Overlander Trail

Even though it is not one of the premier hikes in Jasper National Park, the Overlander Trail was a very satisfying hike for today, after yesterday's marathon. The trail receives its name from the Overlanders - adventurous emigrants who travelled up-valley in 1862 to British Columbia's Cariboo gold fields. The trailhead is at Sixth Bridge where the Maligne Canyon Trail begins. For the Maligne Canyon Trail you cross the Maligne River and turn right. Today we turned left.

We followed the Maligne River to the left until we came to the confluence with the Athabasca River and then followed Athabasca River for 1 mile until we angled inland.

Our major wildlife find of the day was this spectacular eagle - and was it BIG!

Classic eagle post, just before it took flight. We estimate that its wingspan was six feet.

Much of today's hike was through prime montane habitat. Our lunch spot was a pleasant meadow (except for the mosquitos) with filtered views of the surrounding peaks. No lake today.

The mixed forest had several meadows with Aspen groves.

Heading back along the Athabasca River we had views of the Athabasca Valley and ...

the peaks just outside Jasper Town.

Today's hike:

Length - 7.87 miles (12.29 km)

Duration - 3 hours, 13 minutes (including lunch)

Elevation gain - 222 feet (61 meters)