high into the alpine, with incredible views stretching across the Coast Mountains for miles in every direction. It is a truly unforgettable hike, and one of the most rewarding high-country routes in the Nuk Tessli area.
As an add-on, Avalanche Ridge has several possible variations, depending on time, weather, and group energy.
Flat Top Mountain Loop
10 hours | 880m elevation gain | Strenuous:
The Flat Top Mountain Loop is a spectacular and demanding day hike for strong hikers looking for a big alpine adventure.
The route climbs to the summit of Flat Top Mountain before looping back to Nuk Tessli through the Cohen Lake area. Along the way, you’ll experience wide-open alpine terrain, big views, and a true sense of the wilderness surrounding the lodge.
This is an amazing but strenuous day, best suited for hikers who are ready to work hard and be rewarded with one of the most memorable hikes in the Nuk Tessli area.
Enjoying the view from the top of Flat Top Mountain. Looking at Wilderness Mountain
On the top of Flat Top Mountain
the Tweedsmuir Park mountains
Enjoying the view from the top of Flat Top Mountain. Looking at Wilderness Mountain
Atnarko Peak
9.5 hours | 1200m elevation gain | Strenuous:
Atnarko Peak is a challenging and rewarding scramble to the highest peak in the Nuk Tessli area.
Reaching the summit is no easy task, but the effort is well worth it. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views, including sweeping vistas of the Coast Mountains and the vast wilderness surrounding Nuk Tessli.
This is a strenuous alpine day best suited for strong hikers who are comfortable with steep terrain and ready for a true mountain adventure.
Navigation apps:
Most of our trails are available on the AllTrails app.
If you don’t already have AllTrails, they usually offer a 7-day free trial, so you can download the app before your trip or when you arrive at Nuk Tessli and use it during your stay.
Another good option is the Gaia GPS app. Gaia allows you to download offline maps and load GPX files, which is very useful in remote areas with limited or no cell service.
We recommend downloading your maps and trail information before heading out on the trails.