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New Westminster, BC
Canada
1138 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2004 : 07:47 AM
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I would really like to get out soon and be able to put my tent on some snow. I would like somewhere not to far in as i will be bringing my kids, and also would like something not to far from where i live. Like Sea to Sky or Fraser Vally.
I am not opposed to a campground as long as i can have pristeen snow.
If any of you have any ideas i would like to hear about them.
Oh and has anyone been to the chief. I would like to hear what that is like right now. Or is that a no go this time of year.
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"Anything is Possible" |
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New Westminster, BC
Canada
1138 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2004 : 6:17 PM
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Okay what about Red Heather at Elfin.
What is there I have not been to Elfin???
The road up should be no problem and it does not look to far in.
The first part says 4 wheel drive so is this a wide road?
Is there a cabin at Red Heather?
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"Anything is Possible" |
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 double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
4523 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2004 : 6:32 PM
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hi Trigger,
I don't think that you can camp on the Chief - but you can certainly camp near the Chief (there's a campground near the base). However, there's no snow there at the moment.
Red Heather - yes, there's a cabin there, and there's another one (larger) at Elfin Lakes, 6km further (winter route). I hear that the road is free of snow up to Scary Corner, and then there's snow but no ice. However, conditions change daily - esp this week - so be sure to check before leaving, and bring chains. I've taken my little car up that road a few times - and it's a rear-wheel drive.
You don't need a 4x4 (though you may want to have one...)
You can put up a tent near Elfin, or sleep in the cabin - there's room for 30 people in there. The Red Heather cabin is also used by overnighters, but it gets a LOT of visitors during the day, so less peace and quiet.
The road to Elfin is called Mamquam Rd, and starts at Highway 99 right after the bridge (I think it's the fourth light in Squamish). It's paved for less than a kilometer, then it's a gravel road. It goes by a clearcut, then rises relentlessly, then reaches another housing development near Ring Creek. Right before a bridge, there's a sharp turn to the left, take that turn. Continue driving up. You have choices - you can park at the chain-up area (as a few of us did on a very icy January morning) or you can drive past Scary Corner into the trailhead.
Parking for the day is $3 per day, and camping+parking is $10 per day.
Have fun, it's a BEAUTIFUL corner of the world up there
cheers - C Wall
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Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6908 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2004 : 6:43 PM
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Trig,
Maybe try Falls Lake up the Coq. It's an easy and short (2 km) walk in, and the snow should be good. I'm trying to convince my kids to go on this one. Maybe we could hook up with our kids for an overnighter somewhere.
Oh, and there's also a nice tobagganing hill right by the lake too; That should help convince the kids.
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"I don't know the answer to the mystery of life, but a woman sure helps pass the time"
Johnny Cash
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Edited by - BillyGoat on 02/24/2004 6:44 PM |
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Outdoors addicted flyfishing, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking car crooner and resident motormouth
Da'Wack, BC
Canada
5372 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2004 : 6:55 PM
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Haha! BG beat me to it I was thinking Falls Lake as well... Nice easy snowshoe, very little elevation gain. and a great tobogganing hill! I suspect it's pretty quiet by the lake most of the time, and the snow was great a few weeks ago |
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Slo mo sno shuin' Great Wall trekkin' triathalon doin' pale ale drinkin' all Patrick, all the time, smoothie
2497 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2004 : 7:00 PM
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Although people might do it, I don't think the shelter at Red Heather is set up for sleeping in. There is just the floor and picnic tables. Elfin, on the other hand, has numbered bunks. Elfin is probably a longer grind than you seem to be looking for trigger.
BG's suggestion of Falls Lake is a good one if you are willing to drive that far. It is just before the toll booth on the Coq. Probably your best chance for "pristeen snow".
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"Heaven is under our feet is well as over our heads" Thoreau |
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New Westminster, BC
Canada
1138 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2004 : 7:39 PM
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Great that is what i'm looking for it sounds like Falls Lake is just what would work. I don't know about this one where would i be able to find out more? Is this listed in the Backroad books. B.G. it would be great to hook up for this one. I was thinking this week or next. Let me know what works for you.
Seawall thanks for the info on Red Heather. I think I will try for the Cabin at the lake later in the year.(Don't want to push my kids to hard to start with) Sounds like the lake is a lot better than Red Heather.
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"Anything is Possible" |
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Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6908 Posts |
Posted - 02/24/2004 : 10:32 PM
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Here's the trip report from the time Exscape and I went up a couple weeks ago. You'll find a bit of a topo map on that post as well. This weekend doesn't work, and my kids really don't sound interested at this point ot go especially on an overnighter..gotta keep working on that.
http://www.clubtread.com/sforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4585
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"I don't know the answer to the mystery of life, but a woman sure helps pass the time"
Johnny Cash
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New West
Canada
49 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2004 : 12:38 PM
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Sounds like someone is going to use his new sleeping bag, maybe I'll have to buy the other one and join you so I can get a nites sleep away from Sir Snorealot |
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161 Posts |
Posted - 02/25/2004 : 3:39 PM
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I just took my youth group to Falls Lake last weekend. We camped in teh parking lot. The lake is nice and there is lots of pristine snow. Easy access w/out snowshoes too.
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Maple Ridge, BC
Canada
24 Posts |
Posted - 10/05/2004 : 9:09 PM
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| I'm looking to go up to Alouette mountain over christams. Im not shure but if you're in the lower mainland areaish you will need to do some elevation in order to find some nice snow. Aloutte mountain (By Golden Ears) is a bit of a trek but has nice snow to camp in and you own the mountain. I'd be surpprised if you saw more then 3-4 people past Fire Accesse Road. (Take the short cuts) Depends how small the little or not so little ones are. As well in another forum i don't remeber who said it but i think it is in the "winter camping tips section" someone pointed out Grouse. You get your elevation with the car and should find some ok snowbut you may fall victim to overcorwding if you don't go to the right places. |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
29 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2004 : 8:33 PM
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| Trigger, Red Heather is a lovely spot. The road is passable even in winter. (If it gets too deep just pull the vehicle over at a wide spot and hike the extra km). The attraction of this location is that while you can set up your tent in the meadows, you and the kids can use the cabin in the evening to cook your dinner or just get warm. (There is a supply of firewood for the stove.) The trail is well marked and not too steep a grade for younger kids. |
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A place to do some snow camping????
