January 12-13, 2019
For my 32nd birthday, Andy planned an unforgettable backcountry snowshoe trip up to Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park - Squamish, B.C. Our trip ended up being 14.2 miles total in and out.
The trail to Elfin Lakes is incredibly well maintained partly because it's a high-use trail and also because there are reflective orange rods every 100 steps or so leading the way. This hike is popular with backcountry skiers, too. It's going to be difficult not to photo dump here.
 |
| Snow covered conifers are gateways to countless adventures |
After a 3 mile ascent through the forest we reached the small wood-stove heated Red Heather Hut. Most skiers make this their stop as there are plenty good slopes around. Past this the terrain is relatively flat until you get to Elfin Lakes which is another 4 miles out.
 |
| View of Howe Sound |
At Elfin Lake, there's an amazing solar powered and propane heated cabin with bunks upstairs and a communal kitchen and eating area with tables downstairs. The bunks were all booked, but I would highly recommend camping outside anyways. Sharing bunk space with 33 sweaty people didn't sound like we'd get much sleep! There's also a 3-stall vault toilet with views of the mountains, letting light in. Another day use hut and toilet was available near the area where we camped, but it was snowed in and nobody wanted to clear the entrance anyways. The heated cabin was just a short walk from Fort Kick Ass.
 |
Fort Kick Ass.
Andy built an impressive protective snow wall. |
 |
| Our Tarptent Double Rainbow @ Fort Kick Ass |
It took us 3 hours 50 minutes to get to Elfin Lakes. Not bad for 7 miles! This time of year the lakes are snow covered. We got lucky with the weather again, though, and had spectacular views every step of the way. It was breathtaking and I had such a blast. Hanging out in the warm cabin with fellow snowshoers and skiiers was really nice. More often than not Andy and I are the only ones on the trail or camping outside, so it was fun to share in all the energy and excitement.
 |
| Heading to the cabin to make dinner |
 |
| Boiling water to rehydrate our homemade spaghetti dinner. Lights weren't working in the cabin, but we made a hanging lantern with headlamp + baggie. |
 |
| Gorgeous sunset and a bright Venus |
The night time lows may have hit 18°F, but we were toasty in our tent. I wore only my baselayers and kept my sleeping bag unzipped. Luckily Andy attached the liner in our tent which kept most of the condensation off us.
 |
| Woke up at 6:45 am to a lovely sunrise |
 |
| The sunrise was so beautiful Andy had to shake his shovel at it. |
 |
Gently illuminated mountain tops.
You can see the snow-buried hut to the left. |
 |
| Sunrise selfie before our hike out which took 3 hours. |
32's gonna be gooooood, guys!
 |
| "32" |
