A turquoise glacial tarn at 2,268 m (7,440 ft) in the Skoki Valley of Banff National Park. Fed by glacial meltwater from Mount Richardson and Merlin Peak; rock flour (glacial silt) scatters sunlight, giving the lake its characteristic colour. The lake drains into Merlin Creek, which joins the Pipestone River (Bow system).

Access. ~3 km trail from Skoki Lodge gaining ~200 m; the trail was built primarily by Lawrence Grassi (Lake O’Hara trail-builder). Trail crosses Merlin Meadows (2,090 m) and ascends a headwall; one or two gullies may require hands for balance. Subalpine-to-alpine progression: Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir give way to subalpine larch, which turns gold in late September (“larch season”). Above treeline: alpine tundra, talus, wildflowers (Indian paintbrush, forget-me-nots).

Geography. The lake sits in a basin behind the Wall of Jericho; a castellated limestone fin that separates the Merlin basin from the Skoki Lakes basin (Myosotis, Zigadenus). “Dragon’s Drink” meadow lies northwest of the lake, beneath the pinnacles of Merlin Castle. A must-visit during larch season.

Management. Core grizzly bear habitat. Merlin Meadows (Sk18) campground; base for Merlin Lake; is in sensitive larch forest. Backcountry permits required; see Skoki Valley for reservation details.