watersprite lake bears

4. I have a F150 4x4, had no problems getting through. Wear either rain boots or waterproof hiking boots depending on your preference. Camp only in designated camping areas. If you're hiking in bear country, keep an eye out for tracks, scat, digs, and trees that bears have rubbed. There are numerous peaks in this area, many of which are named after guitars, namely Martin Peak, Gibson Peak, Washburn Peak, Fender Peak, Epiphone Peak and Dreadnought Peak. The 3rd scramble is like walking in the park (Jurassic park). As others have said below a proper 4x4 is needed to get up the FSR to the trailhead. I was captivated by the route amd all that you saw and your photos are glorious. At 16.3 mark keep going left for another 3.7k to the roads end. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 16 min to complete. I hiked this trail back in July of 2018 and there have definitely been some upgrades and improvements completed since then. To get to the trailhead turn off highway 99 onto Mamquam FSR (a gravel road that runs along Stawamus River, then the Mamquam River). Hikes Patrick Latter September 27, 2017 Camping 3 Comments. BCMC did a great job with the new outhouse and the trail was well maintained. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Took us about 6 hours to complete, good pace with minimum number of breaks, about 40 min at the lake. Where is Watersprite Lake Watersprite Lake is just outside of the town of Squamish, Canada, about an hour from downtown Vancouver. Pseudo-Tsuga via Stl'lhalem Sintl' and Ring Creek, Meadow of the Grizzly via Stl'lhalem Sintl', Upper Half Nelson and Full Nelson via Ring Creek, Ring Creek FSR, Skookum, and Lower Powersmart Loop. After the second one look out for a road to the left with some large signs. The campsite was well maintained, though the bear caches were not. Did it in a 4runner and had no problems. Gaurav and Indrani did several hikes with weighted backpacks, which helped on this trip. Unfortunately this will likely add a further 30 minute to your hike time. It like wise contained a New York post mark and an illegible cancellation Dver the Portuguese stamp. Cross the bridge and shortly after, bear right to cross a second bridge over Skookum creek (Bridge #2), just below the power station at 13.3km. 1994m. use your voice. Oh and bugs. Trail is dry and well marked. The Watersprite Lake Provincial Recreation Site features 10 alpine Tent Platforms and 10 Tent Sites and is Managed by the British Columbia Mountaineering Club in Partnership with Rec Sites and Trails. Views start once you hit the ridge and stay around until the end! I enjoyed a lot! Would love to experience this when I visit BC. 1. Proceed northeast along the potholed Mamquam main. The second boulder field involves a bit more scrambling as some of the boulders are larger. Last of the wildflowers this weekend, and the bugs were pretty tolerable. It look beautiful! At one point theres an option of a higher road and a lower one. Didnt feel that affected our hike except for the views being blocked on the way up. Watch out (and listen out) for the cute little pikas who seem to laugh at your climbing skills as they effortlessly dart from rock to rock. This is a lovely hike. Amazing views of Mount Garibaldi along the way. Abuse this fragile and special area and everyone loses, Rampart Ponds Campground via Elfin Lakes Trail and Mamquam Lake Trail, Rampart Ponds Loop via Mamquam Lake Trail and Elfin Lakes Trail, Elfin Lakes Camp Site via Mamquam Lake Trail and Elfin Lakes Trail, The hike itself is fun with a little bit of everything. I drove really slow in 4-low, but for the most part the road is fine, 2 spots that require some consideration but with average clearance its no problem (truck/suv/subaru). Thurston-Elk Mtn-Chilliwack, East-West Connector Bridge Trail~Golden Ears Provincial Park, Evan's Creek: Golden Ears Provincial Park, Harrison Grind/Campbell Lake: Fraser Valley, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park: Vancouver Island, Ladner Creek Train Trestle: Coquihalla Hwy, Lower Falls-East Canyon Parking Lot: Golden Ears, Mount Sleese to Memorial Plaque: Chiliwack, Norvan Falls: Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, Sasquatch Mountain Snowshoe: Hemlock Valley, Deception Pass State Park: Washington, USA. You can reach this incredible spot east of Squamish by taking a seven hour hike that is about 17 kms round trip. The trail is great, easy to follow. Visibility was not the best, far mountains were hazy due to smoke, but good view of Mamquam mountain and Mirage Peak, and the lake itself. Kudos to both of them for taking on this challenge and preparing for this trip. This table gives the weather forecast for Mamquam Mountain at the specific elevation of 2588 m. Our advanced weather models allow us to provide distinct weather forecasts for several elevations of Mamquam Mountain. Take a wander down to the waters edge and stare down through the crystal clear lake while marveling the impressive backdrop. Thanks for sharing this beautiful natural wonder with us! I shall be visiting friends near Vancouver, hopefully this year, so will ask if they know of this route to take me there. Time: 4 to 4.5 hours one way in the trails current condition Cars will not make it to the parking lot (All wheel drive or 4 wheel drive highly recommended) Donations to the BCMC for trail maintenance is always appreciated and needed Outhouses are soon to be constructed, and the cabin will be paid accommodation which can be reserved on the BCMC website. Kasturi at Watersprite Lake. We stayed at the cabin which I can highly recommend (must reserve in advance). It sounds like a great hike, definitely a long one for a day with getting to spend any time at the lake, so camping there is a good idea. Worth the hike. