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BC Coast :: Squamish to Whistler :: Rainbow Lake

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Rainbow Lake from bridge over outlet on east side

February 28, 2015

Popular outing up 21 Mile creek valley on west side of Whistler Townsite that can be done as summer day trip, backpack or winter snowshoe. Pretty lake at base of Rainbow Mountain in situated in very scenic surroundings. Attractive option is circumventing the lake on north side, then hiking up to the ridge on Whistler / Callaghan divide for great views of Hanging lake (campground) and many distant snow-caped peaks.   Standard scrambling route up Rainbow mountain, described in BC Scrambles guidebook, can also be studied from there.  Many options for further exploration exist; equally attractive is just to spend few hours snoozing in the meadows by lake shoreline.  Return is the same way, but with 2 vehicles 1-way crossover to Callaghan valley can also be done.

Trailhead is at Alta Lake road, few minutes past Whistler cemetery. Follow markers and signs at initial couple of junctions, then settle for steady slog up old forest road.  Past wooden fence some 40 mins into the hike road reverts to trail and starts steady ascent up 21 Mile creek valley. First bridge is crossed just past an hour mark, followed by swamped meadows. Wooden planks help here, but expect muddy boots .  Gin and Tonic bridge, removed in winter, is reached near 2 hour mark. Final ascent to the lake is more steep, but not long;  trail continues along the north side of the lake. Whistler / Callaghan divide can be reached in about 30-40 minutes from bridge at Rainbow Lake outlet.

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