Joffre Lakes Hiking and Camping, Pemberton, BC

Sherry from maple ridge writes:

sept 24th
We hike this trail today with are three boys 11, 8,and 6. It was great. We all enjoyed and would recommand this to anyone to due. We only made it to the second lake.s Next time we will make it to the third. we will be back.
Sherry

Posted: September 24, 2011 08:55:37 PM PST

Chris from Pemberton writes:

Hey Kate, you're right about the weekend traffic. I was up Cerise Creek at Anniversary Glacier (east side of Joffre Peak) last weekend, and driving past the parking lot at Joffre was full. There is a sweet spot to camp in this little grouping of trees with a shallow creek flowing through it. When you get up to the third lake there is a trail heading south towards Tszil Mountain. This will take you to the bottom of a boulder field below Stonecrop Glacier where you'll find this quiet spot where I prefer to camp.

Posted: September 1, 2011 11:59:09 PM PST

Kate from Vancouver from Vancouver, BC writes:

Leaving Vancouver Saturday Sept 3rd, 2011 morning to spend the long weekend up at Joffre. We are a bit worried about finding a spot at the top for camping as I've heard the weekends can be very busy. Any suggestions other than to get there early? Any alternative camping spots?

Thanks!

Posted: September 1, 2011 01:15:30 PM PST

Vince from Vancouver writes:

Hiked the trail 2011-08-28th


Absolutely beautiful. Especially the upper lake and glacier area. Definately worth the drive from Vancouver. The trail has some interesting features such as rock slides to hike across but is really not too difficult. Allow yourself plenty of time at the top to enjoy lunch and the amazing views.

Trail on this date was in great condition with little to not mud.

Posted: August 29, 2011 08:51:14 AM PST

Chris from Pemberton writes:

anyone know the twin goat trail from joffre to lillooet lake? is it accessible right now?

Posted: August 27, 2011 12:32:14 AM PST

Sako from Langley writes:

A group of my friends and I hiked this trail this past weekend from Saturday the 20th and came back on Sunday the 21st. The hike itself was not that difficult, although in some areas you are required to walk over boulders. There is no snow at all around the lake, however if you do continue past the lake near the side of the glacier you will be required to hike through some snow to get to the top. All in all it was an amazing hike and definitely worth the views! The only thing I recommend is a lot of bug spray for those million misquotes and black flies. If you're planning on staying the night make sure that you leave early in the morning as this is a hot spot for backpackers staying the night!

Posted: August 22, 2011 11:13:49 AM PST

Jeffman from Vancouver writes:

I hiked this trail last week and there was no snow. It was quite easy aside from navigating some rockfall. I would recommend this hike to anyone in good shape. It was huge payoff at the end. Amazing lakes.

Posted: August 17, 2011 09:29:26 PM PST

Beatriz from Montreal writes:

HI!

We are planning to Hike Joffre Lake around the 22th August. I'm a bit worried with the hiking level of the trail. We are young people but not experienced hikers, however, we usually ride on our bikes to move around the city. Do you recommend us to do this hiking?? Thanks!

Posted: August 14, 2011 09:27:44 AM PST

Mark from Burnaby writes:

Hiked Joffre on August 11th. The trail is in good condition. A little bit of mud here and there but nothing a good pair of hiking boots can't get through. The car was fine in the parking lot. There were lots of other people around so as long as you don't leave anything valuable in your car you should be fine. Awesome day hike. And its the perfect time of year to hike Joffre. You won't run into any snow on the trail. There's still a bit of snow left near the upper lake, but nothing on the trail. Best hike of the year so far!

Posted: August 12, 2011 09:38:29 AM PST

donbet from north vancouver writes:

we are planning to hike Joffre lake on Aug 20, just want to have an idea how's the safety of the car in the parking lot???

Posted: August 10, 2011 08:34:24 PM PST

Len from Vancouver writes:

We were there last weekend. Aside from the mud the trail was pretty good. Wear good soles so you won't slip.

Campsite was insanely packed, so much that 3 other groups had to camp at the top bank of the waterfalls and 1 on the snow up there itself. It's understandable since quite a few other backcountry areas like Garibaldi are still under snow. So if you're doing Joffre in the near future, I'd suggest a very early start.

Night wasn't too cold - 0 degree bag and some thermals should suffice. A lot of condensation on the tents and anything else left outside though.

Posted: July 27, 2011 02:56:53 PM PST

Marnie from C writes:

Went up there last weekend, trails were mostly snow free but muddy. Be wary, I'd put off camping until it gets a bit warmer (hopefully Mid august).

Posted: July 22, 2011 08:57:26 AM PST

DR from Vancouver writes:

Does anyone know what the current conditions are? Can we hike until the camp (3rd lake) avoiding walking in the snow? Thanks

Posted: July 13, 2011 09:29:29 PM PST

MJ from Vancouver writes:

I am hoping to head up to Joffre Lakes this weekend... does anyone know what the current snow status is?

Posted: July 12, 2011 09:19:47 AM PST

Benn Besharah from Vancouver writes:

I was up camping overnight on Canada Day weekend and there was some snow in the trees but the camping areas were dry by the water. If you wanted to hike up the Glacier, you need snow shoes! It was hot up there but started to rain overnight. Be prepared and enjoy!!

Posted: July 6, 2011 07:19:30 PM PST

Cesc from Vancouver writes:

check this out: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/joffre_lks/

doesn't seem to be good for all lakes hike..