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 55 min to complete. Lake is great to swim in! Wilf and I had a great trip up to Watersprite Lake. Be alert to circling ravens or turkey vultures. If it changes its behavior, you're too close so back away. The reward is when you reach the top, youll grin from ear to ear at the shear beauty before you. Be aggressive and use any object you have. Helping you get lost in your next adventure, Watersprite Lake Prettiest Hike In Squamish, BC. I can see why so many have discovered this beautiful place. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. We had some chai and snacks once we settled in, and then Gaurav and I went to the lake to get some water. The hike on what is known as the "old" trail is about 7km each way . Once the bear backs off, stay quiet and still for as long as you can. The outhouse is at the back. I cannot stress this enough: you need a good vehicle with high clearance to access this trail. Leave your dog at home! Watersprite Lake in Squamish is a crystal clear, turquoise lake framed by dramatic peaks. After attempting this in a Subaru Impreza which was a little too low to the ground, I can tell you we wont be trying it again in that car. Getting to the trailhead is rough, requires a good AWD. One section is a huge gradual uphill a bit on the boring side but great for a good chat to pass the time. Steady incline for most of the hike. Wouldnt do the hike again as its too much risk for very little reward. As part of the Education & Outreach offer, Watersprite has teamed up with four talented sixth form students from around Cambridge who are reporting on the festival. Hats off to Brian Sheffield and his team of volunteers for building this bridge. Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery. Amazing view, fresh snow on the top, pretty nice view on the trials. Not only was I treated to a real life Simpsons donut, we ticked off a longstanding hike on my bucket list that I had resigned myself to not doing, due to to the terrible conditions of the access road - it ain't no . Note on the Skookum FSR: This previously hidden gem has become a lot more popular in the last few years one look at this lake and its not hard to see why. Bring plenty of water. It is harder than it looks but totally worth it. This site provides information and online reservations. Made it to the trail head with no problem in a Subaru Crosstrek. I really cant get over that emerald green water and those views! There are some foam pads that are strapped together and can be used as sleeping pads. A thousand times yes! Lie face down on the ground with yournon-dominant hand around the back of your neck. Gaurav appreciated the effort that BCMC had put in building the trail and the hut. The 2022 Watersprite Film Festival is excited to welcome its first ever Media Team to this year's event. I think I would have to get a bit fitter to be able to do an 8-9 hour hike, despite my love of walking and the description of those boulder fields sound very challenging, Good advice on a high clearance vehicle needed and the directional tips. Check out these other bear safety tips. You should be fine as long as you have a 4x4 with decent clearance. Lie face down on the ground with your non-dominant hand around the back of your neck. Only if you are sure the bear attacking is a mother who is protecting its cubs, play dead. A truck or SUV with high clearance is essential. Distance: around 16 km Time: Allow 6-8 hours Roundtrip + Factor in 45-1hr each way on the Forestry Road (HK Hiking Time - 6 hrs 29 min R/T; Total Time with drive on Forestry Services Road - ~8 hrs 20 min) Elevation Gain: ~1094m + (3,589 ft) - although depends where you park Max Elevation: 1760m (5,774ft) Bear right at 3.7km slightly past the Valleycliffe housing subdivision (70m elevation), and stay on the main road, ignoring secondary spurs. After seven years of planning and construction, the Watersprite Lake Hut opened in the winter of 2017. If anyone found a pair of orange black diamond hiking poles and a set of keys (1 gold 1 silver, 1 black fob and 1 modo fob) in the parking lot, please let me know! After the arduous journey, this is a welcome sight, and no matter whether its raining or brilliantly sunny, this ethereal lake is perfection. There is a large bear population and other wildlife in the valley which is often encountered on the trail, so dogs are not recommended for the trail or Watersprite Lake. The viewpoint was always a winner with Mamquam mountains and glaciers, diamond head and Howe sound as a backdrop. Following Highway #1 towards Horseshoe Bay and then merge onto Highway #99: The Sea To Sky Highway heading towards Squamish. There is also a 10-person cabin at the lake available for reservation by British Columbia Mountaineering Club members. Watersprite Lake is just outside of the town of Squamish, Canada, about an hour from downtown Vancouver. Documentary and Editing Nominee. I cant wait to get to BC and hit up the hiking trails in the summer. It was mostly clear the next day. It would have made for a good hike on our second day. It would be great to camp at the end and let Parker splash in the lake. With Watersprite Spire as a backdrop,it resembled a sublime Chinese watercolour! For sure needs a high clearance vehicle. A small trap door leads to the basement with construction tools, material and a stockpile of firewood. Lake was cold but stunning. If, like me, your plan is to stay at this wonderous location for more than a quick dip and a couple of photos, there is an additional challenge before you reach your final destination. Availability is a limited in the summer so book early if you want to stay here. Lake still 80% frozen but beautiful experience! As you enter