4.13 out of 5 - 53 reviews

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Lauren from Vancouver writes:

Cheakamus Lake campground or going further to Singing Creek campground are great spots for those who are getting into backpacking.

    Posted: September 4, 2024 08:56:29 PM PST


    peter from burnaby writes:

    A nice, easy hike. Went with family from out of town week of July 17 2023. Great way to show out of towners a "backcountry" experience without having to do a tough hike. Road was in fair condition, and even saw a Prius in the parking lot. Be sure to book your pass ahead of time with BC Parks; rangers checking on the way in to ensure you have done so.

      Posted: July 24, 2023 12:54:52 PM PST


      Courtney from Delta writes:

      Went up to Cheakamus for a quick hike yesterday. Ranger said that there are 4 bears in the area. That's right FOUR. Two little ones and two big ones. She said that the big ones might follow you down the trail for a bit but will otherwise leave you alone. Anyways, be bear aware and bring your bear spray!

        Posted: August 18, 2021 06:00:28 PM PST


        Heidi Griffey from Coquitlam writes:

        I drove to Cheakamus turn off and my car would not get up the road due to snow. I parked and started walking towards the lake. After 5km on the road I realized that, given the extra 14km walk up the road (return) that I would not make it to the lake and back before sunset

        I really wanted to see the bright blue lake surrounded by snow before it froze over...not sure if it has by now

          Posted: November 14, 2020 07:31:21 PM PST


          Leslie Barata from Abbotsford writes:

          Anyone up there in the last week? Conditions update?

            Posted: September 29, 2020 06:55:41 PM PST


            Alex Itcush from Port Moody writes:

            Planning to hike and stay overnight at Helm Creek Campground next weekend, any update on the conditions up there? Would I be able to make it up the road in an AWD Subaru legacy? Any snow?

              Posted: September 20, 2019 12:51:06 PM PST


              Flo from Vancouver writes:

              Went up over the Victoria Day long weekend. There is a sign at the start of the turnoff from the main road that says "Road Closed", but I had checked with the municipality a week prior and was told that the road would be opened for the season from May 15. So we ignored the sign and drove onto the trailhead. Only about 10 cars in the lot when we pulled in on Sunday morning. Trail all the way to Singing Creek is clear of snow and in great condition.

                Posted: May 21, 2019 10:09:42 AM PST


                Emma from Vancouver writes:

                Went up today (May 5th) to find that Cheakamus road is closed right from the beginning. The trails on both sides of the river are open to the Cheakamus River suspension bridge but you won’t be able to go beyond that on either the road or trail. No information was posted as to how long the closure would last. What we did see was nice, there were some good viewing spots of the river and mountains.

                  Posted: May 4, 2019 06:33:35 PM PST


                  Jess Nelson from North Van writes:

                  Has anyone hiked this trail recently? How is the road up to it/ and how is the trail? Is there still a lot of snow covering it?

                  Thank you!

                    Posted: April 24, 2019 11:38:22 AM PST


                    Andrew E from Melbourne, Australia writes:

                    Nice easy hike at a beautiful time of year. Well worth the effort to get there - road in is gravel, but not too bad to negotiate. The lake at the end is a beautiful reward - very peaceful

                      Posted: October 12, 2018 07:16:58 PM PST


                      Kara from Vancouver writes:

                      Hiked up the weekend of August 11, 2018 for overnight stay at Cheakamus Lake campground. Road was a bit rough but okay if you go slow. Parking lot was full so we had to park on the side of the road just outside the parking lot as did a number of other cars. There is an outhouse at the trail head. Was a beautiful hike through old growth forest, very well maintained trail, not much elevation. First campsite is at about 3.5km - this is where we booked and I would recommend it over the second Singing Creek site as sites at the first one are more private and water front. The second site at 7km is more of a group site with all of the spots bunched together and only a few that get actual waterfront. Both campsites have bear caches so you can string up your food, and out houses. Beware - a squirrel got into our food bag up in the cache. They can open zippers (!) I'm sure they have years of practice. Luckily we only lost 1/2 a sandwich but we couldn't believe they unzipped the bag. Make sure you book your campsite in advance online through the Discover Camping website as it fills up on weekends. Lake is gorgeous, beautiful hike and campsite. Highly recommended - and a great beginner overnight camping hike as it's not too difficult of a hike. Lots of running streams to fill up on water, just be sure to use a water treatment system.

