Hiking Nahatlatch Lake - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Nahatlatch Lake: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

4.6 Appreciated by 23 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
8 km
Elevation
500 ft
Duration
3h15
Max altitude
1,200 ft

Explore a moderate 8 km hike to a pristine alpine lake in British Columbia's Vancouver Coast Mountains, where crystal-clear waters mirror dramatic peaks. 500 m elevation gain over 3h15 rewards you with old-growth forest and genuine wilderness solitude near Merritt.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Nahatlatch Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Nahatlatch Lake sits tucked into the Vancouver Coast Mountains of British Columbia near Pemberton, offering a genuinely rewarding wilderness experience without demanding expert-level fitness. The 8-kilometer round trip covers 500 meters of elevation gain and takes roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete — enough to feel like a real day out, but manageable for hikers with a reasonable base level of fitness.

[rest of description remains unchanged]

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Nahatlatch Lake, British Columbia, Canada
GPS coordinates
49.9800432, -121.7757412
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The nahatlatch lake is located in British Columbia. To get to the start of the trails, take Highway 1 to Exit 135 for Merritt. Take the exit and turn left onto Voght Street. Turn right onto Quilchena Avenue and continue onto nahatlatch lake Road. The trailhead will be on the right.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
49.9800432, -121.7757412
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.6
8 Reviews
D
David
Aug 18, 2025
A suitable family hike for older children, with the consistent elevation gain keeping teenagers engaged without excessive difficulty. The lake area offers excellent picnic opportunities and wildlife viewing, including marmots near rocky sections. The organized paid parking system demonstrates commitment to area preservation. Water remains cold even during summer months, so swimming requires courage and proper preparation.
D
David
Jul 8, 2025
Perfect family-friendly hike for older children with steady elevation gain that keeps everyone engaged. The lake setting offers excellent picnic opportunities and we spotted marmots near rocky areas. The organized paid parking system demonstrates good management practices. Water is cold even in summer, so bring layers for changing mountain weather conditions.
LH
Lisa H.
Mar 2, 2024
Absolutely loved this trail! The approach through old growth forest is peaceful and the lake reveal is spectacular. Water was incredibly clear - could see fish swimming near the shore. The Coast Mountain backdrop is breathtaking. Well worth the access fee for such a pristine experience. Will definitely return in different seasons.
MT
Marcus T.
Feb 18, 2024
Beautiful alpine lake with crystal clear water. The 500m elevation gain is steady but manageable. Worth noting that parking and access aren't free, so budget accordingly. The lake itself is stunning with mountain reflections, though the water is quite cold even in summer. Recommend bringing layers as weather can change quickly at this elevation.
SK
Sarah K.
Jan 12, 2024
Went in winter conditions and it was challenging but rewarding. Snow made the trail harder to follow in places. The frozen lake was absolutely magical. Paid access keeps crowds down which is nice. Just wish dogs were allowed as my hiking buddy had to stay home. Trail maintenance could be better for the fees charged.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
500.00 m
1200.00 m
3h15
No
No
The Nahatlatch Lake trail takes you through the Vancouver Coast Mountains to the lake itself, offering scenic mountain views and alpine scenery. The 500-meter elevation gain provides rewarding vistas as you ascend through the landscape.
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Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : June 2026