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Twin Lakes - Melvin Divide

Twin Lakes - Melvin Divide near Pemberton, BC

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This trail was given a rating of 5 out of 5 stars

20 kms
8hours
moderate
Hiking, Mountain Biking
Fall, Summer
Pemberton, BC

mountaingirl

LARGER MAP

The trailhead is relatively easy to find at 16 km. There are a few pullouts where you can park and organize your gear. The trail ascends steadily through a forested area for about 5 km before coming out into the U shaped Barkley Valley. Just past the old cabin site, there is a new hut built by the Cayoosh Recreation Club. It's in nice shape with a wood stove and room to sleep about 4.

After the hut, the trail then starts heading up again, following the creek, switching back 10 times (on a nice, wide trail). Two can walk abreast most of the way up to a couple of alpine lakes (Twin Lakes).

The nice wide trail ends just before you reach the lakes. The trail (such that it is at this point) goes around the west side of the first lake. Then you're pretty much on your own as you scramble over some rocks up to the next lake. Both times I have been here, in June and August, it has been pretty chilly by the time we got up to this point so bring appropriate clothing. Coming over the last ridge you see the most beautiful valley below, with a river winding through it, surrounded by many peaks and ridges. There is a sapphire blue lake hidden below the peaks to the east. Just hike down a little further to see it. This is a great spot to camp, as from here you can explore the surrounding area. There is a small stream coming down from the ridge so water is available.

There is plenty of opportunity for exploration in the surrounding peaks and ridges from here. The western ridge is significantly easier to access than the eastern one. Both offer spectacular views. The eastern one looks down into the Melvin Creek Valley. You can see forever. It's really something!

Directions:

From Vancouver, take Hwy 99 up through Pemberton to Mount Currie. Then take the Pemberton D'Arcy Road towards Birkenhead Park. About 2/3 of the way between Birken and D'Arcy there's a turn off to "Devine". Take this right, then your second right onto the Haylmore Creek Forest Service Road. Follow this road 16 km to the trailhead which will be on your left. The road is in good shape and a car can manage it although the last hill is a little steep and you may have to lighten the load a little to make it up.

By Posted By: mamamadu - Mon Jun 15 13:52:16 EDT 2009 Not Rated Question Taking Kids June 2009I am taking my boys (5 and 7) on this hike at the end of June, we are hoping to stay for one night. Any tips, ideas or warnings?

By Posted By: trailpeak - Mon Jun 30 12:16:39 EDT 2008 Not Rated Question Snow up at Melvin Divide or Duffy areaAnyone know about the snow pack on either side of the divide (Melvin Divide) or off Duffy lake road, hoping to do a hike in this area in July 10 timeframe.

By Posted By: vbeliak - Tue Jul 31 18:00:02 EDT 2007 Not Rated Comment There is a washout in the 16km forest road at 8.4km, so you will need a 4x4 or you'll have to walk. Unfortunately, I didn't know that when I had to turn back this Saturday. But lots of other great outdoor stuff to experience in the area!

By Posted By: happy wanderer - Mon Jan 08 21:33:45 EST 2007 Upside Wonderful scenery and few other people. Downside Nothing Comment We had snow here at the end of August, so be prepared for any weather.

By Posted By: trailpeak - Thu Aug 31 22:52:40 EDT 2006 Upside relatively easy hike given you can drive 16km up the logging road -- however we opted to bike up from 4km point, a grunt, as we feared washouts. There were none, road in excellent condition as of Aug 27 06, however there is one steep section a 2 wheel drive could require the occupants to get out for. Not rough, just steep. Downside If you bike it, it's a grunt -- however it is one of the few epics you could actually use a bike on to reach the alpine. Comment Biking down took all of 1 hour -- worth it. We biked to the cabin, which is 5km in from where most people start hiking. We hiked to the twin lakes, not far from, the cabin -- although the 10 switchbacks that you take get you into some seriously sloping land, everuything is on an angle at that point. Alpine meadows were in fine shape at higher elevations, and, marmots were singing, no Grizzlies in sight -- one of the finest hikes (and bikes) I've ever done, given it's relative pristine condition and no crowds.

By Posted By: mutt - Mon Jul 07 18:00:02 EDT 2003 Upside Everything - easy hike, spectacular scenery, secluded (on a gorgeous July weekend we had it all to oursleves for the night). The scenery was so spectacular that what would otherwise be a dull road walk became an incredible visual feast. Downside Occasional ATV and dirtbike traffic below the lake (but they are very polite and friendly). Comment Perfumes from the meadows are intoxicating and the abundant butterflies on the trail make it feel like fairie land.

On the logging road keep right at all major forks (there is currently a live logging operation to go through and it can get a touch confusing if you take the wrong road).

If you can swing the time, take at least 3 days so you can go exploring.