After hiking up there at the weekend I had to go back and read your post again You managed to do what we didnt, which was hang around at the lake admiring the views I need to go back so I can take it in some more, and hopefully explore some of the surrounding peaks. If you dont get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations. All content, photos and gps data are 2007 - 2022 VancouverTrails.com. Awesome hike! Hiking poles. Then as you get close, youll see Martin Peak, Gibson Peak, Watersprite Tower with Dreadnought Peak behind the lake. For better odds, avoid August which is the busiest. Over 22 km! Id rather be hiking, backpacking, or exploring back roads. The Watersprite Lake has a cabin that was just finished by the British Columbia Mountaineering Club (BCMC). There are also long flat(ish) parts of trail where you can catch your breath and look at flowers and the surrounding views. It took him hours to pick up the car. This stunning viewpoint was about 4 kilometers into the hike. Thanks George!! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 55 min to complete. Well over 300 hikers. I could see how day hikers could easily meet that estimate. Most are free or require a permit, but for a few special trips, you need to make reservations in advance. Hi Taryn, a question on Rockwall Trail; Is access to Numa Creek campground fm Trailhead closed or the camp grounm ground is closed too ? The lake became very popular thanks to social media, so starting in 2022 the campground requires reservations. If youre planning ahead of time, these are the BC backpacking reservation dates you need to know for 2023. Fighting off abundant mosquitoes and flies, we reached the summit and took in views of the lake. Unsure what to do, I gave Yuki a call thinking that Id have to come home and find an alternative solution. (Reservations are required for trips between June 26 and September 30.). Thanks for including so many pictures! What: The Berg Lake Trail is a 23km backcountry trail into a gorgeous glacier lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park on the BC side of the Rocky Mountains. #FlyAwayFriday. , Thanks Tiffany!! $10/night for members, $20/night for nonmembers. The slope of the mountains are evident of glaciers with their smooth bowl shapes, and we could see all the way down the valley to Squamish. But the 2022 version of the post should be live in a few weeks. We then hiked a kilometer through a small marsh before ascending into the forest. Beyond a forested section, there is another talus area after which the route steepens sharply until it levels at a gap between two rock cliff faces. Im glad we did this hike because the experience was fantastic. How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. Yay! From this point, the valley branches into two. ), 2023 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know, 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver, Info about permits, reservations, and campsite facilities. There is a camp site as well. Watersprite Lake Hut, built by BCMC in 2017, is one of the newest backcountry huts in British Columbia. To get to the trailhead turn off highway 99 onto Mamquam FSR (a gravel road that runs along Stawamus River, then the Mamquam . Looks like quite the hike. Perhaps you could clarify? New Watersprite Lake Trail. Garibaldi Provincial Park Reservations for 2023, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Reservations for 2023, Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit Reservations for 2023, Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia, Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit paddling guide, Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Paddling in British Columbia, The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail, Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know, Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake OHara in Yoho National Park, 2023 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates, North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island, Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island, Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island, How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations, 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia, Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking, Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started, My book: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking, How to Leave No Trace (And Why its Important! All 11 photos. Where to Reserve: Online on the BCMCs Watersprite Lake campground page. As the article noted the access was a route and not really a trail, we adjusted our expectations and allowed more time to do the hike. Compare North Creek Hut BCMC Cabin Individual Beds Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - / 1 $20.00 Per night $20.00 For 1 night Book now! Your phone number doesnt work.. Tent camping is also available at the Watersprite Lake Provincial Recreation Site. The remainder of the hike down was tiresome and slow-going. What: A gorgeous ice-blue lake nestled against rocky spires in the remote mountains east of Squamish. It follows three Canadians who travelled the world over three seasons. Once it is up and functional we will accept reservations. We just had an even more epic weekend! Highest Point:1465m Keep checking back to see if spots open up. We did enjoy our time up there, but next time Id like to spend more time admiring the classic view from the hut side of the lake. After driving back to Vancouver, we went for a late dinner but no one was too hungry and everyone just wanted to sleep. Check out the 2023 Washington Backpacking Reservation Dates, Categories Backpacking, BC Interior, British Columbia, Canada, Canadian Rockies, Destinations, Vancouver Area, Vancouver Island, Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Where did you find the opening date for WCT reservations? We normally dont spend long enough contemplating the pretty views on our hikes, but this lake was so special, that we stayed for ages. Frances decided to sleep over at our place again and was going to get up early to go into the office at 6am, but ended up calling in sick and slept the whole day. The sign at the trailhead estimates 44.5hrs each way. Eventually, we neared the end of the valley and the trail turned into a boulder field. Before we started our return journey, we climbed a little way above the lake to take a panorama. It started