Marsh Loop
Kaylee
The trail name speaks for itself as it is a short loop that goes around an expanse of marshland just below the Cave and Basin National Historic Site on Sulphur Mountain. The trail shares the same starting point as Sundance Trail and Canyon, but veers off to follow the river downstream rather than continuing west. It is a nice, simple trail that doubles as a horseback trail and provided us opportunity to attempt to take pictures of some very speedy Common Yellowthroat birds that were hanging around the bushes as well as some Elk that were on the other side of the wide river. However, marshland is a hotspot for mosquito breeding during the summer and so our second hike through the area was almost just as bad as Fenland Trail which we did earlier that same day. I think the only other time I’ve been bitten by that many mosquitoes in one day was when I was in the rainforests of Belize on a research travel study. The trail is short but I would not hike it when mosquito season is in full swing.
Kim
To get to this trail, you have to go along the same path that leads to the Sundance Canyon hike, so if you get part way down and decide you don’t want to go for a long hike, then this is a good choice. It’s a nice short hike right by the river and into the marsh area (hence the name). We did this hike the same day as we did Fenland Trail so we were prepared with bug spray, but that still didn’t stop those suckers from getting us. Along this trail there is a new trail for horseback riding that goes through here so you WILL find lots of horse droppings just as a heads up. That probably didn’t help with some of the bugs either, and it definitely didn’t help with trying to get some fresh mountain air. Down the hill from the Cave and Basin where the trail starts, there is an area that goes along a boardwalk which is also enjoyable if you’re okay with stairs. The stairs lead right down to a marsh with water runoff from the hot springs above, and since you're walking right by the water, you have the chance to see some of the little fishes that were about the size of minnows. If you stayed longer, you could probably see some bigger fish like the Banff Longnose Dace, or Sailfin Molly (you can discover these fish on the signs posted in the area with more information about each one). Go a little bit further and there is a place to birdwatch with lots of signs around to help show you what you might see (although I didn't see anything on the particular day that I was out). Both of these are nice and easy to do and can easily be accomplished together too so you get a little bit of variety. I found this on a different day aside from our hikes and I really enjoyed this as well so you have a few options if you head up to this area.
Sunali
This hike was a last minute substitution for Stewart Canyon due to closure because of a bear warning. I was disappointed to find that this trail veers off from Sundance trail and it's more of a leisurely walk than a hike. I think I was more disappointed because I was looking forward to Stewart Canyon -- expect the unexpected. Sometimes there are trail closures for the safety of the public and for wildlife. Anyway, Marsh Loop was peaceful and quick however, there were a ton of mosquitos and it was not a fun time; I was scratching bites for days after the fact. On the bright side, we saw two elk! One had his butt sticking out of the bush and I'm not sure what he was doing but we got a few pictures of his rump before he meandered off into the forest.
Sophie
Time and time again I get this trail confused (you can ask any of the girls). But to be fair it is because the first stretch of this hike is the same as Sundance Trail. It has virtually no elevation and its what some may call a leisurely stroll. It turns off into the marshes, the namesake of marsh loop. The marsh loop was a lovely hike but the mosquitos did take away from that. It becomes more of a run depending on how bad the mosquitos are, personally I wouldn't brave the trail during peak mosquito season. The trail is mostly sand which means that you shouldn’t take your favourite pair of shoes. Everything gets covered in dust and sand whether you like it or not. That being said, this trail does not require hardcore hiking shoes or boots. A mediocre pair of sneakers will do. It would probably not be recommendable to wear anything you are particularly attached to or would mind if it got dirty. Marsh Loop is also one of the areas where you can take a horse tour. So in addition to the dust, the probability of stepping in horse droppings is rather significant so maybe take that into account.