Backpacking to Lake Lovely Water, Squamish BC
Is it just me, or is there a direct correlation between how awesome and place is and how hard it is to get to?
The first time I heard about Lake Lovely Water was about 3 years ago, a colleague and I were taking a break from work and exchanging our hiking wish list over coffee. During this exchange she started telling me about this elusive lake in the Tantalus range that could only be accessed by jet boat, float plane or helicopter, I was immediately intrigued.
How to get to Lake Lovely Water
It was already late in the season that year but I started my research and planning for the following summer. After reading multiple blogs and tour sites I knew the first thing I needed to decide was how to get there.
Boat service many locals offer boat service across the river, info is always changing so search prior to your trip.
Float plane access is available from Whistler, provided by Whistler Air (1-888-806-2299 or info@whistlerair.ca).
Helicopter access is available from Squamish, and can be arranged by contacting Black Tusk Helicopters or Blackcomb Helicopters.
After familiarizing myself the area a bit more and the surrounding peaks I knew we would want plenty of time (and let’s face it, fresh legs!) to explore the surrounding mountains upon arrival rather than wasting energy hiking up from the river. This meant flying in was probably our best option.
Where to stay at Lake Lovely Water
Once you’ve decided how to get there the next thing you need to decide is where the stay. The Vancouver chapter of the ACC maintains a shared hut the area, or alternatively you have the option to camp. In 2020 camping was first come, first serve and available either on the beach or on forested tent pads near the hut.
Camping at Lake Lovely Water, Squamish BC
Note: If you stay in the hut you also have access to canoes for exploring the lake.
ACC: Tantalus Hut
BC Parks: Tantalus Provincial Park
After being there, one thing I will mention is that how you get there and where you stay should be decisions that are made together. If you land via float plane you will land near the sandy beach and beach side camping, but if you take the jet boat or helicopter you will land near the hut and forested tent pads.
Depending on how you packed, getting from one area to the other with all your groups gear might be a bit of a challenge. The trail leading from the hut to the beach is approximately 2 km and rugged, climbing through the forest and over bolder fields, while fun to explore it may not be enjoyable for some with overnight packs and additional gear.
Also worth noting, during high melt, the beach side camping can often be underwater, worth checking in with BC parks prior to travel if you plan to camp on the lake.
Lake Lovely Water, Squamish BC
Hiking around Lake Lovely Water
This section of the Tantalus range is very popular with mountaineers and hikers alike, with numerous scrambles and technical climbs up into the surrounding peaks including Alpha and Omega, as well as a traverse to the distant Jim Haberl Hut. With our large group of varied skill levels, we stuck to the less technical routes and lower ridges and views.
Day 1 - Lambda Lake
Once we arrived at the lake and set-up camp we set off to explore the area. On the first afternoon we checked out Lambda Lake and the trail to Cresent Glacier. It was approximately 4 kms return to the lake and another 2 kms past there to the basin. The trail crossed over a number of bolder fields, included chains and water crossings and some intermediate route finding.
Lake Lovely Water, Squamish BC
Day 2 - Niobe Meadows and Omega Ridge
The second day we passed through Niobe Meadows as we made an attempt at Iota Peak. In the end we decided to stop short of the peak due to variable snow conditions (late August) and varied skill levels / lack of gear. That being said, the area above the meadows had some amazing glacial tarns and featured beautiful views of Lake Lovely Water below with the Garibaldi Range in the back making it well worth the trip.
All in all, I had a lovely time, with lovely people at Lake Lovely Water.
Where to stay before heading out
Gear
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