to get hot again and all of us were sore. More information about the Watersprite Lake Cabin and making reservation can be found on the BCMC Website. Looks like they've changed Mt. It looked as epic as Garibaldi Lake, but not nearly as well-known and thus much less busy. (Or if youre like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!). Walking boots. It costs $10 to enter the day-use shuttle bus lottery. No worries! Photo Drew Copeland. For such a new hike, I didnt expect to see many people but we probably saw 2030 on Saturday and another 15 on Sunday. Watersprite Lake is a beautiful day or overnight hike about 2 hours from Vancouver. I think we had to travel for 14 km along logging roads to reach the car park. Spearhead Range KEES AND CLAIRE HUT (38 Beds) - $50 per night non-members, $40 per night with BCMC membership number for BCMC members. Good morning everyone. British Columbia has hundreds of options for gorgeous backpacking trips. The trail leads off to the left from the road and can be easily missed. For more information, read my Rockwall Trail Guide. Yeah, it did feel long by the end of the day, but oh my goodness it was worth it for those views!! It passes by alpine lakes, incredible wildflower meadwos and the famous rockwall with cliffs up to 900m tall. How Much Do Reservations Cost:The reservation fee is $18.00 per vessel (plus tax) and there is also a $60 per person canoe circuit user fee. Beside Squamish, the Chief pokes out from behind another mountain range. This sets the tone for how impressive the views can be on the Watersprite Lake trail! We were eager to get down and started the descent as it rained on and off. Summer hikes are brilliant, as long as you can carry enough water!! On average it takes 2 hours52 minutes to complete this trail. A beautiful picture of the lake, mountains with the crystal clear sky as the backdrop. What: South West BCs premiere alpine backpacking destination with several trailheads and campgrounds to choose from. Yes. For your convenience, we recommend you book your appointment in advance before coming to the customer service point. Wear either rain boots or waterproof hiking boots depending on your preference. We had intentionally reserved a mid-sized SUV to have the 4WD and ground clearance because the trailhead is about an hour drive down a forest service road (FSR). For more info on trails and destinations, check out the BC parks website or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. It is just so calming and beautiful! If you like the sound of BCMC too, you can find out more about them and sign up here. If you dont get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations. We were all relieved to reach the car and not have to carry our heavy packs. Rounding the corner, we entered the second valley and continued to hike along the side of the valley. Photo by David Scanlon. The Watersprite Lake Hut covered in snow this past winter. At first, I was not happy about the rain, but the clouds made the lake look like a beautiful mystical fairyland. What to bring: Generally, the road was in good condition but I drove slowly because I didnt want to get a flat tire on the rental car. After the big rock slide there is a long easy section where you stay at about the same elevation and wind your way up into a valley. It began with an invitation from Haney to go on an overnight camping trip to Watersprite Lake near Squamish up the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Meanwhile, Yuki stayed home to transfer data from her work iPhone to my personal iPhone, which we will share over the coming year. Eep. #flyawayfriday, Oooh we can swap sides of the world! Squamish-Lillooet D, British Columbia. Haney cooked an omelette with sausage, which was a great start to the day. Garibaldi Provincial Park - Elfin Lakes Trail - A walk and a lark, 9 Fairy Tale Locations that You Probably Didn't Know Existed - The Fickle Feet, Walking around the world - Loos with Views - A walk and a lark, Garibaldi Provincial Park - The Gargoyles - A walk and a lark. Time up: 2.2hours, time down: 2hours (includes water breaks) -Gorgeous views of Castle Towers Mountain and surrounding valley throughout the hike. I have to see how they compare to this lake. So, I downloaded an app from Vancouver trailsand then also downloaded the trail map for this walk to my phone, so I could view it offline. They also just finished building the last bridge on the trail and are finishing up. I thought that this hike was more interesting because of the ridgeline view is great, the lake is cool, and the hike is shorter but Garibaldi does have a larger lake and great views from Panorama Ridge. Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Parks website so create one ahead of time so you dont get slowed down on reservation day. Because they are Canadians, the first episode features a road trip across Canada from East to West. Im glad you liked it too. Facilities: Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book. It was a pretty amazing day! Ms padaliniuose klientai aptarnaujami ir be iankstins registracijos, taiau . NORTH CREEK CABIN (unlocked 10 beds) PLUMMER HUT (unlocked 8 beds) You can view detailed information about our huts at BCMC Hut Information. There are several stream crossings, but at this time of year, there was no threat of wet feet. ), PSST! Frances came over after work to stay the night and we spent the evening doing last-minute coordination and packing our bags. The sun was coming through the clouds sporadically, but it was also threatening to rain again so we made quick work of packing up. To get there, choose from several different hiking trails or charter a helicopter. Learn how your comment data is processed. READ NEXT: Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Paddling in British Columbia. Access is a bit tricky and service is spotty, so please come prepared. The cabin is locked. -Taryn, Join the Backpacking Trips in BC Facebook group. Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation:Make your reservation as early as possible. Thanks for coming out to Fly Away Friday! So in July, when I saw an opening for the end of August, I was super excited and booked the hut for two nights. We found a massive boulder to get a little more elevation and take photos from. Fabulous post. Please consider not going to the Watersprite area if you can. I wrote a whole series of posts about the West Coast Trail. To plan your trip, see my complete Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit paddling guide. I love it so much that Ive changed my blogs header. