Berg Glacier and Lake. Brian Patton photo

A flash flood seriously damaged the Berg Lake trail and bridges on July 2, 2021. The massive damage resulted in the closure of what is undoubtedly the Rockies’ most popular backcountry destination. 

Following the flood, BC Parks needed to rebuild much of the trail, a lengthy process that included rebuilding sections so that they will be more resistant to extreme events like occurred in 2021.

The lower section of the trail to Kinney Lake Campground reopened in 2023. Now, BC Parks has issued a release announcing the opening of the section of the Berg Lake trail from Kinney Lake to Whitehorn Campground.

The trail remains closed beyond Whitehorn, so the news will be of marginal interest to hikers hoping for renewed access to Emperor Falls and Berg Lake itself. But it indicates that progress is being made towards a 2025 restoration.

Following is the BC Parks news release:

Great news campers, Whitehorn Campground on the Berg Lake Trail is reopening!

Since 2022, BC Parks has been rebuilding the Berg Lake Trail in three phases, after a major flood washed out part of the trail and damaged other facilities like bridges and picnic tables.

Phase one of the project involved extensive work on the first seven kilometres of the trail, from the trailhead to Kinney Lake. Kinney Lake Campground reopened last year and is reservable for the 2024 camping season from May 31 to September 29. Reservations can be made up to four months in advance.

Phase two reconnects the Kinney Lake and Whitehorn Campgrounds and includes a new trail route, and new bridges at the far end of Kinney Lake and over the Robson River.

First come, first serve camping (FCFS) at Whitehorn Campground will be available from June 21 to July 1. FCFS campers must check-in and pay at the Visitor Centre before camping. Reservations are required for all stays July 2 onwards – bookings will open at 7 am Wednesday June 26 at https://camping.bcparks.ca.

The trail beyond Whitehorn will remain closed due to ongoing construction. The entire Berg Lake Trail is expected to reopen in 2025.

Hikers travelling beyond Kinney Lake Campground will notice a rerouting of the trail. This will undoubtedly alter the distance to the base of the Whitehorn hill, but the variation from what we’ve published in the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide should be minor.

For full information on the trail and campground reservations, go to the Mount Robson Park website.