Blanca lake squamish

This trip from October last year is a return to getting caught up. No, not the one in Washington State. And it is an effort. Blanca Lake may only be 40 kms away from Whistler, blanca lake squamish, but the blanca lake squamish you need to take to get there leaves the Sea-to-Sky highway just beyond Squamish and turns to gravel after about 20 kms.

This area locates not far from the confluence of Elaho River and Squamish River and can also be considered as the very southern extension of Pemberton Icecap. Logging roads had been pushed to m elevation on the southern slopes and a trail had been built to access Blanca Lake. Because of the easy access and the scenic terrain this area had caught a lot of attention on social media these days, such that even on weekday one can expect to encounter multiple parties. I had heard about this peak years ago but my plan had always been to ascend it on snowshoes in spring, but after seeing so many summer photos of the lakes I changed my mind this year. We anticipated some slow show on the roads so agreed to meet up at am at the church in West Vancouver.

Blanca lake squamish

Try this Generally considered a challenging route. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are August through September. Note that trailhead is at m, with a high clearance 4x4, there is no problem to get to the trailhead. The hike to the lake is fairly easy and trail is very obvious, there were patches of snows and icy water paddles, just avoid them by stepping on the grass on the side, there is a creek to cross, you may need to step on the rocks in the water, it took us about 2 hours to get to the lake. The Lake is crystal clear, with the reflection of the mountain, but i was a bit underwhelmed by the view. However, as we continue to the peak, the view got better, the colour of the lake has changed, and we can see all the different lakes around the mountains. The hike to the peak is a bit harder though because of the rocks, there were not many markings, and perhaps the trail also covered by the thin layer of snow, we gotta scramble quite a bit. It was very fun but it could be exhausting for some. We off trailed very often to the peak and ended up on a harder trail but there were not exposed and dangerous at all, I think it took us one and half hour. View from the peak is more beautiful because the colours of the lake had turned to deeper blue and also there is view of glacier on the north side, and there is a glacier just down below the cliff.

We got to the top of the ridge and could now see our objective a short distance off. Now our legs are dead.

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: Dogs Permitted? Follow this until you reach the E spur road, which you drive up to the very end to the trailhead. Blanca Peak is an easily hiked summit located northeast of the lake, offering panoramic views in a truly remote region. While Blanca Lake is located closer to Whistler than Squamish, access is from the Squamish Valley Road and indeed is the most challenging part of this trip. You will be driving a full 40km along forest service roads in order to access the trailhead, taking around 3 hours from Vancouver. An SUV can likely make it to the E spur road, and indeed up most of it, but you will likely have to park further down the E spur as the road deteriorates, increasing the distance and elevation gain of the hike.

There are a couple small early fall weather small creek crossings 1m wide that require some boulder hopping or log balancing. The trail is mostly obvious but for a small section of boulders and a boggy creek-side area, but ravine sides and Blanca Peak in view keep you oriented. Having cancelled our Blanca plans last weekend due to rains—and snow above m—my friend Mark noticed sunny window was predicted for Friday, September 24, so within 24hrs we had Googled and asked friends about the route—both the road and the hike—and set off from Squamish on our motorbikes at am with our daypacks, a couple lunches, the Gaia GPS app and a Back Road Map Book. From there we take the traffic-calmed Government Road for a couple kilometres before the T-intersection and left-turn on to Squamish Valley Road. We stay on this road, following the east bank of its namesake river, for the majority of the drive to the trailhead. From here road condition is mostly wide, smooth, hard-packed gravel, though heavily potholed from the frequent recreation traffic: rafting buses to luxury SUVs, GS motorbikes to beat-up enduros, the ubiquitous tent-topped Tacoma trucks, and Honda Civics with teenagers partying along the river sandbars. We average about 50kph along this section. At Things start to go up quickly from here. At km 61 is the right turn onto the E

Blanca lake squamish

Difficulty: Moderate Distance: Dogs Permitted? Follow this until you reach the E spur road, which you drive up to the very end to the trailhead. Blanca Peak is an easily hiked summit located northeast of the lake, offering panoramic views in a truly remote region. While Blanca Lake is located closer to Whistler than Squamish, access is from the Squamish Valley Road and indeed is the most challenging part of this trip. You will be driving a full 40km along forest service roads in order to access the trailhead, taking around 3 hours from Vancouver. An SUV can likely make it to the E spur road, and indeed up most of it, but you will likely have to park further down the E spur as the road deteriorates, increasing the distance and elevation gain of the hike. Blanca Lake has been growing in popularity due to the sheer beauty of the lake and the region as a whole. There are multiple lakes in the area to explore, and plenty of ridges and bumps to leisurely saunter around while soaking in the panoramic views.

Girlswithmusle

Average time for trail is 5. Long slog up the switchbacks. However, as we continue to the peak, the view got better, the colour of the lake has changed, and we can see all the different lakes around the mountains. There are numerous lakes dotted around, mostly to the west, and the whole area is a joy to explore. It wasn't bad until I left the treeline. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are subject to seasonal closure. Blanca Lake has been at the back of my mind for some years now. We descent from the lake around 3. There is parking available here for about 20 cars, but the lake's popularity, particularly on weekends, often results in far too many cars for the small lot and access road. What App did you use for navigation and keep you in the trail.

Blanca Lake has been at the back of my mind for some years now. Sign me up!

Volunteer Help repair this trail at an upcoming work party. Summit climb was 50 degrees snow without mixed climbing. Being the weekend, lots of people showed up that evening, but after they passed us by they disappeared. Comment Reblog Subscribe Subscribed. Did not use microscopes until over peak on way down to lake. Photo credit: Cody Boyes Then it was back to loose boulders. Some bugs at the lake. There were frequent pauses to take it in. Juliya Koshman. We made our way over to the top of the ramp.