                      • Cheakamus Lake photo
                      • Cheakamus Lake photo
                      • Cheakamus Lake photo

                        Posted: August 14, 2018 11:04:27 PM PST


                        Grant from Montreal writes:

                        On a family hike last week on this trail we encountered what appears to be a large number of GIANT HOGWEED plant growing beside the trail. I have notified BC Parks that they should be immediately removed. Until then, do not make any contact with these dangerous plants. Their juice will blister skin and leave burns that can last up to 2 years (check Wikipedia).

                        • Cheakamus Lake photo

                          Posted: July 20, 2018 08:52:08 AM PST


                          Rob from Vancouver writes:

                          This is a really easy hike. Your small car may not like the road to the parking lot but if you take it slow it should be fine. The hike itself is quite flat with subtle incline/declines but overall very easy, especially when compared to the local alternatives. When I went (June 23, 2018) the water was quite high due to a very warm preceeding week and thus the campsites along the water became smaller than normal. We had a booking at Singing Creek at the end of the 7km maintained path which took us 2hr exactly moving a slow pace. Overall, great beginner hike.

                          • Cheakamus Lake photo
                          • Cheakamus Lake photo
                          • Cheakamus Lake photo

                            Posted: June 24, 2018 07:18:48 PM PST


                            Susan from Richmond writes:

                            The description mentions a parking lot but doesn't specify which one.

                              Posted: June 4, 2018 07:50:22 PM PST


                              Vancouver Hiker from Vancouver writes:

                              Did this hike on 5 May 2018.

                              Could not drive all the way to parking lot and had to stop 3KM before it. So this means a 6km to lake and the first camp ground beside lake. The view was nice and lake was not green on this day, More like a clear blue colour. Did not go to end of trail at singing creek campground because had to walk back and it was getting late. Round trip was about 4-5 hours and included 1 hour at lake. There was lots of snow on road and on trail with several fallen trees to climb over. Snow should disappear in a couple weeks. Dirt road is very rough with many holes to drive around.

                                Posted: May 6, 2018 12:09:29 PM PST


                                Jeff from Vancouver writes:

                                We tried to drive up today (April 28, 2018) and the road was snowy starting at 1.5 km from the turnoff. We couldn't go any further in our Toyota Matrix but there were tire tracks in the snow from bigger cars.

                                For reference in future years, 2017-2018 was particularly snowy. In warmer and dryer years the road might be clear by late April.

                                  Posted: April 28, 2018 09:38:20 AM PST


                                  Scott from Vancouver writes:

                                  We hiked up this weekend (March 10-11th) for an overnight trip. The road from Legacy Way isn't driveable so you will have a 7k hike to get to the car park / trail head (snow).

                                  It was a relatively easy hike up but there aren't any views until the carpark so it was a bit of a drag (on both the way up and the way back!)

                                  If you're looking to camp, the Cheakamus Lake campground has a sign saying that it's "closed due to falling trees", which isn't on BC Parks Website (I still managed to buy my back-country permit for this site specifically). Same goes for the outhouse. We camped there anyway as it was getting late and we didn't fancy another 5k to the next one, but we had no problems.

                                    Posted: March 12, 2018 12:57:37 PM PST


                                    Jude from Vancouver writes:

                                    I saw many people camping without paying the fees and it looks like the park rangers don't care if the campsites are not fully booked. I also see people bringing their dogs every time I hike and guess the park rangers don't care about this too.

                                      Posted: October 31, 2017 04:37:28 PM PST


                                      Erin R from Costa Mesa, CA, USA writes:

                                      Great hike to get us introduced into Whistler hiking.

                                      Mostly flat trail through forest with river/lake on one side. Good for kids that are interested in hiking. Saw families with young children on bikes too (intro to mountain biking). Did it in 4:45 with 2 adults including side jaunt to bridge and exploratory time at campsites.

