Hike Details
- Difficulty: 4/6 (Difficult)
- Distance: 17km
- Duration: 6hrs
- Elevation: 700m
- Type: Out & Back
- Exposure: None
- Season: Jun - Sep
- Dogs: No
- Camping: Yes
- Wheelchairs: No
- Public Transport: No
- Strollers: No
Description
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Waterspite Lake is an absolute stunner. Sure, it might have gotten a little busy in recent years. But it's still an absolute gem. The hike is fairly long but not that steep, and is unusual for BC in that you get decent views for a large portion of the hike. You'll need to scramble across a couple of boulder fields before you find you way to the spectacular alpine lake. Pack your swimmers and take a dip if you can handle the cold!
Navigation
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The trail: Some junctions or misleading side-trails. Check your map regularly. Phone signal in BC is not reliable when hiking. Always carry an OFFLINE map. I recommend and use AllTrails+ and Gaia Maps.
Hike Difficulty And Conditions
The trail to Watersprite Lake first meanders through tall vegetation and forest, and makes use of a number of thin board walks. The route is easy to follow. You'll then join a logging road, from which you'll get frequent views out over the valley. There are two boulder fields that you'll need to navigate, as well as passing through a couple of shorter forested sections towards the end. The final ascent to the lake is also on a boulder field, but is relatively short.
For those camping at the lake, the hut can be found on the near side, whilst the tent pads are on the far side and can be accessed using the path to the right of the lake.
Camping
- Camping Possible: Yes
- Tent Camping Type: By Reservation Only
- Operated by: Other
- Hut Camping Type: By Reservation Only
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There are two options for camping at Watersprite Lake.
First, the hut can be booked through the BCMC club website.
Alternatively, you can book a tent spot at the BCMC run camping site on the far side of the lake. Facilities are basic with wooden tent pads provided.
Hiking Season
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Jun - Sep is the recommended season for Watersprite Lake. Outside of this period, the trail is: Closed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Stroller Accessible: No
- Dog Friendly: No
Location & Access
- Public Transport: No
- From Vancouver: 1.75hr(s)
- Region: Squamish & Whistler
- Fire Region: Coastal Fire Centre Info
- Trailhead: 49.75417, -122.93255
- Vehicle Requirement: HC / 4x4 Recommended
Getting There
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Rent a car, or better still, reduce the demand for cars with Evo Car Share, Vancouver's car sharing network.
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