Aug 30th, 2022: Elfin Lakes

Type of hike: Out and back | Time (approx): 6 hours

Distance: Around 20.1km | Elevation Gain: 812m

What to expect:

1) Incline for the first two-thirds, and decline for the last one-third

2) Incredibly easy to follow

3) This trail has a bit more bear activity than other trails in Garibaldi

4) Lots of people like to jog on this trail

Some important info:

1) There is an outhouse halfway through the trail, and a few more at the campground at Elfin Lakes

2) Shaded for the first half and opens up in the latter half with barely any shade

3) There are two lakes, one of them is for swimming only and the other is for drinking only

What to bring:

1) Sunscreen, a hat/cap, long-sleeved clothing and sunglasses if you don't want to be burnt or blinded!

2) Swimming trunks/suit if you plan to dip into the lake (highly recommend)

3) 2L of water because it gets really hot under the sun

The Hike

Elfin Lakes are two little lakes that are nestled close to Tantalus Mountain Range and The Gargoyles. There is a campground there with 35 tent pads and a large back-country hut for overnight shelter. They are platformed tent pads, and some of them are right by the edge of the slopes. If you are lucky (or early) enough to get one of those pads, you could wake up to a sprawling view of Garibaldi mountains, snow-capped peaks and rolling hills stretched out before you.

I started quite early at 7:42am because I didn't want to do the hardest part of the hike during mid day when it was scorching hot. The road leading up to Diamond Head Trailhead is steep and rocky, and a 4 x 4 vehicle is definitely needed. However, because of that steep incline, there is less elevation gain for the hike itself (around 821m only in comparison to other hikes in the area).

The first hour was as boring as people were saying in the comment section of AllTrails, so I had an audiobook prepared. The trail itself was nicely maintained and easy to follow. There are lots of trees around to block the sun so it did not get too hot. I noticed quite a bit of berries (blueberries especially) on both sides of the trail, meaning bears do frequent this area.

After that hour (approximately 3km), the trees started to fall away. After I passed by Red Heather Shelter (and the outhouse), the landscape opened up quite a bit, and while there was less shade there were so much more views. Soon, I was able to see The Gargoyles, Diamond Head and even Mount Garibaldi in the distance. It was a clear sunny day, and there were a smattering of spectacular mountains and glaciers all around.

The trail dips a little after Round Mountain, and continues slightly downhill all the way to Elfin Lakes. I reached the lakes by 10:30am, which was very early. So much so that I contemplated continuing on to Opal Cone, but I knew I did not have enough food to last me all the way there and back. Next year, perhaps.

Elfin Lakes are comprised of two lakes, and one of them is reserved for drinking water only. No one is allowed to take a swim or dip their toes into that one, and I saw that everyone respected the rules. The water in both lakes was strikingly beautiful - a brilliant crystal blue and clear enough to see the rocks and sediments at the bottom. The sun was was high in the sky by now, and the light reflected off the water waves, creating the most gorgeous sun glitter. It was dazzling.

I explored the area around the lakes a little bit before heading back. The landscape and scenery was just absolutely magnificent and jaw-dropping. I have never seen a campground quite like this one before, and I knew I would have to do a backpacking trip here next time. Some of the tent platforms were positions right on the edge of the slope, so just imagine waking up to a sprawling view of mountains, forests and glaciers right outside your tent. Being able to watch the sunrise while enjoying a cup of coffee. I've never been this reluctant to leave before!