AZURE LAKE

MAPS

TRAIL REPORTS

PHOTOS

AZURE LAKE

TRAIL DESCRIPTION

The trail is 6.5 km one way and has an elevation gain of 683 metres.
Follow the trail from the trailhead sign a short distance to the first creek crossing where there is a log and cable bridge across Frances Creek. At 2.2 kms the trail reaches the second creek crossing, the outflow creek from Azure Lake where there is a log and cable bridge. At approximately 4 km you leave the forest to cross a scree slope, then pass a small pond to reach a steep headwall. Follow the switchback trail up the headwall.After the headwall the trail climbs consistently up through meadows to reach the upper lake at about the 6 km point. Follow the path around the edge of the lake for about 1/2 km to a lunch spot. From here you can follow the outflow creek from the upper lake to the lower lake. There is no trail for this last part and it is not included in the distances but it is only a couple hundred metres.

TRAIL MAP

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Follow West Side Road north to the 41.5 km marker. Green RSTBC sign for Maclean Lake Trail.
Turn west onto the the Lead Queen Mine road. Follow this road to a Y junction.
Take the left branch at the junction, this is the Frances Creek FSR. Follow this road to the trailhead at any Y junctions always take the left hand fork. Follow signage for Maclean Lake Trail.
After 15 km driving distance from West Side road you reach the shared trailhead for Maclean Lake and Azure Lake trails. The Azure lake parking area is to the left. There is a green sign on a post that says Azure Lake Trail.
Total driving time from Invermere is about 1.5 hours maybe a little less, the road is in good shape.

TRAIL REPORTS

Francis Creek FSR July 22, 2025

Francis Creek FSR which provides access to both Azure Lake and McLean Lake trail is open.  There has been some confusion around washouts and repairs earlier in the spring but the road is repaired and open.  A Road Closed sign is still posted on the road as of July 22 but STMS can confirm the road is open and the sign will be removed in the coming weeks.

TRAIL PHOTOS