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BC Coast :: Squamish to Whistler :: Coin Lake

GPS Track

Outlet of Coin Lake looking west towards Pokosha divide and sub-peak of Mt. Jimmy Jimmy

February 21, 2015

Exploratory trip leading to rarely visited lake on north end of Tantalus range.  Approach is on network of forest service roads in Ashlu creek valley, followed by BCMC maintained trail up Pokosha drainage.  High-clearance vehicle will cut ~3km (each way). Steep forested slopes without trail must be ascended to the lake; there is occasional flagging but GPS will aid navigation considerably. Coin Lake plateau is very scenic and offers outstanding views SE towards Sigurd peak area including unusual angles of Ossa (BC Scrambles Book) and Pellion.  Much exploration in alpine above the lake is possible, including ascent of Coin Peak (towering directly above the lake). Major mountaineering objective is Mt. Jimmy-Jimmy; entire route can be readily studied from Pokosha divide above the lake.  Coin Lake has largely stayed off the radar - expect complete solitude with real sense of adventure.  This is not the trip for anyone requiring established trails; good orienteering and route-finding skills are essential.

Access is via Ashlu River Road branching of Squamish Valley Road. Branch off left on A600 and reach 2WD parking some 15 minutes from last bridge over Ashlu River. Fast walk for about 20 minutes leads to A-610 branch. 4WD parking is about 1km uphill.  Steady walk for 45min to an hour leads to canyon and large alder slide.  Elevation here is ~900m. At far end of the slide leave trail and head up following occasional flags. Higher up angle left and cross open slopes, then finish ascending steep semi-forested ramp to SE end of Coin Basin just above 1400m

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