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Tara from Burnaby writes:
This is honestly one of my favourite hikes. A quiet trail, stunning scenery, and incredible views of Black Tusk/various peaks once you emerge from the trees. The hardest part of the hike is definitely the first section while you are in the forest switchbacks, but it soon levels out. We hiked from the parking lot (very small, so definitely get there early) to Panorama and back in a day. It was a long one, but doable if you are an advanced and quick hiker.
We also encountered a black bear about 3km from the bottom of the trail. The bear was on the trail and definitely more afraid of us than we were of it, but a good reminder to make lots of noise on the switchbacks and keep an eye out, especially near the creeks as the running water makes it difficult to hear.
Posted: November 1, 2020 07:37:46 PM PST
rick vander veen from Vancouver writes:
My friend Phil Phyatt and i hiked to Helm Creek Camp ground Nov 10 2019. great day for this we did it in about 5 hours from the Parking lot and Back stopping for a lunch in the Campground with the Sun and amazing views. The Last 1 hour we hit snow with frozen ground, poles reccommened for balance and slippage The hike is about 18ks return . not a difficult hike .
Posted: November 11, 2019 07:00:53 AM PST
Jonny from North Vancouver writes:
Hiked to Helm Creek Campground June 15, beautiful day and gorgeous hike, so quiet! We couldn't make it to Panorama Ridge in the morning as the snow across the meadows was still substantial, very soft and lots of post holes, it would be a long and frustrating slog. Everyone we saw turned back. If you're looking to get to the Ridge or Black Tusk, take the Rubble Creek entrance (if you don't mind the crowds). Snow will probably be clear by mid-late July.
Posted: June 18, 2019 09:33:00 AM PST
Fred from Portland writes:
Thinking of camping at Helm Creek campground (from Cheakamus) then going up to Panorama Ridge. How is the snow looking so far?
Posted: July 9, 2017 11:23:45 PM PST
Vania from New West writes:
John - I consider myself an intermediate hiker with a slow pace, especially uphill! It took me 4.5h up and 3.5h down with short breaks every hour or so. That with snow on trail at about 1,450m elevation (rough estimate, my boyfriend who was keeping track of that). But every person is different, so it's hard to say how long it will take you to hike it. As long as you have done some longer hikes with a bit of elevation, it should not be an issue. Just start early if going for day hike only and don't forget to pack the essentials!
Randy - I guess it depends on when you are going. It was warm during the day, but when the sun was hiding behind clouds and at night it got a bit chilly. I used a regular sleeping bag with merino wool long johns to sleep. I used this website to kinda know a bit of what to expect weather wise https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Black-Tusk/forecasts/1500 Hope that helps!
Posted: July 5, 2017 11:24:12 AM PST
john from Vancouver writes:
How long would it take for an intermediate to hike from Cheakmus Lake Trailhead parking lot to Helm Creek Campground in mid July?
Posted: July 4, 2017 11:04:44 PM PST
Randy L from Vancouver writes:
How cold is it to camp at helm campsite? Do I need a heavier sleeping bag or just a light one with extra clothing?
Posted: July 4, 2017 07:21:52 PM PST
Vania from New West writes:
To reply the question below, the campsite is at Helm Creek, not on Helm Lake. Reservations needed for summer 2017. Just camped there this weekend. Campsite is almost snow free, tent pads all clear, lots of snow melt. About near an hour up to get to the campsite there is snow on trail, but I managed to do it without snowshoes. Beyond campground there is still lots of snow! Nice trail and less busy than the access via Rumble Creek. Will def camp there again!
Posted: July 2, 2017 08:04:18 PM PST
Travis from Chilliwack writes:
Are you able to camp at the lake? And do you need to reserve spots to camp?
Posted: June 26, 2017 05:41:10 PM PST
Svitlana from Vancouver writes:
Breathtaking and absolutely amazing. The Cinder Flats on the way look like a different world. Been their twice: first time camped at Helm Creek campsite, the other time did a day hike. Will definitely come back
Posted: June 8, 2017 10:32:37 AM PST
Erica from Squamish writes:
The first part of this trail is really steep but it gets easier. Major improvements have been made to the trail and it looks like they're finishing off the last section as we passed some of the workers. Great views of Black Tusk. The lake isn't as impressive as Garibaldi Lake but still great views of the area.
Posted: August 25, 2016 07:37:20 AM PST
John from Burnaby writes:
We did this hike August 21, 2016 and it was much better than hiking from Rubble Creek. We hiked to Panorama Ridge and much fewer people. The route is longer but once you pass the campsite, the uphill is very gradual until the junction to Panorama Ridge. Will do it again via this route.
Posted: August 23, 2016 10:47:16 PM PST
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Lauren from Vancouver writes:
FYI: there are two outhouses at Helm Creek campground, but, as of Sept 2, one is closed because it is full, and the other has no roof and the door has a huge gap and doesn't lock... BC Parks note says that the facilities will be attended to in the Fall
Posted: September 4, 2024 08:46:52 PM PST