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Joffre Lakes - Distance : 11 km. Elevation gain : 400 m. Time : 5-6 hrs. High point :
1st. lake = 1240 m. 2nd. lake
= 1535 m. 3rd. lake 1600 m. This trail will take you to three
beautiful turquoise , glacial lakes and a great view
of the Matier Glacier . I feel this is
every bit as beautiful as Banff or Jasper Alberta . It is however , a long
drive from
Vancouver so start early . Drive to Pemberton & continue to Mount Currie . Turn east
on the Duffey
Lake Road and drive 23 km. to the Joffery Lakes Recreation Area .
There is a huge parking lot just off of the main
road . The 1st. lake is in view within 10
min. This just teases you for more . I found the trail fairly busy and muddy
due to some
recent rains . At the 30 min. mark there is a large boulder field which could cause some
problems
for young kids . I did see a little girl about 7yrs. old moving through it like a
bandit , but care should be taken
here if the rocks are wet . It is a steady climb up , past
the rock slide to the second lake . The second lake is
a nice spot to stop for a break .
You will have a clear view of the glacier and a sandy beach . The trail works it's
way
around the east side of the lake to the far end . At the far end of the second lake you
climb up a gully ,
past a water fall and on to the last lake . This last little climb is a real
aerobic work out but the end is near .
The trail soon levels out & you get your first view
of the last lake . There is a number of small camping sites
at the base of the glacier .
This would let you make a base camp to do further exploring of the glacier . After all
that's why you came here in the first place isn't it ? The day I was ther I saw a group of
teenagers at the base
of the ice fall .One of the party stayed behind to go swimming in
the lake ( brave soul ) . He informed me the trip
to the ice fall takes 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. If you
want to get your buddies hooked on hiking this is the one to do it ! Rating
2 1/2 View
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