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The hike to the lake is full of spectacular views of mountains, valleys and creeks but getting to the lake is no small feat. Keenans Adventures, travels, and wordly outtings. Didnt get a reservation? We tried our best not to disturb too much nature. Youve made me very excited. There is lots more info on camping and hiking on the BC Parks website. We had been to Squamish more than six times before we ever caught a glimpse of this mountain as it is often surrounded by clouds! It's a 17km round trip with 660m elevation gain. The shallow areas are turquoise clear and have submerged rocks and deadfall that make for interesting compositions. You can base yourself at the campground and head out on a different and spectacular hike each day. Ah sorry Andrew, I update the posts annually and haven't updated the Washington one yet as many of their dates haven't been announced yet. After all the loose talus and roots and rocks, the accident happened when it was least expected, and as we had become somewhat spread out along the road, only one person was available to render immediate assistance.so be cautious to the very end of a hike and stay together as a group no matter how easy the route appears to be-, Participants- Barbara Durant, Jim and Nancy Paul, and Liz Watts. Fortunately, the rain had stopped and it was sunny but that also brought out the bugs. Not surprised its your new favourite walk. But the word is out and it's 'hidden gem' status has changed. Soon, you get your first view of Martin Peak, and you can just see the top of Watersprite Tower peeking out behind other mountains! Road, trail and snow conditions for Watersprite Lake area, Skookum and Mamquam forest service roads. You can enter the lottery as many times as you like, but it costs $10 for each entry. The club, however, has created a designated tent camping area at the far end of the lake, ad the base of Dreadnought Peak. Yuki doesnt think shed want to do the hike again because it was quite strenuous. The first big gain in elevation is spread out over several kilometers, so it wasnt too exhausting. I often find my legs are tiiired on my cycle to work on Monday morning if I do too epic a walk at the weekend!! This post is about that experience. Frances shot a few photos of Yuki and I together, because Im trying to get more photos with the both of us. NORTH CREEK CABIN (unlocked 10 beds) PLUMMER HUT (unlocked 8 beds) You can view detailed information about our huts at BCMC Hut Information. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge. I believe we will be re-routing it to the logging road on the north side of Watersprite Creek. BCMC (The British Columbia Mountain Club) folks were improving the trail last weekend, so hopefully the last section of this walk will be slightly easier if this post inspires you to explore!! There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available. Just, dont come here expecting to see this view unless it is a ridiculously nice day! Assiniboine reservation times. How Much Do Reservations Cost: Sites are $20/night and must be paid in full at the time of booking to reserve a site. The Eastern Sierra Nevada area is full of lakes and there are several I have not visited yet. There are numerous reasons for this, including that much energy towards hut construction has . The basics information that you provided at the beginning of the post seems really helpful for any future travelers. From the parking lot, pass the yellow gate and begin heading uphill along the wide gravel road. We had a debate about whether it was better than Garibaldi Lake or not. Public Transit No. The Watersprite Lake has a cabin that was just finished by the British Columbia Mountaineering Club (BCMC). We only get confirmation calls half the time; this time Enterprise called Yukis old phone number, which isnt in service anymore. Noticed above you mention Washington Backpacking reservation dates for 2022 however when clicking on your link it's 2021 permits and reservation dates. Kasturi at Watersprite Lake. The lake is stunning and I love any body of water where it is at the end of a hike and you can see your reflection. So there you have it: 2023 BC backpacking reservation dates for 8 different trips. When I look at the calendar to book it is all. Departures is one of my favourite TV shows and an inspiration for many travellers. This panoramic view is exactly why we came on this trip. Reservations are required year-round. . Reservations can be made with BC Parks . Spearhead Range Without any further attempts at communication via email, they cancelled the reservation. Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation:Make your reservation as early as possible. We spent quite a long time watching humming birds zoom around. Details. It was totally worth the effort. What: The premier backpacking destination in Kootenay National Park is the Rockwall Trail. When it rained it poured, but we could see sunny skies in the distance. We have commissioned a reservation system for our website. READ NEXT: Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know. The hike starts steeply from the large parking area on an old de-commissioned logging road- easy going for about 45 minutes with occasional glimpses through the trees of MamquamPeaks and Garibaldi. Did you go to this one when you lived on this side of the mountains? Put these dates in your calendar! It was a hidden gem for years. Hiking poles. Elevation Gain:660m Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers. Do You Have to Reserve? How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.70. Behind my jumping photo is the view back to Squamish, the Stawamus Chief and even Mount Crumpit (which looks more like a pimple than a mountain from up here!) How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $25.75. I loved it. Youre right absolutely stunning views! From up here you can see how difficult it would be to reach this trail without those logging roads! If you can visit mid-week you'll have a better chance of availability, otherwise plan early. The lake is filled with glacial water, that is why it is such a pretty colour. For more info and some drool-worthy photos, check out my Lake OHara Camping and Hiking Guide. Unknown to most and tucked away down a long, bumpy forest service road. Marc was a hero and took over. 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