Hike to Tasty Lake

To Needle PeakTotal Distance: 13.0 km (return)Estimated Time: 4 - 7 hoursAverage Grade: 13.6%Structure: Linear - ReturnElevation Gain: 882 mStart Elevation: 1210 mMax Elevation: 2092 m

To Small LakeTotal Distance: 13.0 km (return)Estimated Time: 4 - 6 hoursAverage Grade: 8.9%Structure: Linear - ReturnElevation Gain: 580 mStart Elevation: 1210 mMax Elevation: 1790 m

Starting from the parking area along the pipeline service road, follow the rough road west (back towards Hope)that is below the the highway maintenece yard and cross over a small creek. Immediately after the creek, look for the signed trailhead on your left. The trail begins to make its ascent to the top of of the ridge and continues along steep, short switchbacks assisting in the climb uphill. Continue along the ridge as the trees begins to thin out and the trail becomes more rocky in nature. You will arrive at the most southern end of the ridge. From here you have two choices, continue along the main trail as it curves left at the end of the ridge and begins climbing among boulders towards the summit of Needle Peak. Caution; the last part of the trail requires a steep scramble to the summit. Alternately, on the right hand side look for a trail at the end of the ridge in the opposite direction of Needle Peak. This lesser-known trail leads down from the ridge and makes an easier climb up to a small alpine lake also known to the locals as "Tasty Lake". The trail is fairly easy and has no technical climbing. It's only 1.2 km before you reach the small lake, hidden away on the side of Flatiron Mountain. There are some nice flat areas along the lake suitable for back country camping. The summit of Flatiron Mountain can be reached by scrambling up the rocky hillside above the lake. Although there is no trail past the lake, the route to Flatiron's summit is not technical. The top of the mountain is adorned with a large, black communications tower.

Directions: Drive north from Hope on Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway) to the Zopkios Ridge rest area (exit #217). Instead of turning under the highway towards the rest area, turn right as though you're heading towards the nearby highway maintenance shed. Look for a small gravel pipe-line service road on your right and park alongside it. The trailhead is off of the pipeline service road, immediately after the small creek next to where you parked. During the winter months, park at the Zopkios Ridge rest area on the west side of the highway and walk through the underpass tunnel.