Coquihalla Lakes - Snowshoeing

Description

Head back along the parking lot until you reach a fence heading inland. Go through the animal gate and trek east along the south side of the fence. The first roadway you approach is part of the former Kettle Valley Railroad. Take a quick right here and then an immdediate left heading east again.

Continue for a few more hundred meters until you reach another wide pathway which is the oil pipeline route. Turn left here and traverse approximately 3 Km, passing Coquihalla Lake on your left. This lake has been passable during most winter months, however it is always a good idea to check first. A little bit further will eventually take you the another junction. Travel straight through the junction and make a quick right turn at the next trail heading east.

Follow this for a few more hundred meters and you will come across a cabin which is owned by a snowmobile club. You are welcome to use this cabin for visiting purposes only and is a welcome rest spot for lunch, etc.

Heading back towards your car you can detour, under usual winter conditions, across the lake, noting the snowmobile tracks which are always a good sign that the lake is suitable for traversing across. Do not attempt to walk on the ice if you are not sure.

Along the trek back you can head south on the old Kettle Valley Railroad bed where two former rail tunnels are visible. Do not approach the tunnel within one kilometer under extreme avalanche conditons as there is a potential slide issue on the west side just before the tunnel.

Note: It's always been perfectly safe to hike across the ice everytime I've been there, however, I wouldn't recommend it under warmer conditions, or past the middle of March. This can change from year to year.

Note : The trailhead also provides a good starting point for the KVR summer trail which will run down to Portia. The distance is 25 Km and the "two car" system is recommended, starting at the top end near the former toll booth (downhill all the way). It's an excellent mountain bike trail down to Portia and perhaps this should be the intent. We've hiked down the trail several KM's and then double-backed, never hiking all the way to Portia.

Allow 3 hours for the loop plus time to visit the KVR.

Upcoming and past Events at this Location

• 2009-02-28 Coquihalla Lakes Snowshoe Trip

Directions to Coquihalla Lakes - Snowshoeing

The trail starts at the former toll booth on the Coquihalla Highway

Drive east towards Hope along Highway One, passing all Hope exits. Follow directions for Highway 5 and 3. Once past Hope stay in the center or left hand lane, avoiding the Hwy 3 lane to Manning Park on the right (Hope Princeton Highway).

Drive up Highway One until you reach the location of the old toll booth removed in 2008. (106 miles from Chilliwack and 54km from Hope to the old toll booth). Park at the eastbound restroom parking lot.

Driving time from Chilliwack is about an hour