                                      • Cheakamus Lake photo
                                      • Cheakamus Lake photo
                                      • Cheakamus Lake photo

                                        Posted: September 3, 2017 08:31:05 AM PST


                                        Thomas from Vancouver writes:

                                        The trail and camp sites are nice BUT the camping info on this site is very out of date and should be updated. There ARE fees and you DO need a reservation. A friend and I drove out to the site, strapped on are very heavy packs (we over packed) and headed down the trail. We got to the far camp site, set up are hammocks and proceeded to cook lunch when the park ranger came by and asked us for are reservation that we did not have. Since the site was fully booked we had to pack up are stuff and hike back to the parking lot and drive home.

                                        • Cheakamus Lake photo

                                          Posted: July 15, 2017 09:48:58 PM PST


                                          jade from Vancouver writes:

                                          I went camping over the long weekend. There is a service road on the way up to the parking lot, a few large holes but no snow on the road! On the trail itself, once you get under the trees, there's still some snow. No snow shoes are required but portions of the trail gets really muddy! Lots of fallen trees (5?) throughout the trail, would not recommend bringing individuals unable to climb over a log that was probably waist high. Overall, a pleasant hike with varying terrain. The lake was great to swim in

                                            Posted: May 22, 2017 11:59:05 PM PST


                                            Carole Cooledge from NEW WESTMINSTER writes:

                                            Did you go camping? Wondering how driving and trail conditions are? Planning on going camping next weekend.

                                              Posted: May 22, 2017 05:39:56 PM PST


                                              Angel from Vancouver writes:

                                              Planning to camp there the long weekend does anyone know if there is snow?

                                                Posted: May 16, 2017 09:44:27 PM PST


                                                Lea from Toronto writes:

                                                Anyone been here recently? Wondering about the snow conditions on the trail and thinking about camping long weekend (May 20 2017). Thanks!

                                                  Posted: May 13, 2017 10:53:31 PM PST


                                                  V from Vancouver writes:

                                                  Spent the night at singing creek campsite on November the 19th. There was some snow on the ground the first day but the rain washed it away overnight but snowed on the mountains around the lake. Very easy hike and we got the campsite to ourselves. The road to the parking wasn't the best but we just took it slow in our 2wd car though I don't think I would recommend it in the snow.

                                                    Posted: November 21, 2016 05:35:09 PM PST


                                                    Betty from Richmond BC writes:

                                                    Has anyone been up there this week , we are just beginner hikers wanting to find out the trail condition and the road to the parking area. We are planning to go next week trying to catch the last moment of autumn.

                                                      Posted: October 11, 2016 06:42:16 AM PST


                                                      Dana from Vancouver writes:

                                                      Hiked this yesterday, Sept 20. The weather was just right, we only felt a little bit of light sprinkles for a few minutes. Easy flat hike, about 3 hours round trip and we stopped to look at the lake and the bridge. Lots of mushroom types along the trail to check out. That cluster of bright orange was near the beginning (sorry not sure how far in) on the lefthand side, you can see it from the trail then just walk in. The drive in was a bit bumpy like most people said, lots of potholes but not lots of loose gravel, we were in an SUV. A regular car would be ok if you take it slow.

                                                      • Cheakamus Lake photo

                                                        Posted: September 21, 2016 08:45:07 AM PST


                                                        crossover from Richmond writes:

                                                        Hiked this trail yesterday with my 70 year-old parents. They enjoyed the trail and the beautiful lake very much. It was quite flat and many others were rolling their canoes and carrying their paddleboards all the way from the parking lot. Lots of overnight campers too. I will suggest coming early on weekends if you are planning to camp because we ran into a group (around 2pm) that couldn't find a spot even though they had booked and paid online.

                                                        The parking lot can accommodate around 30-40 cars but it was full when we arrived around 11:30am. We had to park along the access road which turned out to be a better idea because our car was under the shade all day. The road was bumpy but definitely do-able in a regular sedan. There were a few Prius, Mazda3s, and Golfs. Just drive slowly and you shouldn't have any problem.

                                                        For dog lovers, please do not bring you dog because we ran into two park rangers within 5 hours. It's not worthwhile to get a fine and ruin an otherwise wonderful experience.

                                                          Posted: August 14, 2016 08:59:29 AM PST


                                                          Leeah from Williams Lake writes:

                                                          Doing taylor meadows via helm creek for the first time in a few weeks. Had anyone been up there lately from the helm creek side? What is the snow situation like? Thanks!

