5 Best Hikes in the Pemberton Area

This is a great time of the year to check out the hiking trails around Pemberton. Many of the alpine flowers are still in bloom due to the late warmer weather. Pemberton boasts some of the best hiking in the Coast Mountains.  Here is our list of the 5 best hikes in the area. 

Nairn Falls Hike

• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 1.5 hours
• Distance: 3km round trip
• Elevation Gain: minimal

Nairn  Falls is located just a 5 minute drive south of Pemberton, just off Highway 99. This is an easy hike and perfect for families with younger children. At the trailhead you will find a parking lot, picnic takes and the Nairn Fall Campground.  The trail follows the Green River and you will stroll through the forest. Nairn Falls is home to some very special wildlife - look out for the rubber boa snake!  This snake is the smallest of the boa constrictor family and its average length is only 45 cm (18 inches). These snakes look like big brown or grey worms, so if you are lucky enough to see one, make sure you don't disturb it.  The trail goes up to the Nairn Falls waterfall which is spectacular.

Tenquille Lake

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Time: 5 Hours (with 4WD access to trailhead)
• Distance: 12km round trip (with 4WD access to trailhead)
• Elevation Gain: 457m (1,500ft)

The hike to Tenquille Lake starts at a logging road just off the Hurley Road which is only accessible by 4WD. It is possible to start the hike at the trailhead in the bottom of the Pemberton Valley. This adds another 7km to the hike. The trail is stunning and you will hike thought beautiful alpine meadows before reaching Tenquille Lake itself. This is the perfect place to camp overnight and also see the new Tenquille Lake cabin that was built in the summer of 2011.

Joffre Lakes

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Time: 4 Hours
• Distance: 11km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 370m (1,214ft)

This is one of the best hikes in the area! You will get to see three beautiful alpine lakes on this trail.  The trailhead is very accessible, just off the Duffey Lake road and approximately 40 minutes drive north of Pemberton. The trail starts at the first lake and then gradually climbs to Middle Joffre Lake after passing through a boulder field. From the second lake, you continue climbing to the Upper Joffre Lake where you will find amazing views of Joffre Peak, Matier Glacier and Slalok Mountain.

Marriot Basin/Rohr Lake

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Time: 5 Hours for Rohr, 8 hours for Marriott
• Distance: 9km round trip to Rohr, 16 km round trip to Marriott Basin
• Elevation Gain: 370m (1,214ft)

Another stunning trail with easy access off the Duffey Lake Road. The trail starts as one, then after about 2 hours the trail forks right to Rohr Lake or left to Marriott Basin. This is a popular area for ski touring in the winter and you will find a cabin above Marriott Lake thanks to the BC Mountaineering Club.

Cerise Creek

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Time:  3.5 Hours (from the original trailhead)
• Distance: 8km round trip
• Elevation Gain: 305m (1,000ft)

Another great hike off the Duffey Lake Road.  The trail takes you to the beautiful Keith Flavelle Hut, a memorial cabin near the headwaters of Cerise Creek. "Keith's Hut", also known as the Cerise Cabin is a great welcoming rest spot, especially in colder weather. The cabin has beautiful views of Joffre Peak, Mount Matier and Vantage Peak. The Anniversary Glacier can be seen falling down towards the cabin between Joffre Peak and Mount Matier.

Are you looking for Pemberton hotel accommodation?

We offer Pemberton Hotel Suites and great amenities. Please contact our friendly staff if you have any questions about hiking in the area or would like to make a reservation.

Take a video visit to Joffre Lake Provincial Park!

Posted: Tuesday, September 13, 2011