Elfin Lakes - A Beautiful Hike in Southern British Columbia
Elfin Lakes near Squamish makes for a great overnight backpacking trek or a very long day hike.
The views and swimming are well worth the effort this hike takes.
The whole trek to Elfin Lakes is approximately 22 kilometers and might be best done as an overnight trip so you can spend more time enjoying the journey rather than having to head back quickly to avoid night fall.
As this hike lies within the Garibaldi Provincial Park no dogs are allowed in the area.
Although this hike can be done year round, hiking to the Elfin Lakes during the summer and fall will provide a spectacular view of the colourful sub alpine meadows.
Also, as this area is a popular hiking destination if you can avoid the weekends you'll also avoid the biggest crowds.
To begin this hike you will park your vehicle at the Garibaldi Park - Diamond Head lot.
There is a small parking fee in place so make sure to bring along some small bills or change with you.
The first 3-4 kilometers are the steepest part of this hike until you reach the Red Heather Meadows.
You will have the opportunity to fill up on water along the way as there is an impressive waterfall to provide hikers with nice cold water.
If you're heading up in early to mid fall you will notice the lush colours of the sub alpine meadows that this area is well known for.
There are also lots of tiny ponds all over the area.
But please stay on the marked trails as this fragile sub alpine meadow area has very thin soil and a short growing season which makes any trampling or damage very difficult to re-grow.
There is restoration work being done to build back what has been damaged and we all need to do our part to preserve this natural beauty.
You will reach a summit where the panoramic views are most impressive.
The southern summit of Mount Garibaldi called Atwell Peak can be seen from here and you will notice that Garibaldi is covered in snow and ice all year long.
When the two Elfin Lakes come into view you will also notice the cabins there.
The larger upper lake is used for swimming and the lower smaller lake is for drinking water only.
There is a ranger cabin and an overnight shelter for backpackers and there is also a campsite located not far from this point.
The lakes are a great place to stop for lunch and a swim.
Take in the views, take lots of pictures and relax.
If you are heading back the same day simply re-trace your steps back to the parking lot.
Happy Hiking!
The views and swimming are well worth the effort this hike takes.
The whole trek to Elfin Lakes is approximately 22 kilometers and might be best done as an overnight trip so you can spend more time enjoying the journey rather than having to head back quickly to avoid night fall.
As this hike lies within the Garibaldi Provincial Park no dogs are allowed in the area.
Although this hike can be done year round, hiking to the Elfin Lakes during the summer and fall will provide a spectacular view of the colourful sub alpine meadows.
Also, as this area is a popular hiking destination if you can avoid the weekends you'll also avoid the biggest crowds.
To begin this hike you will park your vehicle at the Garibaldi Park - Diamond Head lot.
There is a small parking fee in place so make sure to bring along some small bills or change with you.
The first 3-4 kilometers are the steepest part of this hike until you reach the Red Heather Meadows.
You will have the opportunity to fill up on water along the way as there is an impressive waterfall to provide hikers with nice cold water.
If you're heading up in early to mid fall you will notice the lush colours of the sub alpine meadows that this area is well known for.
There are also lots of tiny ponds all over the area.
But please stay on the marked trails as this fragile sub alpine meadow area has very thin soil and a short growing season which makes any trampling or damage very difficult to re-grow.
There is restoration work being done to build back what has been damaged and we all need to do our part to preserve this natural beauty.
You will reach a summit where the panoramic views are most impressive.
The southern summit of Mount Garibaldi called Atwell Peak can be seen from here and you will notice that Garibaldi is covered in snow and ice all year long.
When the two Elfin Lakes come into view you will also notice the cabins there.
The larger upper lake is used for swimming and the lower smaller lake is for drinking water only.
There is a ranger cabin and an overnight shelter for backpackers and there is also a campsite located not far from this point.
The lakes are a great place to stop for lunch and a swim.
Take in the views, take lots of pictures and relax.
If you are heading back the same day simply re-trace your steps back to the parking lot.
Happy Hiking!