                                                            Posted: July 10, 2016 02:57:00 AM PST


                                                            Laura from Vancouver writes:

                                                            Wanted to do this hike yesterday, unable to get up the road in a 2 wheel drive with winter tires. Super icy conditions.

                                                              Posted: November 23, 2015 09:18:31 AM PST


                                                              Charlotte from Burnaby writes:

                                                              Great hike - nice and easy with beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and the lake. The only disappointment was the broken window in our car waiting for us in the parking lot.

                                                                Posted: September 28, 2015 10:28:45 AM PST


                                                                John C. from Vancouver writes:

                                                                Hiked this trail a few weeks ago. Mostly flat easy trail. Definitely will be returning later again for an easy overnight backpacking trip.

                                                                The road up there was definitely bumpy as others have described, but we had no issues getting there in our Civic. Just take it slow and steer around the potholes and you'll be fine.

                                                                  Posted: August 12, 2015 07:32:55 PM PST


                                                                  Kelsey from Vancouver writes:

                                                                  Beautiful camping and trails. Only part that really threw us off was our inability to find a place to hang our food at Cheakamus Lake campground, despite what the sign and internet said about there being a pully system (which we used at the other campground on Helm trail). We got basically both campgrounds to ourselves though which was amazing and unexpected for an August weekend!

                                                                    Posted: August 9, 2015 06:54:58 PM PST


                                                                    Courtney from Delta writes:

                                                                    Hiked to Singing Pass today. It was very quiet. A few campers but otherwise we had the whole place to ourselves. Saw three rangers on the way out today. There was one section on the access road with some very deep ruts which might pose a problem for sedans but there was a mercedes sedan in the parking lot so obviously it's possible. Pack a lunch and enjoy the lake!

                                                                      Posted: July 3, 2015 08:47:12 PM PST


                                                                      Peter from Buranby writes:

                                                                      Meant to include in previous point re Dogs. Saw 3 rangers in 24 hours we were there, and multiple signs saying "No dogs. $150 fine." I'd say that it's not a good idea to bring dogs on the trail.

                                                                        Posted: June 29, 2015 01:27:28 PM PST


                                                                        Peter from Burnaby writes:

                                                                        Enjoyed a night of camping on Cheakamus the weekend of June 27th. Arrived at parking lot at 9 am and after one hour hike into first campsite was able to find a great spot without any trouble. Note that you must pay online ($15) via BC Parks prior to arrival as the days of free camping are over. It is still first-come, first-serve, so it's possible you could pay $15 and still not get a spot. Ran into a ranger on way in (not literally!), and she mentioned that the current system is in the process of being updated so that you could either 1) pay at the parking lot or 2) reserve a spot online. Not sure of the timeline on that, though. Regardless, another group showed up at 6 pm on a Saturday and found a spot, so I wouldn't be too worried about the campsite being filled. Wonderful first-time backpacking spot, and there were plenty of

                                                                          Posted: June 29, 2015 08:45:15 AM PST


                                                                          Nicole from Maple Ridge writes:

                                                                          Is the no dogs allowed rule strictly enforced at Cheakamus lake? We usually bring our dog everywhere and he is leashed. Also has anyone gone to Joffre Lake for an overnight at the end of May. Just wondering about the conditions. Thanks

                                                                            Posted: May 19, 2015 10:54:29 AM PST


                                                                            Carl from North Vancouver writes:

                                                                            I was wondering about the condition of the road to the lake? The park website Cheakamus Lake trail report for May 12 says: "CAUTION! Road has rutted sections. 4x4 and vehicle with clearance is recommended." I've been up before in my sedan, but have never seen the "rutted sections" caution. And was wondering if the road is worse than it has been in the past. Anyone been up lately in a non-4x4, standard clearance vehicle? Or have any further input about the doability now of the drive in a sedan?

                                                                            Thank you!

                                                                              Posted: May 18, 2015 11:17:01 AM PST


                                                                              Peter Andrews from Vancouver writes:

                                                                              I was up there a few weeks ago, no snow and the lake is not frozen.

