Watersprite Lake Hike near Squamish

The absolutely stunning turquoise coloured Watersprite Lake located near Squamish, BC, is an alpine lake surrounded by mountains accesible by hiking 17 km round-trip. This location is quickly gaining popularity amongst the hiking and photography community, therefor you can expect to not be the only one there. Camping is allowed at the lake and the area offers access to some great alpine backcountry. Watersprite is an moderate hike that takes about 7 hours to complete round-trip and offers phenomenal scenery. Bring your camera as this is one lake you will want to remember forever.

Time (Round-Trip): 7 hrs
Distance (Round-Trip): 17 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: July – September
Elevation Gain: 668 m
Scenery: ★★★★★
Camping: Yes
From Vancouver: 1 hour 45 minutes
Public Transit: No
Dog Friendly: No

The trail to Watersprite Lake begins from the Skookum Creek hydro project access road and follows deactivated logging roads along ridges, offering many scenic viewpoints of the Mamquam River area on the way to the lake. From the parking lot area, head past the yellow gate and up the embankment on the right to an information board. The trail continues through an open gravel section, passing the Skookum Dam below to your left. Keep right along the path and the trail will start to narrow down and join an old logging road. You will pass over numerous board walks before entering the forest.

After walking for about 20-30 minutes (1.5 km), the trail veers into the trees then quickly begins to climb through the forest on a steep and narrow section. Follow the orange diamond markers until you reach a junction at a wide trail and emerge once again on a long and semi flat deactivated logging road. Take a right at the junction and continue as the well defined trail will gradually gain elevation. The trail will veer sharply left and up a rocky section for about 600 meters before veering right and shortly after opening up to a view of the valley below.

The trail will continue along the edge of a ridge for a while, crossing small creeks and even passing next to a waterfall. This entire section of trail overlooks the entire valley on the right, offering scenic views as far down the Mamquam River Valley towards Squamish, across the valley to the Garibaldi Provincial Park area, and much more. Follow the ridge around the back side for about 3 km climbing gradually and you will reach a rockslide area.

Follow the trail markers to traverse the boulder field for about 800 meters gaining a bit of elevation on the way. The trail will dip back into the forest on the other side of the rockslide and head up and down through muddy sections. Cross a bridge over Watersprite Creek and continue along the forested section until you reach a second boulder field.

The very steep ascend along the left edge of the boulder field is the final section of trail to reach Watersprite Lake. At the top of the boulder field head left for one last short switchback and the trail will emerge out of the forest. You will notice the BCMC hut above the trail. Continue straight along the now level trail to reach the stunning Watersprite Lake. Make your way onto the rocky outcrop for a full view of the scenic area, including the turquoise coloured lake, Watersprite Tower in the center, Martin Peak to the left, and Dreadnought Peak to the right.

If you are camping, follow the trail heading right onto the boulders shortly prior to reaching the lake. The trail leads around to the back of the lake where designated camping pads are established.

Mountaineers may venture beyond the lake into the alpine backcountry but keep in mind that this is unmarked terrain and very dangerous. Return the way you came when finished at the lake.

Watersprite Lake Trail Map