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Tam McTavish

The main photo shows people camping illegally. Not only are they within 50m of freshwater ( illegal absolutely everywhere in BC), but they are not in designated tent pads. There are not enough tent pads for the amount of people that show up. If you aren't able to book a site, be prepared to keep walking to the Red Army Campsite further up the valley. For more information I recommend a proper guidebook. 105 Hikes, Scrambles in SW BC have the best information and are written by genuine authors, not hapless influencers.

http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/ParksPublications/LynnHeadwatersParkMap.pdf http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/parks/parks-greenways-reserves/lynn-headwaters-regional-park

Good comment found elsewhere on why ~4000 people/day on a sunny weekend (using historical data, which makes this conservative as most trails saw a 1.2 to 2.5X increase in usage during COVID) ~12 hours of peak hiking 4000/12 = ~333 people/hour But more people go near lunch, so ~400 people/hour at peak time 1800m trail one-way 1800/400 = 4.5 meters between each person That's assuming everyone is equally spread out, which it's not. Quarry Rock also has many boardwalk and bridge structures, which would only permit 1~2 ft between passing people They built these structures because surface runoff from the mountain above and too many people destroying vegetation through trail use and braiding was leading to significant erosion. Having people go off the trail to distance 6ft would lead to significant vegetation destruction, surface soil hardening, erosion, and undermining the foundation of those newly built boardwalk structures. In the past, they limited the number of people on the trail and on the rock itself (70 on the trail/rock). They also saw an emergency call-out every ~3 days during the summer. The closure was likely apart of consultation with Vancouver Coastal Health, DNV Fire/Police, and North Shore Search and Rescue. Even if they kept the trail open, it is likely that the Provincial Health Office would have ordered the trail closed like it did for Whistler. The risk of getting COVID when passing someone on a 6ft sidewalk, while 3~4ft from each other while both are breathing lightly is low. The risk of getting COVID when passing hundreds of people while 1~2ft from each other while most are breathing heavy is high.

Important Update. Until further notice the Cerise Creek area is closed. Two Large landslides have wiped out large sections of trail. There is also risk of further slides. BC Parks has closed the area. For updates visit the Nlhaxen Cosnervancy Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/cnsrvncy/nlhaxten-cerise-crk/

Important Update. Until further notice the Cerise Creek area is closed. Two Large landslides have wiped out large sections of trail. There is also risk of further slides. BC Parks has closed the area. For updates visit the Nlhaxen Cosnervancy Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/cnsrvncy/nlhaxten-cerise-crk/

Please be advised... using firewood outside of the hut is absolutely not permitted. Bonfires have become common, and should be shut down Immediately. Even in winter they are dangerous, wasteful, and deprive future users of wood. And when it goes people have been chopping down trees (illegally) for firewood. Please respect this work, effort and the memory of Keith and use sparingly. Also, be warned this hut is often extremely busy on weekends. Coming prepared to camp outside, in a snowcave, or tent is highly recommended. Also, this hut is used primarily by backcountry enthusiasts. They are often getting up early to chase objectives in the local mountains. This was the original purpose of the hut. If you're coming up for a party make sure to wrapped up by 10pm. Update 2019 Important Update. Until further notice the Cerise Creek area is closed. Two Large landslides have wiped out large sections of trail. There is also risk of further slides. BC Parks has closed the area. For updates visit the Nlhaxen Cosnervancy Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/cnsrvncy/nlhaxten-cerise-crk/

Important Update. Until further notice the Cerise Creek area is closed. Two Large landslides have wiped out large sections of trail. There is also risk of further slides. BC Parks has closed the area. For updates visit the Nlhaxen Cosnervancy Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/cnsrvncy/nlhaxten-cerise-crk/

As the review mentions it's easy to shower people bellow in scree. While you can be polite, the only way to prevent injuries from inconsiderate folk above is by wearing a helmet. Rentals are available at Wilson's in Lake Louise and Gear Up in Canmore.

This up Slalok is listed as "difficult". It involves fairly steep and exposed scrambling that requires a fair bit of off trail route finding. It is also plenty steep enough to have a great deal of rockfall. Climbing helmets should be considered essential. You will want to have done a few other scrambles prior to tackling this one. Tszil and Weart are good primers for this. There is also significant avalanche risk on this route in the right conditions. In 2018 a BCMC mountaineering course was nearly hit by a class 3 in the area. Thankfully it was moving slowly and only a few packs were swallowed. The author mentions "glaciers walks to cool down". Well into late summer there are crevasses on all the surrounding glaciers and they will quickly swallow any unprepared individuals up. If you do not have the appropriate crevasse rescue equipment and training avoid going on any major snowfields. To be frank this is write up is negligent and clearly written by people without sufficient experience to make recommendations to others and should be taken removed by the admins.

In 2015 someone was killed on this mountain. It requires at bare minimum AST 1 to travel here. It is highly recommended that the group leader have AST 2.

This is a superb traverse. The one star is a for the adventure which is negligent, irresponsible, and dangerous. This answer represents everything that is wrong with sourcing your information from the internet. Crevasse rescue equipment and training is essential for all members of the group White out navigation skills are essential. AST 2 is required for at least one member of the group, ideally two. ATES: Complex Even in deep snow years this route passes near enough to crevasses, and over glaciers warranting both training, and at minimum a leader with multiple years of ski mountaineering experience. Secondly this is exceedingly complex avalanche terrain and it is common to get half way and have to turn around because of conditions. It is not a walk in the park. People have died on this route.