                                                                                Posted: May 16, 2015 10:39:13 AM PST


                                                                                Eileen from Toronto, ON writes:

                                                                                Planning on camping here during the last week of May 2015. Will the lake still be frozen by then? Any input helps, thanks!

                                                                                  Posted: May 5, 2015 12:00:01 PM PST


                                                                                  Greg from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                  Anyone been up here lately? What are the conditions like?

                                                                                    Posted: April 25, 2015 07:49:35 PM PST


                                                                                    camping from vancouver writes:

                                                                                    can you have camp fires at Cheakmus Lake?

                                                                                      Posted: April 9, 2015 11:39:26 AM PST


                                                                                      Emilyy from New Westminster writes:

                                                                                      Have done this trail many times, it's short and sweet. View is not as spectacular as other Garibaldi-area lakes, but still beautiful. The turn-off to the FSR was not immediately noticeable from Cheakamus Crossing, and the drive up had a lot of pot-holes. However, the lake is pleasant, serene and quiet. Not very busy the many times I have gone. Camped right by the water, food caches made it easy to store our food away from the tent. We were visited by little field mice who ran around us stealing our crumbs during dinner. Very cute. :)

                                                                                        Posted: February 21, 2015 01:01:35 PM PST


                                                                                        Will from Burnaby writes:

                                                                                        This is one of the prettiest trails I've been on. From the parking lot to the edge of the lake is a lovely walk. After the rock slide area, the trail along the north side of the lake is all a bit of the same though. If you turn back before Singing Creek, you won't be missing much, in my opinion.

                                                                                        I drove there in my VW Jetta late October. No trouble on the forest service road. There were five vehicles in the lot that afternoon but looked like all day trippers since the lot was empty when we left.

                                                                                          Posted: October 25, 2014 05:10:22 PM PST


                                                                                          Tara from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                          A friend and myself were planning to head up this month for one last camp and I'm wondering how difficult it might be to get a camping spot this time of year. Is there a possibility of us getting turned away from either? Or both?

                                                                                            Posted: October 1, 2014 02:13:11 PM PST


                                                                                            Evelyn from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                            Has anyone driven up there recently? How are the road conditions? How long is the drive from the highway to the parking lot? Thanks!

                                                                                              Posted: September 23, 2014 11:14:29 AM PST


                                                                                              Doug from Point Roberts writes:

                                                                                              Did this June 16th. Regarding previous posts 4wd warnings, I drove up in a Ford Fiesta. I did have to go quite slow and drive cautiously to avoid some rocks and ruts, but I made it without developing too many grey hairs. I wouldn't attempt it if you have a lowered car.

                                                                                                Posted: June 16, 2014 10:53:33 PM PST


                                                                                                PAR from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                Caution for non 4WD vehicals at this time. Saw zipcars parked, but not many people risk their sedans. This forestry road is easily the worst driveway in Garibaldi Park and rocked our Jeep pretty hard in spots. We couldn't imagine what it would do to a compact's undercarriage.

                                                                                                Went up this past Friday for camping, got there around 7pm and about 6 cars in the lot. Saturday 2pm, the parking lot was overflowing! Seemed like all the camping spots would have been gone and not nearly as nice of a trip if we camped Saturday. At Singing Pass the camp spots are not marked, they are clearings under trees, though there are plenty of spots along the shoreline on the way.

                                                                                                Several outhouses on the 4km trail, food caches. The Old growth is something special.

                                                                                                  Posted: June 10, 2014 06:01:04 AM PST


                                                                                                  Mitchell Sulkers from Whistler writes:

                                                                                                  Trail in dry condition. Many moderate to large windfall still not cleared by parks. Most easy to step over, but some take a bit of energy.

                                                                                                  Snowline above 1700m on south-facing slopes above Singing Creek on way to Russet Lake.

                                                                                                    Posted: June 5, 2014 10:46:42 PM PST


                                                                                                    Dana from Richmond writes:

                                                                                                    Did it May 16th. Road up badly rutted in places, but completely free of snow. Trail completely clear of ice and snow. Some fallen trees on the trail, but they are easy enough to get over. Both campsites (main + Singing Creek) totally free of snow/ice.

                                                                                                    Overall, very nice hike in, though the views of the lake aren't quite as spectacular as some of the other lakes in the area.

