Tenquille Lake

Tenquille Lake is the perfect spot to head from Vancouver if you have the time for a long drive and are looking for a people-less adventure. 

The hike is a manageable 24km round trip with a 1,000m elevation gain that takes you through wildflower meadows, lush forest, and past some stunning views of the Pemberton Valley. You will likely see few other hikers on the trail and possibly a couple of mountain bikers headed up. Once you reach the top, there is an insanely beautiful hut to overnight or have lunch in. Please be respectful of this new lodge and make sure to leave it cleaner than when you came. Once finished lunch, head to the lake for a little dip and then head back down this out-and-back trail! Don't forget this is grizzly country - make lots of noise on the trail and carry the necessary precautionary items (ie bear spray) with you. 

Tenquille Lake also makes a great base camp for further exploration as there are several summit scrambles in the area such as Mount Barbour, Sun God Mountain, and the multi-day Chain Lakes-Tenquille Traverse.

 Please note, there are a few ways to get to this trail. We took the Hurley FSR Route which requires a high clearance (4x4 is helpful) vehicle: 

- The best access trail is from the Hurley FSR , known as the Branch 12 trail. 
- The second most used trail is a long slog uphill, via the trail from Lillooet River to Tenquille Lake (Pemberton Meadows). 

NOTE:
New regulations prohibit dogs (and bikes) on the trails and at the lake. This is to reduce human & wildlife conflict and damage to vegetation. The Tenquille Lake area is within a protected grizzly bear habitat area.

Reservations are required for the hut and campground, this can be done online. Information & bookings can be made here: Tenquille Lake Cabin | Pemberton Wildlife Association

Directions for the Hurley FSR Route: 
Drive from Vancouver to Pemberton. Take the Pemberton Meadows Road all the way until you hit the Lilloet Forest Service Road on your right hand side. This road will cross the bridge over the river and you might see some cars parked at the bottom of the bridge. If you don't have a 4x4 high clearance, this is the trailhead to the lake (note this will double your distance and triple your elevation gain). Keep going down the road (about 8km) until you hit the Hurley FSR. This is a steep, bumpy road that will take you up to branch 12 (there are signs). Once you find Branch 12, get ready for an even bumpier, narrower, steeper ride up to the trailhead.