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Watersprite Lake is a pristine turquoise alpine lake that’s surrounded by dramatic peaks and it’s one of the most impressive, iconic and picturesque lakes in Squamish.
Watersprite Lake has gained popularity due to Chasing Sunrise and Instagram, but it was quiet when I hiked on a cloudy (which turned to rainy) weekend in mid-August. At first, I was not happy about the rain, but the clouds made the lake look like a beautiful mystical fairyland. So I think it’s safe to say that this hike is actually desirable whether it’s sunny or cloudy.
THE STATS
Difficulty – Intermediate
Hiking time – 7 hours
Roundtrip – 17km
Elevation Gain – 660m
Summit altitude – 1465m
Season – July to September
Camping – Yes, with a permit
From Vancouver – 1:45 hours
From Whistler – 1:45 hours
Public Transit – No
Dog Friendly – No
Trail type – Out and back
THE HIKE
As you can see from the elevation gain stats, the elevation gain is minimal, but the distance is fairly long so it will be a long, but gradual hike.
About 7 hours roundtrip of hiking is realistic, unless you’re a super fast hiker. Make sure you leave ample time for snack breaks, lunch and exploring around the lake.
You’ll see beautiful views of Squamish along the hike.
There are two sections where you have to scramble over rockslides.
The top of the second rockslide finishes off at Watersprite Lake.
If it’s a hot summer day (or if you’re brave), you can swim to the island on the lake.
However, the hiking trail to get there isn’t a super straightforward trail, so for detailed directions, see here.
NEED TO KNOW
- You need a 4×4 and high clearance vehicle to access the trailhead, thus making the hike more exclusive.
- There’s no cell service after the 17km mark of the Mamquam forest service road.
- Look for the orange markers. If you cannot see a marker in view, you have gone off the trail.
- Bears and cougars are in the area.
- You can stay overnight at the Watersprite Lake cabin if you make a reservation here.
- There is an outhouse at the lake
- There aren’t any garbage facilities, so you must take your garbage with you
WHAT YOU NEED
- Bring layers, even on a hot day. It could be cold at the top, at nearly 1500m. And it gets very cold at night if you are camping.
- Wear and bring sunscreen. The sun is stronger at higher elevation.
- Lots of water and food. It will be a long day.
- Bring bug spray.
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
- Maps.me is an app for offline maps and it’s great for hiking trails.
- Remember to stretch before and after!
HOW TO GET THERE
You need a 4×4 and high clearance vehicle to access the trailhead, which is about 20km up a forest service road.
From Vancouver, take the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish and turn right onto the gravel Mamquam River FSR (Forestry Service Road) about 1.5km after passing the Sea To Sky Gondola. The turnoff is right before the 4-way stop by Chances Casino, so if you reach this intersection, you’ve gone too far.
It helps to turn your tripometer to 0 here. Drive along the Mamquam River FSR for 13km and then go left over the bridge. Continue driving and then go right over another bridge. Then go left at the junction.
At the 16km point, turn left at the junction where you’ll see a candy cane-shaped vent. Going right takes you to the old trailhead.
The road gets significantly worse for the final stretch to the trailhead, so drive with caution.
You’ll cross a few bridges and reach a yellow gate at the Skookum Dam where you can park in the pullout area.
MORE BEAUTIFUL ALPINE LAKE HIKES
Joffre Lakes – An easier and shorter hike that visits 3 turquoise alpine lakes
Garibaldi Lake – Another turquoise alpine lake
Wedgemount Lake – A very challenging, but rewarding hike to a turquoise alpine lake and glacier in Whistler