                                                                                                      Posted: May 29, 2014 12:54:40 PM PST


                                                                                                      Derek from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                      Anybody been up who could update me on the snow conditions? I'm planning on camping at the Singing Creek campground weekend of June 7.

                                                                                                        Posted: May 28, 2014 05:06:05 PM PST


                                                                                                        Alan from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                        Has anyone done this hike recently that can tell me if there is still snow here? I'm planning on hiking in and camping overnight tonight. Thanks for any information in advance!

                                                                                                          Posted: May 16, 2014 07:41:55 AM PST


                                                                                                          Laura from North Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                          I love this hike! It's one of my favourites. It's not too challenging and the river and lake are stunning. Great rewards for not a tremendous amount of effort!

                                                                                                          For Carlie:

                                                                                                          The campground is hike-in only. The Cheakamus Lake campground is 3km from the parking lot and is really lovely. If you want something a bit more challenging, you can hike to the Helm Creek campground, which is 8.5km from the parking lot. From here you can hike to Black Tusk or Garibaldi Lake, so the amount of backpacking is really endless. More information can be found here:
                                                                                                          http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/garibaldi/cheaka.html

                                                                                                            Posted: September 19, 2013 09:48:14 AM PST


                                                                                                            Alex from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                            Hello,

                                                                                                            I've done this hike today. Finished it in 3h.
                                                                                                            it is a gorgeous hike, the lake is very, very beautiful.
                                                                                                            Plenty of spots to camp.

                                                                                                            Just a quick note about the 6km on the gravel road that leads you to the parking lot where the trail begins. The road is really not good, so that might take you some time. Also not really recommended for a city car as there are some decent holes in the ground.

                                                                                                              Posted: June 23, 2013 09:24:13 PM PST


                                                                                                              Carlie from Port coquitlam writes:

                                                                                                              Is this a hike where you can backpack to a campground or is it just a day hike and campground?

                                                                                                                Posted: June 9, 2013 09:56:50 PM PST


                                                                                                                Wendy Shum from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                                I am planning to hike at either Garibaldi Lake or Cheakamus Lake at end June, but not both. Can anyone who have done both advise me which one is more scenic?

                                                                                                                  Posted: June 3, 2013 12:34:46 AM PST


                                                                                                                  Dory from Burnaby writes:

                                                                                                                  June 1st, hiked to the start of the lake. Little bit of rain, but it's okay because the trees cover most of the trail. The muddy spots are usually not too wide, and the worse ones are covered with wood. Bring insect repellent if you are planning on stopping by near the lake. A pretty easy hike--no climbing involved, clear, even paths, shaded most of the way--our toddler even managed to walk alongside whenever she wanted to.

                                                                                                                    Posted: June 2, 2013 12:29:48 PM PST


                                                                                                                    Courtney from Delta writes:

                                                                                                                    Just hiked to the lake today and the trails are all clear of snow. There is some snow closer to the lake but not on the trail. A few fallen trees so be careful if you are biking. The air was quite cool so layering would be a good choice. Not quite summer yet :) Oh and the pot holes on the road up are RIDICULOUS! Took a good 30-35 minutes to get to the trail head.

                                                                                                                      Posted: May 14, 2013 07:29:26 PM PST


                                                                                                                      François from Quebec writes:

                                                                                                                      Hi, I plan to hike to Cheakamus lake in the first week of June. Is the lake generally melted at this time of the year? And how are the snow conditions on the trail?

                                                                                                                        Posted: May 1, 2013 02:16:09 PM PST


                                                                                                                        Jeremias Tamayo Paz from PORTLAND writes:

                                                                                                                        Hi just wanted to say that I like your article very much. Please keep up the good posts Thanks a ton! and Have a good day

                                                                                                                          Posted: October 29, 2012 06:14:36 PM PST


                                                                                                                          Judy Van Eaton from 70 Mile House writes:

                                                                                                                          My friend and I have done about 14 trips to Garibaldi Lake and were wondering what the trail is like from Cheakamus Lake to Helm. Is it easier than the 9 km climb we normally do and what is a good estimate for time carrying 40 lb packs. We stay 3 nights at Garibaldi Lake.