Endless buses, screaming and shouting, rumbling engines.... just about the furthest thing from a wilderness setting one could hope. It's a circus, and definitely not worth seeing where there are hundreds of places to get the same view if you don't mind leaving your vehicle behind.

If you are looking for peace quite and backcountry camping experience this is not the place to go. Even on week days competing bluetooth speakers, litter and talking well past dark are the norm. Many folk can be excused for being newer to the outdoor scene. With that said it's remarkable how those forcing their taste on music upon the rest feel it's impolite when asked to reduce volume... Also, this is one of the worst sites I've been to for litter. Highly recommend bringing a proper garbage bag to help reduce the steadily accumulating waste. This answer recommends crossing the glacier stream if campsites are not free. I would recommend against this as camping outside of designated sites in a Provincial Park is illegal and can result in a hefty fine. It's also terrible Leave No Trace ethics.

Did this on Skis in the early season. Mediocre trip with marginal turns. Not worth coming back for. Nice views, and would make a far better snowshoe trip. With that said.... a bit of a rant. The writer fails to mention there is a great deal of potential avalanche slopes on and around this area. Without a trail, even experienced hikers, not trained for winter conditions, could very quickly get themselves in trouble. Without and AST 1, (and ideally 2) avalanche beacon, probe and shovel, a avalanche.ca forecast is useless. People have been killed on green/green/green days. Avalanche.ca has lot's of great resources in their learn tab for more information.

Excellent scramble with some quality climbing. Lot's of loose rock though. Sure glad I brought a helmet. We linked it up with Mt. Whyte which added a lot of fun.

The West Lion is an awesome Scramble with some excellent exposure and multiple options for routes. The rock is excellent quality and the views are stunning. A couple notes though; 1) Having Matt Gunn's Guidebook is highly recommended as the 2) The Pink paint visible on the South Western Face are a harder route. It's lot's of fun, but it's mostly fifth class terrain, and not suitable for people newer to scrambling. Unfortunately this is the more obvious marker. There is some great advice in Matt Gunn's book on how to ensure the correct route is taken. 3) I saw a couple rocks fall while I was on the lion, but I was the only one wearing a helmet. And that was without people above me disturbing them. I also witnessed people knocking rocks loose and neglecting to call it out. Really bad ettiquette. A rock hitting here would have catastrophic consequences considering the exposure.

A great trail that isn't too long, and isn't too short. It's a moderately steep uptrack, less than the Grouse Grind. You get a brief relief from the steepness on the ridge, surround by huge trees, then it's a quick, very simple scramble through a rock band and some steep but short trails that take you to the top. All in all and excellent hike close to Vancouver that is a perfect escape from the city. In fact standing on the summit you wouldn't even know it's there.

Well marked trail, lot's of people, but possibly one of the best entry level hikes to do near Vancouver

The chief is a superb hike. I'd definitely recommend it, though perhaps not as first hike in the area. It's a good way to go if you want a slightly wilder version of the grouse grind. On bright days it tends to be busy, but it can be great fun in the rain, when it gets peaceful, and you get to watch the drama of the clouds play out through the rocks. As for climbing the chief, it's a phenomenal experience. The climbs are busy, but instant classics. Nothing compares to moving your way above the valley, getting ever higher.

Quick and easy trail that improves dramatically once you leave the ski hill behind. The views are terrific and the further you go the better it gets. It's another one that gets pretty busy though.

Great for a lovely wander if you don't have the time to escape the city. The trails are lovely, and the beaches spectacular. It's an excellent picnic location too. But it tends to be pretty packed. Don't expect a quiet serene rainforest, it's more of a friendly urban abnormality.

I've done Joffre a couple years ago, but when I went up recently I was shocked to see an overflowing parking lot. The trail made the SeaWall in Vancouver look slow. The views are stunning, but the crowds for so thick, and the endless "hammock" instagramers kinda got on my nerves. As someone who goes on hikes for the piece and quite and authenticity I wasn't keen on this area. I'm glad so many others derive so much joy from it though. I'd happily sacrifice this spot to the crowds to save the many other locations nearby.

Definitely a classic. Lot's of fun with some terrific scrambling. Unlike most scrambles in the Rockies it's not hours of scree bashing with ten minutes of actual scramble. One distressing trend though is the amount of people going up with inadequate footwear, and no helmets, or are carrying ice axes, but no helmets, and clearly no training in how to use an ice axe. Still it's a fantastic route, and a great scramble for people looking to challenge themselves more.

The Abbot Ass hut is definitely spectacular, but the approach to the hut starts pleasantly and then turns into a pretty horrendous scree slog. Start early to avoid being stuck beneath inexperienced parties that drop a lot of rocks. Helmets are essential. The hut itself is beautiful, perched in the most unlikely spot. But after about ten minutes you realize there isn't really anything to do but admire the views. It's great for a lunch stop, and novelty factor, but it gets tedious if you stay the night and aren't climbing Lefroy or Victoria. Good day trip. But not worth the money or time for an overnight. Better off getting an extra day of hiking around O'hara.