Cheakamus Lake
Date: June 23rd 2026
Distance:
14.5 km, 447m elevation gain round trip
9 miles round trip with 1467ft elevation gain
The trail to Cheakamus Lake is one of the best in the area. I cannot think of any other hike in BC that is so flat and rewards you with an alpine lake view.
A day pass is required and a Park Operator checks permits at the trailhead. Permits are free and can be obtained here: https://reserve.bcparks.ca/dayuse/registration
The first campsite, Cheakamus Lake Campground, is about a one hour walk through the forest.
The views at this camp are beautiful. There is a bear locker and toilet here as well. Be sure to put everything with a scent in the bear locker including: toothpaste, sunscreen, food dehydrated or not, and cooking supplies. Bears are active in this area.
The camp tent pads at Cheakamus Lake Campground are definitely not up to Leave No Trace standards. Leave No Trace recommends camping at least 200 feet from water to minimize impact. The camp tent pads here are right on the water. This makes for an epic camp, but not good from a Leave No Trace point of view.
The next camp, Singing Creek, is another couple kilometres away and more forested.
Both camps require overnight permits.
I ended up hiking here two weeks in a row because it is so nice to walk on a flat trail and take in the breathtaking lake.
The water was warm enough to swim in, but if you do decide to swim try to wipe yourself down of any bug spray or sunscreen before entering. Studies have shown these products can produce algae blooms in alpine lakes. Plus it is the drinking source for backcountry campers.