Posted: June 22, 2011 07:36:37 PM PST

Jodie from Vancouver writes:

Any updates on the hiking conditions? Thinking about going up this coming weekend (June 25/26). Thanks!

Posted: June 22, 2011 01:05:08 AM PST

Julie from North Vancouver writes:

We hiked Joffre on October 30, 2010. There were no problems with ice or snow. There was a little snow at the middle and upper lakes but it didn't effect our hike at all. It was one of my favorite hikes. All three lakes are amazing. Challenging but not difficult. The view of the Glacier at the last lake is breathtaking! Well worth the effort.

Posted: November 16, 2010 10:44:27 PM PST

Vania from Aldergrove writes:

I hiked Joffres Lake last Sunday (Oct 17th) and it was quite a challenge crossing the boulder field. Rocks were very icy, so we had to be extremely careful. It was totaly worth tho! It was a gorgeous day and the views of lakes and glacier are stunning!

Posted: October 19, 2010 07:34:58 PM PST

Randy from Squamish writes:

08.15.10

Went the Joffre yesterday. As a relatively new hiker, I found the trail to be the most tacticaly challenging I`ve ever experienced. Rooty, rocky, and 4X4 (all four limbs working) in some steep spots. You`re always thinking about where your foot is landing. Lot`s of places to turn an ankle.

And final sour note here, Friends & Neighbours . . . The black flies and the horse flies were licking the Deep Woods OFF from my skin like it was honey. If you hike Joffre, try to pick a breezy day.

The trail itself was clear, with phases of mentaly challenging spots (The Boulder Field) and stunningly wonderful vistas (too many to list, here). There was no snow at all, and the water from the numerous creeks was delicious.

Upper Joffre Lake is a wonder to behold. I was lucky to be there during a chrystal clear day, and the twin glaciers pouring over the ridges were indescribable.

Now . . . I`m a fat man with a bad haircut, but I want to go back up there and camp for a pair of nights, but to be honest, I worry about the balance factor with a full pack on. The kids do it easy enough.

Friends and Neighbours . . . she`s a tough trail . . . but the paycheque is worth it.

Just try to find a better bug repellant. Wow, those pests are rediculous.

Posted: August 15, 2010 11:14:47 AM PST

Michael from Maple Ridge writes:

I was up there today and there was a bit of snow on the ground in places, but it's mostly clear. Almost all the camping spots are clear of snow, and I saw some people camping up there. It was a bit chilly though so be prepared as it might be pretty cold at night!

No problems finding the trail at any point, and no snow on the way up either. No trees blocking the trail either that I noticed.

Posted: June 30, 2010 10:45:59 PM PST

james from vancouver writes:

what are the camping conditions like at the third lake? I would like to go hiking/camping for Canada Day...but wonder if there will be snow on the ground. thanks.

Posted: June 28, 2010 02:42:18 PM PST

Jill from Nelson writes:

Hiked up to 3rd lake - June 5th, spent the night. Snow covered and difficult to find trail between 2nd and 3rd lake. A lot of blow down as well and had to climb over huge trees. Took 3 hours up, and 1.5 hours out.

Posted: June 25, 2010 09:48:10 AM PST

Marissa from Vancouver writes:

Has anyone hiked Joffre Yet this year June 2010?

Posted: June 25, 2010 09:03:33 AM PST

Mark from Burnaby writes:

Hiked to the Upper Lake on June 7th to 8th. Significant amount of snow still covered upper portions of route. Many portions of the Trails/Bridges are blocked or damaged due to fallen trees. Although we reached the shore of the Upper Lake we had lost the trail and were forced turn back and camp near the middle lake.

Probably another 3 weeks before conditions inprove such that hiking to the upper lake would be a good idea.

Posted: June 9, 2010 11:05:04 AM PST

Jeffrey Ai from Vancouver writes:

Hiked Joffre lake on June 28, 2009. The 3 lakes are absolutely beautiful, so are the snow mountains. One annoying thing is mosquito, they are everywhere, so bring your insect repellent spray.

Posted: June 29, 2009 10:18:36 PM PST

Doug MacKinnon from Richmond writes:

Went to Joffre last weekend, it was extremely warm (hot actually) but a few slivers of ice still floating on the top lake. It was a spectacular day and I really can't describe how beautiful it was - better than any postcard.

I saw a couple groups of 4 campers who had been there a week at the top campsite. They were all heading down which only left a guy and girl camping overnight. I guess they would have the place to themselves Sunday evening. :) On my way down I passed a handful of other day hikers going up.

The trail up was in good condition, just one or two sloppy puddles at the very bottom. I also hiked up Tzil glacier - the lower part after the boulder field was tough slogging. Also hard to know where to step because I could hear running water below the snowpack. But once you got on the glacier it was simple to the top ridge (just longer and steeper than it looks) and very easy coming back down. Sliding down the glacier on my ass. Woo hoo!

Posted: June 10, 2009 07:38:29 PM PST

Sam Lew from Vancouver writes:

We went to Joffre Lakes last weekend and did the hike to the 3 lakes. First lake was only 2 minutes from the parking lot. The 2nd lake was up some rocks and was much more difficult then the first one. Then uphill some more to the third lake.

All 3 lakes were equally as beautiful as the glacier stood as a backdrop of each of them in anticipation of getting to the top. The drive from Vancouver was really long and I was surprised that so many people were hiking on the trail. But the drive is nice and I had never been to Pemberton before.

Posted: August 26, 2008 04:24:54 PM PST