Trip 008 - December 28, 2009 (Monday)

Campbell Lake Trail Hike

Near Harrison Hot Springs, BC

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Liked: Fairy-tale forest scenes, icicles on rocks, view of Harrison Lake.

Of note: Occasional ice patches, fairly cold in the winter, snow in higher elevations.

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Backroad Mapbook (2010 edition) Trailhead Coordinates: Page 4 (Chilliwack) F1.

103 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia (2008 edition): hike #61.

Campbell Lake trail begins in the village of Harrison Hot Springs, which is a popular tourist destination in British Columbia, located about 140 km East of Vancouver. The trail starts with a few very steep sections, but, after that, the only serious challenge is ice. Waterproof footwear is essential during the wet season. Campbell Lake Trail is a treat for a hiker, as it goes through a very pleasant-looking forest, and offers several excellent views.

1. Campbell Lake Trail begins in the village of Harrison Hot Springs, and this map shows the location of the trail in the village - look for letter A on the left side. The map is located on the Harrison Hot Springs Visitor Information shack.

Harrison Hot Springs Map

2. As you can see from the map above, the trail begins across from Balsam Avenue. Here we are on Hot Springs Road (BC Highway 9), looking North towards Harrison Lake. Balsam Avenue is to our right, and Campbell Lake Trail entrance is to the left. There is parking for 5-6 vehicles available, or park by the roadside.

Harrison Hot Springs BC Canada

3. After turning left, you will see a map of the trail.

Campbell Lake Trail Map

4. After that, a gate prevents further vehicular access.

5. Fortunately, hikers are allowed to proceed.

6. Right off the bat, there is a very steep climb. We actually started early in the morning, so here is a photo we took on our way back.

BC Hiking - Campbell Lake Trail start

7. Then, there is a large shiny water reservoir, followed shortly by another fairly steep climb, after which there is a narrow path with vegetation trying to get acquainted by touching you from all directions.

Campbell Lake Trail by Harrison Hot Springs British Columbia Canada

8. If you persevere and reach this power line tower...

Power line tower on Campbell Lake Trail BC Canada - Harrison Hot Springs Area Hiking

9. ...the reward is a fine view of Harrison Lake and the surrounding mountains, though the power lines get into the picture too.

Harrison Lake view - Campbell Lake trail - Hiking in BC

10. Zoomed view of the mountain.

Mountain seen from Campbell Lake trail

11. After that, the path leads us into a nice forest, full of many lovely ladders.

British Columbia Hiking - Campbell Lake Trail BC Canada

12. Here is another one.

Campbell Lake Trail - Hiking in British Columbia Canada

13. This is a very pleasant forest indeed.

BC Hiking - Photo of Campbell Lake Trail by Harrison Hot Springs BC Canada

14. Something you would not see here in the Summer - icicles on rocks.

Icicles on rocks - Hiking in Harrison Hot Springs Area

Our Campbell Lake Trail Hike Trip Report Continues on Page 2.