Last Updated on June 23, 2022
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park is a beautiful day-use park situated in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, in Pemberton, BC. The park provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley, as well as a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors. Camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and canoeing are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed in the park. In addition to its natural beauty, Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, deer, eagles, and ospreys. With so much to see and do, Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park is an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer vacation.
Goat Lookout Trail
Located in Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park, Goat Lookout Trail is a moderate hike that rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lake. The trailhead is easily accessible right off the campground area at Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park making it a popular choice for families with young children. At just under 2 kilometers in length, the trail is also suitable for those looking for a shorter hike. The first portion of the trail winds through the forest before opening up to a rocky outcrop with stunning views of Birkenhead Lake and Mt John Decker, where you can view mountain goats. Visitors can continue onwards to Goat Mountain, or turn back at any time for a shorter hike. Regardless of how far you choose to go, Goat Lookout Trail is sure to leave you with lasting memories of your time in Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park.
There were steep cliffs, so make sure kids stick with you at all times. Also, be bear aware. You may not run into any bears, but always take the necessary precautions because when you are in bear country, you never know!
A Peaceful Trail
There is nothing quite like a peaceful stroll through the woods. The fresh air and tranquility of nature can be a refreshing change of pace from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Though the campsites were full, there were very few people on the trail. It was nice to be in nature together without the big crowds you can run into on the popular trails closer to Vancouver.
Related Story – Sunny Days Swimming At Birkenhead Lake
Additional Pemberton River Valley Hikes
Other notable hikes within the Pemberton River Valley include:
One Mile Lake Loop – Just outside the village of Pemberton, this short 1.45-kilometer trek around the lake is wheelchair accessible. Washrooms are also available at One Mile Lake.
Lumpy’s Epic Trail – The 9km loop is actually a mountain bike course, but hikers and mountain runners have used it to access the top of Signal Hill Mountain in recent years.The easy-to-reach One Mile Lake is a good starting point for this moderate excursion, with it branching off along the One Mile Lake trail.
Nairn Falls – A simple, fast 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) excursion was once part of the traditional path used by the Lil’wat Nation to access the falls and Mount Currie.
Shadow Lake Interpretive Trails – There are six kilometers of trails south of Pemberton near the Soo River, with easy access off Highway 99.
Birkenhead Lake Wildnerness Trail – The easy/moderate route begins from the parking lot on the northwest side of Birkenhead Lake and is 4 kilometers long. The trail runs along the gorgeous shoreline and through the old-growth forest to stunning views of the mountains across the lake.
Joffre Lake Provincial Park – One of the most popular trails in the area, the trail is located in the park, which is 20 kilometers north of Pemberton on Highway 99. The 10-kilometer out-and-back route to the lake is moderate. Allow for 3.5-5 hours. How long to take depends on your pace and how many stops you make for a rest or to take photos.
Each person who wants to walk on the Joffre Lake Provincial Park trails must register for a free BC Parks Day Pass. Passes are limited each day, so you may have to try a few times to get one.
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