The Mount Macfarlane trail makes its way to lower Pierce Lake along a fantastic (but relentlessly steep) trail. Climbing almost 3500 ft to the lake, it is a most welcome sight while under the weight of an overnight pack. We camped at this beautiful emerald green 100 ft deep Lake, and took a resident canoe out for a spin. In the morning we set out for Upper Pierce Lake and Mt. Macfarlane. This is where the scenery really opens up. Breathtaking!
Directions:
From Highway 1, take the "119 Sardis" exit, turn left at the Chilliwack Lake sign (4-way stop at the bridge), and drive about 22 km to a turn off on the right. A good gravel road takes you to a gate and sign. The trailhead is about 2 and a half switchbacks up the gated road.
ByPosted By: geoffvl
- Mon Jan 26 13:07:47 EST 2009
UpsideAwesome Hike. Gorgeous scenery.
DownsideHard hike for the average hiker. Not much camping room at the lower lake.
CommentWent up with 3 friends. It was really tough on 3 of us who didn't hike too much. But my one friend was in top shape and didn't seem to have a problem with the steep trail. The trail never lets you have a break. Just keeps going up and up. But in the end it's really worth it.
ByPosted By: treeinbc
- Mon Oct 16 14:05:02 EDT 2006
UpsideBeautiful lake! Mountain goats!
DownsideGarbage, garbage and more garbage. Firing range can be heard all the way up.
CommentJust did this hike for the first time to upper lake in 6 hours with fully loaded pack. (stopped for lunch on the way). The peak would be about 45 minutes from the upper lake.
Camped at upper lake and it snowed over night with a white-out on the peak so did not make it to the peak but the upper lake and area is well worth it. The area is just beautiful with lots to see and do including mountain goats. DON'T bother even stopping at the first lake. Garbage, broken beer bottles, toilet paper everywhere. THANKFULLY these idiots don't make it to the upper lake so it is pristine. There are 2 wooden pads (we used to camp on) that distract from the landscape but otherwise this upper lake and area is well respected.
I meet hikers on the way up that had done the hike to the peak in a day hike. A fit hiker could get the the peak with a day pack in probably 4.5 hours. It's all uphill so going down would take about 3.5 hours or less.
ByPosted By: moken
- Tue Apr 27 15:04:09 EDT 2004
Not Rated
UpsideSwimming in the upper lake is cold but exhilarating. View of Mt. Slesse (from peak)
DownsideWith a heavy pack, be prepared for a gruelling hike and no real good views until near lower Pierce Lake.
CommentThe trail is more steep than it is precarious. For the most part the trail is wide up until the lower lake is reached. The time to Lower Pierce Lake (even with heavy packs) can easily be done in 3-6 hours if you're in good shape. Beginners might take 5-10 hours to reach the lower lake. Best to camp at the lower lake or meadow just after it, and then hike to peak without packs. The time from the upper lake to the peak (without packs) only takes about 1 hour each way. The hike to peak possibly could be a day trip if you have light pack with bare essentials.
ByPosted By: iamcanjim
- Mon Nov 17 01:39:33 EST 2003
UpsideBeautiful lake, trail in good condition.
DownsideSteep, and long. No views for many hours.
CommentNot reccomended for beginners.
Posted By: geoffvl
