Backpacking to Semaphore Lakes near Pemberton, BC
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly backpacking trip with stunning alpine views, Semaphore Lakes near Pemberton, BC, is the perfect destination. This hidden gem offers a short but rewarding hike to a series of pristine lakes surrounded by rugged peaks and vibrant meadows. It’s an ideal spot for first-time backpackers or anyone looking for a quick escape into the wilderness.
Sunset from Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Exploring above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Matt and I ventured to Semaphore Lakes in September 2019 as our very first backpacking trip together. It was a test run before our bigger adventure to Havasupai Falls in Arizona (check out my Havasupai blog post for that story!), and it turned out to be the perfect introduction to backcountry camping. The short approach, incredible scenery, and peaceful atmosphere made it a trip we’ll never forget.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Semaphore Lakes, including trail details, driving directions, and tips for navigating this primitive but beautiful area.
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Exploring above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Why Semaphore Lakes?
Semaphore Lakes is a fantastic destination for beginners or those looking for a quick alpine getaway. The hike is relatively short, but the payoff is huge—think crystal-clear lakes, vibrant meadows, and jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks, including Locomotive Mountain and Face Mountain.
That said, it’s important to note that Semaphore Lakes is a primitive campground. There are no facilities, no designated campsites, and no bear caches. This means you’ll need to be extra prepared when it comes to bear safety, Leave No Trace principles, and self-sufficiency.
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Getting to the Trailhead
The trailhead for Semaphore Lakes is located just outside Pemberton, BC, about a 2.5-hour drive from Vancouver.
From Vancouver:
Take the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) north through Squamish and Whistler.
Continue past Whistler to Pemberton.
In Pemberton, turn left onto Portage Road (just before the Pemberton Airport).
Follow Portage Road for about 10 km until you reach a fork. Take the right fork onto the Hurley River Forest Service Road (FSR).
Drive approximately 20 km on the Hurley River FSR. The trailhead is marked by a small pullout on the left side of the road.
Important Notes:
The Hurley River FSR is a gravel road and can be rough in sections. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
The trailhead is not well-marked, so keep an eye out for the pullout and a small sign.
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Trail Stats and Details
Semaphore Lakes Trail
Distance (Round Trip): 6 km
Elevation Gain: 300 meters
Time: 2-3 hours (one way)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The trail starts with a steady climb through the forest before opening up to alpine meadows and the first of the Semaphore Lakes. The route is well-defined but can be muddy in sections, especially after rain.
Our Experience
We arrived at the trailhead in the afternoon after a rainy drive from Vancouver. Thankfully, the skies cleared as we hiked in, and we were treated to a stunning sunset once we reached camp. The temperatures were warm, and the bugs were surprisingly mild for September—a welcome bonus!
We set up camp on a little ridge between the lakes, with a perfect view of the mountains. After cooking dinner, we spent the evening soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and watching the colours of the sunset reflect on the water.
At the base of the Locomotive Mountain climb, Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
The next morning, we woke up to clear skies and decided to explore the area. We initially planned to hike up Locomotive Mountain based on a friend’s recommendation, but as a relatively new hiker, I found the terrain a bit too challenging. Instead, we wandered through the meadows above the lakes, which were filled with countless tarns in every shade of blue imaginable. It was magical, and I could have spent hours exploring.
Eventually, we had to pack up and head back to the trailhead. The hike out was quick and easy, leaving us with plenty of time to reflect on our first backpacking adventure together.
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
What to Know Before You Go
Primitive Camping
Semaphore Lakes is a primitive camping area, which means:
No Facilities: There are no outhouses, bear caches, or designated campsites.
Bear Safety: This area is bear country, so proper food storage is essential. Bring a bear canister or hang your food using the counterbalance method.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all your trash, minimize your impact, and camp on durable surfaces.
Grizzly Bears
In recent years, there have been grizzly bear sightings in the area. Always check for recent wildlife reports before your trip and carry bear spray.
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Gear Recommendations
For a detailed backpacking checklist, check out my backpacking gear blog post. Here are a few key items we relied on for this trip:
Backpacks: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (Matt) and Osprey Aura AG 55 (me).
Sleeping Bags: Mammut Protect Down - 21C
Cooking System: Jetboil MiniMo.
Navigation: Garmin inReach Mini2 (for messaging and safety).
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Wish List for Future Trips
While we loved our time at Semaphore Lakes, there’s still so much more to explore in the area. Here’s what’s on our list for next time:
Locomotive Mountain: A more challenging hike with incredible views of the surrounding peaks.
Face Mountain: Another nearby peak that offers stunning alpine vistas.
More Tarn Exploration: The meadows above the lakes are filled with countless tarns, each more beautiful than the last.
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
Semaphore Lakes was the perfect introduction to backpacking for us. It’s short enough to be manageable for beginners but still offers the kind of stunning alpine scenery that makes you feel like you’re deep in the wilderness. If you’re looking for a quick escape or a beginner-friendly trip, this is it.
Just remember to be prepared for primitive camping, practice good bear safety, and leave no trace. And if you’re new to backpacking, don’t be afraid to take it slow—sometimes the best adventures are the ones where you stop to appreciate the little things, like the colors of a tarn or the peacefulness of an alpine sunset.
Happy trails!
Exploring the tarns above Semaphore Lakes, Pemberton BC
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