Fiddle River Trail

Jasper National Park

This rough trail through a remote valley in the eastern part of the park sees few visitors. Yet it features pleasant riverside views, a stunning alpine pass and, if you plan it right, a soak in the scenic Miette Hot Springs at the end of your hike. This trail can be difficult due to several unbridged stream and river crossings. The section in Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park can be extremely muddy and is unsigned for the most part. This trail is best in late August or September when water levels are lower and the trail is drier.

Planning considerations

  • Maintained trail: low priority
  • 37.8 km one way
  • Trail #140: 2-3 days
  • Dogs permitted
  • No bikes

 

The details

This is a trail that can be thru-hiked starting at either Miette Hot Springs (Jasper National Park) or Whitehorse Creek Campground in Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park (AB). From Miette Hot Springs, the trail begins at the Source of the Springs trailhead and follows the paved trail and boardwalk to the old aquacourt. After this, the trail becomes rougher and climbs steadily to the mostly forested Utopia Pass. The trail then descends steeply to the Fiddle River. Just above the shore, a large landslide has taken out part of the trail. You need to work your way down to the bank of the river, and through the land slide back to the trail. From here onwards, the trail is rough and overgrown in places. Sightlines can be poor. Make ample noise to warn bears and other wildlife of your presence. Utopia Campground (#51) is 1.2 km beyond the landslide.

After the campground, the trail follows the river and crosses Slide Creek just before Slide Creek Campground (#52). The trail makes several more crossings of the Fiddle River between Slide Creek Campground (#52), Whitehorse Campground (#54) and Fiddle Pass. Fiddle Pass marks the boundary between Jasper National Park and Whitehorse Wildland Wilderness Provincial Park. From here the trail continues to Fiddle Pass Campground (AB Parks) and onwards to Sawmill and Trappers Campgrounds (AB Parks) and the trailhead at Whitehorse Creek Campground.

 
  • Multiple creek / river fords are required. These can be difficult in high water.
  • Horse are not permitted from Miette Hot Springs trailhead to Slide Creek campground. The trail beyond Slide Creek is no longer maintained for horses.
  • Some corduroys in boggy sections have been removed.

Elevation profile

Elevation

Text version
  • The elevation profile shows the trail beginning at the Miette Hot Springs trailhead at 1367m
  • Over the next 6.2 km, the trail ascends over Utopia Pass, (1645 m) then descends to Utopia Campground (1444 m)
  • There is a gradual climb over 6.8 km to Slide Creek Campground (1614 m)
  • There is a gradual climb over 7.2 km to Whitehorse Campground (1789 m)
  • The 4.3 km climb to Fiddle Pass (2120 m) is steady and steeper
  • The trail descends into the Province of Alberta and ends 13 km beyond at Whitehorse Creek Campground (1625 m)
 

Campground information

Campground information
Campground Elevation Description # of sites Toilet type Food storage UTM
Utopia
#51

Campfires  
1444 m A pleasant campground by a creek, only 6.5 km from the trailhead. It makes for a perfect one-night getaway. 4 Throne Lockers 11U 451970
5883747
Slide Creek
#52

Campfires  
1614 m A simple campground in the forest with some mountain views through the trees. 4 Throne Cable 11U 456952
5880414
Whitehorse
#54

Campfires  
1789 m A pleasant campground in the forest. 4 Throne Cable 11U 462424
5876790

How to get there

 
From Jasper to Miette Hot Springs
  • Take Highway 16 towards Hinton, and turn onto the Miette Road at Miette Mountain Cabins (49 km from Jasper). It is 17 km from the turn off to the hot springs.
  • In the hot springs parking lot, drive straight to the parking lot by the picnic area past the outhouse. The trailhead, named Source of the Springs, is straight ahead.

From Jasper to Whitehorse Creek

  • From Jasper take Highway 16 east towards Hinton, out of the park.
  • After 70 km from Jasper, turn right onto Highway 40 towards Cadomin.
  • Drive 48 km to a T-junction. Turn right towards Cadomin.
  • Drive through the village (2.5 km), and another 6 km to the campground. After the village of Cadomin, the road becomes gravel, but is passable by cars. The road now parallels a large haul road for the nearby Cheviot coalmine.
  • Look for signs to the campground; the entrance road to the campground turns off from the through road on the left, and swings right through a tunnel underneath the haul road. The trailhead is at the far end of the campground.

Are you prepared?

Safety is your responsibility

 Safety is your responsibility

Refer to the Jasper National Park Backcountry Planning Guide:

  • descriptions of trail types and campground facilities;
  • equipment checklists;
  • responsible camping practices;
  • safety information.

Before heading out, check trail, weather and road conditions at: parks.canada.ca/jaspertrails.

 Maps

Maps
NTS National Geographic Gem Trek
Medicine Lake 83C/13
Athabasca Falls 83C/12
Jasper North Jasper and Maligne Lake

 Permits

A backcountry camping permit is mandatory for all overnight trips and can be obtained online at reservation.pc.gc.ca or by calling 1-877-737-3783.

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