Google Map |
BC Coast :: North of Whistler :: Semaphore Lakes |
GPS Track |
 
Terrific Semaphore Alpine with second lake just right of center. Face Peak upper left corner |
|||
| Trip Summary | |||
October 6, 2025Fair amount of hype surrounds Semaphore Lakes. When I lived on the Coast I never came here. There are 2 reasons: Driving distance from Vancouver (3.5-4 hrs 1way) and rough Lilloet/Hurley FSR for which my old low clearance car simply wasn't good enough. Eventually on a flash Whistler trip in early October '25 I decided to finally see for myself. The hype is justified; very compact alpine valley with gorgeous meadows and lakes, with plenty of room for further exploration. This initial visit was dayhike ending at bench above second Semaphore lake. In my opinion backpacking Semaphore is way better, specially if you are coming from Vancouver. BC Parks have built basic overnight facilities (food cache, outhouses - see Gallery) further justifying overnight choice. Driving is not trivial, but it is manageable. Cars might be able to make it, but I suggest something better; I found high clearance AWD beneficial. It is essential to check current Hurley conditions (road is not plowed in winter).
Drive up paved Pemberton Valley road to signed Lilloet FSR junction and turn right. Pavement soon ends by historic Tenquille Lakes trailhead. Lilloet FSR was in very rough condition, and Hurley FSR not much better for first 5-6km till last wide switchback. Parking is around km 14up of Hurley (Waypoint 0 - Hurley FSR, GPS Track download Top of Page). Small pullout holds 4 or 5 cars only, but more space is available at roadside. Trail is well defined but very muddy and gets quite rough and steep after crossing Railroad creek log bridge. It is short though - 2.5km only to first Semaphore lake - but will still take at least an hour. From here options are endless - suit your fancy. I followed well defined trail to second lake and beyond to start of Locomotive scramble route which looked like reasonable turnaround point.
While I don't live on the Coast anymore, I foresee return to Semaphore Lakes, and exploring Locomotive/Tender/Faceless/Face high alpine route. Should that happen I will update this page with all the logistics and more photos. |
|
Gallery |
|||
 Hurley Trailhead
BC Parks Trail Kiosk and Outhouse at Semaphore Lakes trailhead |
|||
 Railroad Creek
Wood bridge across Railroad Creek few minutes below Trailhead |
|||
 Rough Trail
Moderately steep but rough trail with rocks and roots in trailbed ascends Railroad Creek north side |
|||
 Subalpine Meadow
Crossing lovely subalpine meadow ~45min from parking; ascent resumes on the other side |
|||
 |
|||
 First Semaphore Lake
Panorama of lower Semaphore lake; camping area is on the other side roughly center of photo |
|||
 Lower Semaphore Lake
Looking back to First Semaphore lake as trail rises towards Second Lake |
|||
 Camping Facilities
After years of neglect BC Parks have built rudimentary camping facilities in order to prevent further destruction of sensitive Alpine habitat |
|||
 Bear Cache
Bear Food cache by Second Semaphore Lake. With several parties camping here, it will be fairly tight squeeze |
|||
 Second Semaphore Lake
Railroad Peak rising above Second Semaphore Lake |
|||
 Railroad Peak
Railroad Peak would be great easy extension when camping by second Semaphore Lake |
|||
 Alpine Meadow
Fantastic Alpine Meadows hiking past Second Semaphore Lake |
|||
 Tenquille Peak
Tenquille Peak emerges as trail climbs to upper Alpine bench |
|||
 Third Semaphore Lake
View of Third Semaphore Lake below Face Mountain which also has designated Camping area |
|||
 Train Waterfall
Telephoto of waterfall draining large alpine lake fed by Train Glacier |
|||
 Train Group
Train group Panorama from upper bench turnaround point. This is start of Locomotive Peak (L) scramble route. Face Peak center right |
|||
 Locomotive Reflections
Locomotive Peak reflected in calm water of lower Semaphore Lake on return |
Abstract
| Overall Difficulty | D3 | Steep and rough trail mellows approaching alpine. Trail loop scramble route much more difficult (D6) | |||
| Snow Factor | S2 | Low avalanche danger as steep approach is mostly forested. Hurley road not cleared in winter - snowmobiles only | |||
| Scenery | Fantastic compact alpine valley with meadows, lakes and waterfalls. Locomotive and Face Peaks, Train glacier | ||||
| Trail/Marking | Fair | Reasonably well defined trail with occasional flags, drifts away in the alpine | |||
| Suggested Time | 3hrs | Dayhiking to bench above second lake. Add several hours for Locomotive Peak. Overnight suggested | |||
| Elevation | Start: 1354m Max: 1750m Total: ~390m | Round Trip: ~7km | |||
| Gear | Full hiking boots, poles and gaiters. Overnight gear for backpack trips | ||||
| Water | Railroad Creek and Semaphore Lakes. No need to carry more than 0.5L at any time | ||||
| Dog Friendly | Yes | Dogs should be kept on leash (bears + other people) | |||
Semaphore Lakes GAIA Map
Semaphore Lakes Elevation Profile