                                                                                                                            Posted: September 30, 2012 07:38:39 PM PST


                                                                                                                            sandy from vancouver writes:

                                                                                                                            If you're camping - be warned : there are squirrels/mice/other critters that will get into your pack *in the bear hang* that especially go after almonds. They bypassed peanuts and hazelnuts and ate through chocolate and yogurt to get at the almonds.

                                                                                                                              Posted: September 16, 2012 08:03:14 PM PST


                                                                                                                              vida from vancouver writes:

                                                                                                                              my friend and I drove the dirt road to Cheakamus Lake trailhead. It's exactly 7km long, with a few gnarly parts, but overall quite feasible. I took my bmw 3-series there, and had no problems. Just remember to drive slow, and have your headlights on - lots of blind curves there, but everyone else is driving slowly too on the very narrow road.

                                                                                                                              the parking lot is not very big. get there early - there will be a lot of competition there from cyclists and from families there for a dayhike. there is a new toilet at the trailhead.

                                                                                                                              the trail is easy. it's rolling, and it follows Cheakamus Creek towards the lake. At 1.5km there is a turnoff from the trail to a bridge over Cheakamus Creek which leads up to Helm Creek camp and eventually to Garibaldi Lake. That's a nice point-to-point hike that I have done in the winter and the summer and highly recommend.

                                                                                                                              if you are not taking the trail to the bridge at km 1.5, then your next stop will be at the lake. this is 3.5 km from the trail head. the trail is *gorgeous* lots of old trees, big old trunks, lots of ferns and moss. The water colour in Cheakamus Creek changes from blue to purple to green by the time you reach the lake. The lake is fed by glaciers, and the green colour reflects the silt in the water from the glaciers high above.

                                                                                                                              The views at the lake are gorgeous - you see majestic Cheakamus glacier on the other side of the lake, and if you creak your neck just so, you can also see whistler and the Musical Bumps (Piccolo, Flute and Oboe), as well as the very tip of Fissile Peak, on 'your' side of the trail.

                                                                                                                              This is a lovely, relaxing, non-committing hike. The hardest part of getting there is the 7km drive to the trailhead, and the 7km return to the highway. You will enjoy the relative solitude on the many nooks and small beaches along the lake.

                                                                                                                              Well worth the journey. Do bring a camera.

                                                                                                                                Posted: September 6, 2012 09:40:26 PM PST


                                                                                                                                Phil Calder from Vancouver BC writes:

                                                                                                                                4 of us did this hike during this past September 2012 long weekend. The road is a gravel road and it has large pot holes and washboard bumps in spots. You can take any vehicle on it but you need to drive carefully. The road is about 6Km long. At the end is the parking lot. The hike itself is beautiful and very well travelled and marked. The lake on a sunny day is stunning. A must do!

                                                                                                                                  Posted: September 4, 2012 11:32:57 AM PST


                                                                                                                                  Robert from Ottawa, ON writes:

                                                                                                                                  Hi,

                                                                                                                                  In what condition is the dirt road to the trailhead like? Is it doable in a vehicle other than a 4WD without damaging it?

                                                                                                                                  Thanks

                                                                                                                                    Posted: July 20, 2012 07:13:29 AM PST


                                                                                                                                    donbet from north vancouver writes:

                                                                                                                                    we went to this lake and it was soo beautiful. this is a must... it's a good backpacking place for beginners coz the trail is easy and don't forget to bring your fishing rod coz there's tons of fish out there...also, the outhouse are clean so seat back, enjoy and relax at cheakamus lake

                                                                                                                                      Posted: July 17, 2012 03:49:33 PM PST


                                                                                                                                      Jayne from Coquitlam, BC writes:

                                                                                                                                      Has anyone done this trail lately? Or know of current trail conditions? Thanks!

                                                                                                                                        Posted: May 23, 2012 03:45:00 PM PST


                                                                                                                                        Charity from New Westminster writes:

                                                                                                                                        We hiked this trail on Saturday July 23rd between 10:45 and 2:00, and came across a digital camera that someone had lost/left behind. We recognized one of the women in the pictures as someone we had passed early on in the hike. If this is your camera, please let me know.
                                                                                                                                        - Contact Vancouver Trails and we will relay your message.

