Hiking Pine Lake - panoramic view
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Hiking in Pine Lake: trails, map and practical info

Vancouver Coast Mountains • British Columbia

5.0 Appreciated by 16 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 29/05/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
42 km
Elevation
500 ft
Duration
13h15
Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

Discover the trail

3 community photos

Trail description

Désolé, nous n'avons pas de description pour cet endroit.

Soyez le premier à partager plus d'informations sur cet endroit.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
49.35048250000001, -122.3658639
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the Pine Lake can be accessed by travelling east on Highway 3 from Creston, British Columbia. The trailhead is located approximately 9 kilometres from the highway.

When?

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

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
  • Hiking shoes Essential
  • Layered clothing Essential
  • Rain jacket Essential
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
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
49.35048250000001, -122.3658639
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

5.0
12 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 18, 2025
Tackled this as a four-day winter preparation adventure and was thoroughly impressed. The trail markings are excellent despite the remote location, and the access fees felt justified given the quality of maintenance. Late autumn conditions were perfect with crisp, clear weather. The solitude you experience here is remarkable for being relatively accessible from major routes. Essential to pack proper bear safety equipment as this is genuine wilderness territory.
E
Emma
Oct 5, 2025
Beautiful but demanding trail that proved quite challenging for intermediate hikers. The 500-meter elevation gain spreads nicely over the distance which helps, but the cumulative parking and access fees become expensive. Weather shifted dramatically during our three-day expedition - layered clothing is essential. The pristine lake destination absolutely justifies the effort required to reach it.
S
Sarah
Sep 22, 2025
Incredible backcountry experience starting from the Highway 3 trailhead! The fall foliage was absolutely spectacular throughout the journey. The no-dogs policy really helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere for wildlife observation - spotted deer and numerous bird species. The remote setting provides a true digital detox from civilization. This trail delivers an authentic wilderness experience that's hard to find elsewhere.
L
Lisa
Aug 30, 2025
What an incredible adventure! The 42-kilometer distance demands respect - definitely plan for multiple days of backpacking. We completed it over four days and the remote wilderness atmosphere was absolutely magical. The access fee proved worthwhile for the excellent trailhead facilities provided. Come prepared for a serious commitment with proper multi-day camping equipment.
J
Jake
Jul 14, 2025
Epic multi-day backpacking journey that's totally manageable when spread over three to four days. The crystal-clear destination lake makes every challenging kilometer worthwhile. Wildlife activity was intense during summer - proper food storage is absolutely critical. The gentle elevation profile allows you to actually enjoy the stunning scenery rather than just endure the hike. Truly an unforgettable wilderness adventure.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
500.00
13h15
No
No
The Pine Lake trail is rated as Hard difficulty. This challenging hike covers 42 km with 500 m of elevation gain and typically takes 13 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Check current trail conditions with local authorities before your visit.
The Pine Lake hike takes approximately 13 hours and 15 minutes to complete. This is a full-day adventure covering 42 km of challenging terrain. Plan accordingly and start early to ensure you complete the hike during daylight hours.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Pine Lake trail. This restriction helps protect local wildlife and maintain the natural environment of the Vancouver Coast Mountains area.
No, the Pine Lake trail is not suitable for beginners as it's rated Hard difficulty. The 42 km distance, 500 m elevation gain, and 13+ hour duration require significant hiking experience and excellent physical fitness. Consider shorter, easier trails to build up your endurance first.
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Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : June 2026