Sea to Sky Classic Adventures in Squamish, British Columbia - Day 2

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Day 2 - Monday, August 13, 2007
Hike to Elfin Lakes up in Garibaldi Provincial Park:

Today, our adventure was a 22k round-trip hike to Elfin Lakes (with a 2500 ft elevation gain) which took us 4.5 hours to complete. The trailhead is located in the Garibaldi Provincial Park on the east side of Squamish. What a day...the sun came out to play and it stayed with us the rest of the week - woohoo! We were treated to the spectacular scenery that surrounds Squamish...the Tantalus Range to the west, Vancouver Island further west, and the Coast Mountain Range to the east and north of us. The hike to Elfin Lakes was beautiful and we were all giddy from the fresh mountain air. It was definitely a place I could've spent more time exploring but that will have to be on another trip. Along the way, we hit an area with some snow still on the ground - imagine that...mid-August and there was still snow up there. Not surprising after the area was hit with record snowfall from the previous winter along with a cooler than normal summer thus far. I didn't mind...the leftover slush just whet my appetite for the upcoming ski season - yay! I will no longer have to deal with the 8-hr one-way drive to Tahoe from San Francisco - sweet! OK, I'm jumping ahead...

The area we were in is also a popular spot for ski touring during the winter months. I noticed that the bathrooms were built about 10 - 15 feet above the ground and we had to climb up the steps to use the facilities. But, Norm pointed out that in the winter, he actually has to descend down to structure because of all the snow. Can't wait for the winter...darn it...jumping ahead again. I can't help it but it's definitely one of the reasons why I am moving back to the northwest - to have easier access to the mountains and the opportunity to partake in winter activities at a moment's notice so I'm in snow country when the conditions are primo! Woot!

To sum it up, when you're in Squamish, you must do this hike...it really is beautiful and the terrain is pretty moderate and appropriate for all skills and fitness levels. Get up to the ridge line and you will be treated to some pretty amazing scenery. Hike on!

Here is the link to all the pictures from my trip - enjoy! You might have to copy and paste the URL if it doesn't link through to Smugmug.

http://activechick415.smugmug.com/gallery/3351158/1/188106444

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Photos

Elfin Lake
Our destination for lunch