                                                                                                                                          Posted: July 24, 2011 08:31:26 PM PST


                                                                                                                                          Jorge from Burnaby writes:

                                                                                                                                          I went to the lake on June 20th. You can hike with no problem, no snow, maybe except for 1 or 2 very small patches. Probably by now you won't even find them. This is a very easy hike, almost completely flat.

                                                                                                                                            Posted: July 9, 2011 09:30:07 PM PST


                                                                                                                                            mark from whistler writes:

                                                                                                                                            can you xc bike to cheakamus lake?

                                                                                                                                              Posted: June 14, 2011 07:43:17 PM PST


                                                                                                                                              Jade Robinson from Whistler writes:

                                                                                                                                              Im thinking about walking cheakamus lake tomorrow. Has anyone been there lately? Are the trails clear?

                                                                                                                                                Posted: June 14, 2011 11:30:44 AM PST


                                                                                                                                                Johanne from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                                                                30 April 2010: too much snow at the beginning of the road (from clearing the main road) for me to venture on the Cheakamus Lake FSR.

                                                                                                                                                  Posted: May 1, 2011 05:27:35 PM PST


                                                                                                                                                  Johanne from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                                                                  plan to go to Cheakamus Lake next weekend -- anyone been up recently and can tell me what the Forest Service Road looks like? Doable in a 2WD without chains? -- Garibaldi PP's trail report is from mid March and reports snow on the trail, which doesn't bother me, however, would like to know how far we will be able to drive>

                                                                                                                                                    Posted: April 25, 2011 02:57:30 PM PST


                                                                                                                                                    Chris from Whistler writes:

                                                                                                                                                    Garibaldi by bus would be a bit of a challenge. If the greyhound does not stop in function junction there is regular bus service from the village to function junction. From Function it is an additional 6km down a logging road before reaching the trail head. To get back to Van you would have to take the whistler bus into town to the greyhound stop.

                                                                                                                                                      Posted: May 21, 2010 01:05:49 PM PST


                                                                                                                                                      Sébastien Verne from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                                                                      Hi,
                                                                                                                                                      I would like to know if anyone tried to go there by bus ? Apprently it is possible to stop anywhere along the highway (between Squamish and Whistler) with Greyhound buses. I do not worry about how to go (at worst, the bus driver will say he will not stop where I want before I buy the ticket). But what about going back to Vancouver ? Is it sure to find a bus ??? Does anyone tried that before with success ?
                                                                                                                                                      Thanks, Séb

                                                                                                                                                        Posted: July 11, 2009 10:04:50 PM PST


                                                                                                                                                        Michael Virly from Squamish writes:

                                                                                                                                                        Hiked this trail yesterday, May 25th. It was a cloudy day in the Whistler area. It only took my friend and I about a hour to the lake. No people camping yet. We had our lunch on one of the campsite overlooking the lake. After this we decided to head up to Singing Creek which is basically the end of the trail. It used to connect to another point up in Whistler but BC Parks doesn't maintain the trail beyond Singing Creek anymore. There are few campsite here. We stop for a break as the sun tries to peak through the clouds. On the way back to the parking lot we checked the bridge that crosses the river. Beyond this bridge leads you to Helm Creek and Garibaldi Lake but the trail are still covered in snow. My friend said the before the bridge was constructed, a cable car was the only way to cross the river. So we had a great day.

                                                                                                                                                          Posted: May 26, 2009 11:09:30 PM PST


                                                                                                                                                          Sonny from Vancouver writes:

                                                                                                                                                          Went camping at Cheakamus Lake and enjoyed it quite a bit. It rained at night but it was clear and sunny during the day, just cold. There weren't too many hiking options compared to when we camped at Garibaldi Lake a couple of years ago, however the hike to Cheakamus is a hell of a lot easier then carrying a heavy bag up to Garibaldi.

                                                                                                                                                            Posted: September 5, 2008 06:03:32 PM PST


                                                                                                                                                            Mark Edmondson from Whistler writes:

                                                                                                                                                            Snowpack all gone May 26th. The trail has been cleared of all Winter debris save for one or two larger (easily passable) trees.

                                                                                                                                                              Posted: June 15, 2008 10:20:47 AM PST


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