This is one of my favorite backpacking trails that I have ever done! I did it over 3 days & wish I allocated more time, especially because of winter conditions and because I like to spend time soaking in the views & taking photos/videos.
The Tonquin Valley Portal Trailhead is one of the starting points for this trailhead. The Astoria trailhead is closed due to the recent fires in Jasper, but once it opens, this would likely be the recommended starting point. The valley is popular for its stunning views of Amethyst Lake at the base of The Ramparts mountain range. The trail is horseshoeshaped, with access to the valley from two trailheads (Portal & Astoria). You may wish to arrange transportation so that you can hike in from one trailhead and out to the other (once Astoria opens again). Travelling in from the Astoria trailhead has less elevation and quicker access to the campgrounds on the south end of Amethyst Lake. Starting from the Maccarib trailhead is generally considered more scenic. For hikers without transportation, the Astoria (#42) – Switchback (#43) – Clitheroe (#44) – Surprise Point (#45) and out via Chrome Lake loop is a good option, though not as well-maintained. Day trips into the Eremite Valley and to Moat Lake are great for those with some extra time.

From Portal, there are two backcountry campgrounds on the way to Amethyst Lake:

• If you’re starting from the Portal Creek Trailhead on the Tonquin Valley trail in Jasper National Park, the first backcountry campground you’ll hit is the Portal Campground, which is about 8.7 km (5.4 miles) in from the trailhead.

• After Portal Campground (8.7 km from the Portal Creek Trailhead), the next campground along the Tonquin Valley Trail is Maccarib Campground

  • Distance from Portal Trailhead: ~19.6 km (12.2 mi)

  • Distance from Portal Campground: ~10.9 km (6.8 mi)

  • Elevation: 1,870 m (6,135 ft)

  • Facilities: Tent pads, food storage cables, and a pit toilet (no fires permitted).

  If you continue past Maccarib, the next campground would be Amethyst Campground at roughly 24.2 km from the trailhead, close to Amethyst Lakes, right in the heart of Tonquin Valley.

  Trip Planning Tips

  • Most hikers complete the route as a 2–4 night backcountry trek, often Portal to Astoria for a net descent.

  • Campgrounds must be reserved through Parks Canada’s backcountry system.

  • Expect muddy sections, mosquitoes, and horse traffic in summer.

  • Best time to visit: late July to early September for clear trails and minimal snow. I went during the middle of October & encountered snow

  • Bring bear spray and store all food in the provided bear-proof lockers

  
  Reference my Travel Tips within this guide for my consolidated Backpacking Packing List!
  
  For trail details, including potential road and seasonal closures, visit:
  https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/passez-stay/arrierepays-backcountry/sugg-sentiers_trip-ideas/tonquin