Elfin Lakes
An Alpine paradise
The scenic alpine trail at Elfin Lakes presents a full day of hiking, or less by bike, without being too strenuous.
Six hours will easily get you to the two small lakes, time for a brief swim and then six hours or less back to the parking lot. Better yet would be overnight camping and the option for shorter hikes in this alpine paradise. This is one of the more moderate hikes in Garibaldi Park, and as a result it can be very busy during the summer months.
Since camping is on the first-come, first-served basis via the park reservation system, spaces in the shelter fill quickly. Reservations are mandatory from June to September. Be prepared to tent outside on busy days. Snow is often present until mid-June and can return as early as late October. Pets, dogs and fires are not allowed in this provincial park.
The parking lot is 16 kilometres from the Highway 99 turnoff onto Mamquam Road at the Canadian Tire store. This parking lot is not supervised, and cars have been broken into over the past years. Report all theft from vehicles to Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100. Do not leave any items in sight in your vehicle. Before leaving the parking lot, you will need to pay online for overnight camping. Use the BC Parks backcountry reservations system. The trail begins behind the yellow gate at the end of the parking lot. The first part of the trail is on the old remnants of the 1945 road built to bring guests and supplies to the Diamond Head Chalet. This commercial lodge operated from 1946 to 1972 and attracted wealthy tourists from all over the world. Visitors came by boat, and rail after 1958, and would be met by one of the Branvold brothers for the last miles up the mountain by jeep. The two Branvold brothers from Norway, and Joan Matthews from Vancouver completed construction of the lodge in April 1946. They operated this alpine lodge even after the area became a park in 1965. All commercial activity inside the park ended in 1972, and the chalet was abandoned to the elements. It slowly deteriorated and in 2009 was removed, save for one corner that remains as a tribute to the hardy owners of the Diamond Head Chalet.
The current Elfin Lakes Hut is open year round and was specifically designed for overnight campers especially for their using this facility in the winter. The sensitive alpine terrain begins beyond the Red Heather Hut. The bountiful summer flowers are in sharp contrast to the white glaciers on the enfolding mountains. This zone above the tree line is in a world of intense sunlight and often heavy wind.
As a result, vegetation is close to the ground with weak root systems. Footsteps easily destroy alpine plants and leave exposed soil to blow away. Bikers are not allowed off the trail and not beyond the Elfin Lakes Hut. This rule is designed to protect the fragile environment and needs the cooperation of all. Recovery does take hundreds of years. Please stay on the trail. The best wow factor is the stars shine like diamonds now that you are away from urban light pollution.
ELFIN LAKES
A wonderfully scenic alpine hike in Garibaldi Park.
Origin of name: Originally known as Crystal Lakes due to clarity of the water. Changed in 1978 to Elfin, which means a feature small with enchanting charm.
Trailhead: Parking lot at the end of Garibaldi Park Road.
Use: Multi-use non-motorized.
Difficulty: Blue but long, 11 kilometres in and 11 kilometres out.
Elevation: 914 m to 1,590 metres.
Distance: 11 km
Etiquette: Move at least 10 metres off trail and away from water before digging a hole to deposit human waste. No dogs allowed in Garibaldi Park.
Photo: Chris Dale