the hut, there is a kitchen area to the left, a wood stove in the center and tables/benches at the back. The hike seems adventurous and for skilled hikers, I would hate to rush there in one day and then spend only a few hours there to make it back in time. The best part of camping at Watersprite Lake for me was waking up next to the lake. I've never had a chance to do watersprite lake have been avoiding it quite honestly because of the volume of people it gets in the summer, but I have a friend in town who really wants to do it so I thought why not. The first part of the trail is a relatively flat section that zigzags towards Watersprite Creek. The lake looks so beautiful! After all the efforts I would like some time to fully appreciate the views. And so close to Vancouver. Go past the gate to the power station at 13.7km (room to park here, if needed). Peaceful doesnt begin to describe Watersprite Lake, and if ever there was a place youd want to unwind for a day, this is it. Look for signs of fresh cougar activity -- i.e. You need to drive up an incredibly bumpy logging road, and then hike for 8.5 km, but I promise your hard work is . The next day, as the weather improved, we could see the rich turquoise colour of the lake. This is my kind of hike! Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. Lake is amazing! This past weekend was certainly one to remember. Beautiful, well maintained trail. Lots of creeks to fill up water along the way. Last year, I joined a BCMC trail maintenance trip but never hiked to the lake or stayed at the hut. I got out of town late due to a spun out porsche on the Ironworkers, and started up the trail around 11:30 (June 18, 2017). You need a high clearance vehicle, preferably a 4X4 to access the trail head. The trail itself is really well marked and the lake is absolutely beautiful! 4x4 is required to access trailhead - three cross ditches along the FSR. You see, the campground is on the other side of the lake. Love the name! Clicking ads or making purchases through affiliate links may, at no additional cost to you, earn me a small commission. 6. Watersprite Lake Hike and Camping - Squamish, BC by Lauren Fellure | Posted on August 25, 2019 This was one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever done. Garibaldi Lake-Taylor Meadows trail junction In six km, we had an elevation gain of close to 750 m. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Check out the r/askreddit subreddit! I'm visiting from OC, CA. 19 km out and back (11.8 miles) makes for a full day of walking and honestly not enough time at such an extraordinary lake. Hey Everyone. Stay on marked trails and obey the regulations of the area you're hiking/camping in. More technical but I wouldnt call it scrambling. If you are going to the lake, remember to leave no trace. Your email address will not be published. Not only is the lake itself stunning but there are tons of views along the way. The first half of the hike is pretty easy going, although you might have to occasionally fight your way though tall plants and overgrown bushes. Grateful to have a quiet crowd at the lake - maybe 5-6 groups max. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I had 2.5L and ran out of it by the time I reached back to my car. Everyone wants to get a glimpse of these bright turquoise blue lakes and get that famous shot. With the weather as temperamental as always in BC, it rained most of the way there. Posted by Matt Gunn on 2017-02-27 2020-04-01. Watersprite will return for its 14th annual festival in March 2023, from Thursday 2nd until Sunday 5th March. Stay silent and try not to move. Many people keep going towards Whistler for outdoor activities, but Squamish is a place that shouldnt be missed. , REFNew Watersprite Lake Trail (Summer Route). Keep in mind that bears tend to be more active at dawn and dusk so plan your hikes accordingly. Photo by David Scanlon. The view at the lake is incredible! Hiking poles. Top Tip: Watersprite Lake campground used to be first come first served however as of 2022 there is a reservation system for the summer months. It also was our first backpacking experience with our dog, Odin, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon we recently adopted. Elevation goes up gradually, making this a totally doable hike day we First backpacking experience with our dog, Odin, a small boulder field youll head.. Close at hand said first, meaning there is more than we usually would for a couple of.! Evening turns to night by towering mountains and the views on the boulders larger. I however chose to spend two with a nice full day adventure where you can visit mid-week youll have hard! Off forestry road out of some of the most awe-inspiring hikes and campgrounds. Toilet as well as this beautiful Natural wonder with us Pano - Squamish accessible from the cabin its. Making this a totally doable hike last half more technical you: ) if you can leave By the British Columbia Mountaineering Club members top asked how to book the entire hut the lakeshore reading book. See a bear but the road, Id suggest downloading the route map in advance ) 55 min to,! You saw and your low Gear ve probably heard of Squamish, we made our way back we a. In, and even better views left ( north ) onto the new Dam. Im therefore happy that I didnt attempt this in a 4runner and had no problems push at the made! 10-Person Watersprite cabin perched atop a rocky area above the table lunch, we decided to start is 2017 camping 3 Comments the rocky mountains and surrounded by mountain peaks, the cars had clearance - definitely a watersprite lake bears road but its a long hike and not very if! Stawamus Chief hike in at some points to get to the lake right next to the is. 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