Trail Map
| Distance | Elevation | Time | Type | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17.1 km | 713 m | 8 h | out and back | hard |
Where to Stay (Before It’s Fully Booked)
1. Key Tips For Watersprite Lake
- Plan around the sun. Most of the lake is shaded past 4:30, even in the peak of summer, so get there early if you want to swim in the sunshine
- Getting to the trailhead is the biggest challenge. The road might test your vehicle more than the trail will test your legs. Bring a reliable 4x4 or an AWD you don't mind risking damage to.
- A camping permit is required. You need to book your camping permit ahead of time, and all the tent pads are pre-assigned.
- Don't miss the iconic swim spot. When you reach the end of the hike, you will face 3 paths and can go to the outhouse, the lake, or the camp. We recommend that exact order. The path down to the lake takes you to the iconic spot where the lake looks out to the dramatic peaks. Have your swim here. It's still another 30 minutes to the campsite. You can access the lake and swim near camp, but it's more fun with the iconic view.
2. Why Hike to Watersprite Lake
You’ll pass through a quiet forest, pick your way over boulders, and step out to a pristine alpine lake backed by a glacier. The water’s so clear you can see the rocks on the bottom, and so clean that it's the perfect way to cool off post-hike. It feels like you walked into a remote Patagonia ad, but the trailhead is just 45 minutes from Squamish, so it's actually an easy day trip or camping weekend.
Watersprite Lake is a great option for someone looking to expand their hiking comfort zone. It's not an easy hike, and it's not luxury glamping at the top. But it is well taken care of, BC backcountry.
The hike is a moderate to challenging route that climbs ~715 meters over 8.5 km each way. Expect 4 to 5 hours up and 3 to 4 down. If you're a decent hiker, you should have no issue with this. The real talk of the town at the campsite each night isn't about the trail, it's “What car did you take to the trailhead?” (More on the crazy roads later)
3. Do I Need A Permit to Hike to Watersprite Lake
- Camping: Yes. You will need to book a backcountry camping permit through the BC Mountaineering Club. It is around $20 CAD. The site sells out consistently throughout July and August. Book well in advance (you can start booking 60 days before your intended visit), especially if you're trying to get a spot on the weekend in the summer. The hut at the lake can also be booked through the BCMC. It $300 CAD per night, or $200 during mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday). The hut accommodates 8, so with a group it's pretty affordable.
- Day Hike: No. Day hikers don't need anything but a parking spot.
4. How to Get to the Watersprite Lake Trailhead
Where is the Trailhead
The trailhead is about an hour outside of Squamish, BC or two hours from Vancouver. You will turn onto the Mamquam River Service Road just before entering the town of Squamish, and you will need to follow it for about 20 KM before reaching the parking lot for the trailhead.
Road Conditions
The drive itself was the big conversation at the top. Some people were waiting to do the hike until they could borrow a friend's jeep, some risked it with an old Subaru, but everyone had a story.
It is unpaved, starting just a few feet from the highway. The first 5 km are really nice and even gravel roads, then there start to be some steeper sections, stretches with dozens of massive potholes, and narrow bridges. It honestly gets worse and worse as you go. You can do the first 10 km in almost any vehicle. We’ve seen old vans and little Mazdas out that far plenty of times, but the last few km leading up to the trailhead are ROUGH.
We were bouncing all over our seats and just praying that all the sounds our car was making were normal. We felt so lucky to have made it (we were in a 4x4 Rav4). But somehow there was a Tesla already in the parking lot- so I guess anything is possible? We would recommend only driving this road in an all-wheel-drive vehicle that you’re not too stressed about damaging. Regular cars should not attempt.
Parking
It's a small lot, but there is lots of space to maneuver and turn around. No marked spots, so if it's really full, you can usually find a creative place to park. There is also an outhouse right near the parking lot if you want to shed a little more weight before you start.
5. Hiking to Watersprite Lake
Time: Expect 4 to 5 hours going up and 3 to 4 coming down. It could be less than 4 going up without camp gear if you're speedy.
Terrain: The first 4 km are a gradual, narrow forest path. Not much to see. Halfway, the climb gets steeper and the views start opening up into the Squamish Valley. The last 1.5 km are the real test: two major rockfall sections.
- First rockfall: tricky footing and easy to lose the trail markers.
- Second rockfall: just before the lake, a steep 45% grade over big boulders. Brutal with a full pack.
6. Camping at Watersprite Lake
Booking a Tent Pad
Reservations are required year-round through the BC Mountaineering Club. Limited spots. Summer fills months in advance, but keep an eye out, and you can probably catch a cancellation.
Camping Infrastructure
- Pre-assigned, clearly labeled wooden tent pads and a few gravel spots.
- Bear-proof storage lockers.
- Outhouse close to camp.
- No fires allowed.
We stayed at pad #8, one of the closest to the outhouse. All pads are within a 10-minute walk of the water, though none are truly lakefront.
What to Do At The Watersprite Lake Campsite
Bring a book or a card game, or a friend who makes good conversation. The lake is great for swimming and for looking at, but it shades over pretty early in the day. You will want to arrive by 3 PM to get a swim in while there is still sun, but that leaves you lots of time to kill at camp. There is another little walk/hike you can do from the campsite, but we didn't check it out because our legs had had enough for the day.
Campsite Vibes
The tent pads are all close together. Stretching in a zig-zag line from the lake. The lack of privacy creates a more social atmosphere than other BC sites. We got chatting with some of our neighbours, and it was a great time.
What to Pack
- Warm layers. The alpine nights get chilly even in July.
- Bug spray. Mosquitoes are around, but not unbearable.
- Water filter or Tabs. There are two running streams near the camp.
- Bear spray. The lake is in bear country, and there is 1 local bear who frequents the campsite.
7. When to Visit Watersprite Lake
- Summer (July to September): Best weather, snow-free, longer days.
- Fall: Quieter, crisp air, golden colours.
- Spring/Winter: Only for experienced hikers. Serious avalanche risk and deep snow.
Even in the peak summer, a good chunk of the lake is shaded by 4:30, even though the sun won't set for at least 5 more hours. If you want to swim in the sun, aim to arrive earlier in the day, or camp and swim in the morning.
8. Where to Stay Near Watersprite Lake
If you're not camping at the lake, base yourself in Squamish. Our go-to hotel for a basic stay is the August Jack Inn. The location is perfect and it's clean, but there isn't much in terms of amenities. If you're looking for more luxury hotel options, consider staying 40 minutes up the highway in Whistler.
You can compare all the major hotels in the area here.
- Camping: There is no shortage of camping options in and around Squamish. The top pick to pair with Watersprite is Raffuse Creek Recreational Area. This is a free rec site about halfway back to Squamish on the Mamquam. From the parking lot, go down the trail to the right past the outhouse. Within 2 minutes, you’ll come across 7 or 8 awesome tent spots right on the river. These are also some other popular front country camping options: Alice Lake Campgrounds, Levette Lake Rec Site, Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground
Final Thoughts
Watersprite Lake offers a great payoff for a short but challenging trail. Honestly, the road might test your vehicle as much as the trail tests your legs. Respect the area, pack out what you pack in, and book ahead if camping.
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