Hike of the Week: Four Lakes Trail

Alice Lake is particularly peaceful in spring and fall

Four Lakes Trail

Water wonderland on the way to Whistler

by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

Quick Facts
Location: Squamish, British Columbia
Land Agency: British Columbia Provincial Parks
Roundtrip: 4.0 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Contact: BC Parks; http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Notes: Dogs must be on leash; Day Use fee ($3.00 CN).
Access: From Vancouver, BC follow BC 99 north to Squamish. Continue north another 8.0 miles turning right into Alice Lake Provincial Park. Bear left at Y-intersection and come to trailhead shortly afterward.

This is a great little trail perfect for young hikers, hikers young at heart, and hikers who need to get their hearts young again. From May 1 to September 15th this trail is hiker-only; otherwise expect to share it with mountain bikers. The entire way is within the extremely popular 1,000-acre Alice Lake Provincial Park. Consider spending the night here in the park’s attractive campgrounds; but be sure to make a reservation.
The well-groomed and well-marked trail enters thick second growth forest reaching the first of the four small bodies of water, Stump Lake in no time. Go left or right at the lake, depending upon what shore you wish to explore. The trails meet up on the far end of the lake. From there the Four Lakes Trail heads southeast brushing up along the Cheekeye River. Take a break to admire the crashing waterway before carrying on.
The trail now climbs a bit before leveling off on an old road bed. Little Fawn Lake lies just to the right. Continue on an old road for an easy half mile before coming to lake number three, Edith Lake. The way now leaves the old road and starts a steep descent paralleling a babbling brook along the way.
Reach the fourth and final lake, Alice and consider your options. Extend your hike to Debecks Hill, explore the lake’s west shore or its east shore. They’re all good options. If you follow the trail along Alice’s west shore you’ll be greeted with sneak views of snowy volcano Mount Garibaldi rising above the placid body of water. Close the loop by walking back a campground road to the trailhead. Explore other trails in the park if you wish or if its summer, go for a splash in Alice’s inviting waters.

Looking for more places to Hike?Click here and check out his line of Northwest guidebooks.