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Hike Cirque Lake

Whistler, British Columbia

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

5 miles

Elevation Gain

984.3 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Max Zedler

Hike to the very remote Cirque Lake in Whistler, after paddling across Callaghan Lake for a beautiful view not many have experienced.

Cirque Lake can only be accessed by boating across Callaghan Lake. Start from the Callaghan parking/camping area and take your boat over to the lake. You must then paddle 2km all the way to the far end of Callaghan Lake. You will see a waterfall at the far end. The trailhead to Cirque Lake begins at the shore to the right hand side of that falls (You will see a small clearing at the shoreline). Just pull your boat far onto the shore and place in the bushes. Make sure it's not going to float away or you are in big trouble!

The trail is quite straightforward from there, lined with small ribbons along the way and the trail is surprisingly worn and visible. When you are close to Cirque, you will see a stunning view of Callaghan lake from above. There are two boulder fields along the way that you must climb up.

Keep following the path and ribbons and you will arrive at the lake, most likely the only ones there to enjoy the view. (Distance listed is the hike + the kayaking/canoeing across the lake. Round trip is 4km of hiking and 4km of boating respectively).

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Features

Canoeing
Photography
Kayaking
Backpacking
Hiking
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike Cirque Lake Reviews

Huge melt has swelled the creek (river) into multiple creeks running under a fair bit of remaining snow pack. If you follow the trail you will get stuck and unable to cross the rapid creek to follow the trail further up. Cross the creek down at lake’s edge (hopefully the log is still there). Dangerous snow pack over running creeks, watch your step, but it’s possible to get the top. Too snowy to reach the second lake but can still get to the views

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Paddle Callaghan Lake

Camp at Cal-Cheak

Bike the Whistler Alpine Trail Network

Hike to Rainbow Lake

Hike to the Whistler Train Wreck

Visit the Ancient Cedars