Watersprite Lake

Route Description for Watersprite Lake

Start the Watersprite Lake hike from the yellow gate in the parking lot, then head onto the gravel road heading right. Keep an eye out once on the hill for a marker pointing you towards Watersprite Lake.

Watching the rocks for flags, head uphill until you reach the top of the peak. To your lower left, you’ll spot the Skookum Dam. Follow the trail as it bends right and flattens out, already rewarding you with beautiful mountain views directly in front of you.

Trail over a small debris field and follow the markings towards a dirt road, heading eastwards. You’ll cross over a wooden bridge. This is Skullhead Creek. Following the bridge, depending on the season, the trail can become very muddy.

Continue, passing over multiple creeks, until the path eventually drops down into the forest.

This part of the trail can be tricky with hidden roots and tricky sections. Soon, the trail moves uphill again, but the orange markers make it easy to follow.

At the next junction just past the treeline, you’ll head right towards Watersprite, Enjoy a quick, uphill climb through a bush trail, as the path opens up again.
At the next wooden bridge, cross over Skullhead Creek and let your legs take a break as the trail flattens out.

Cross over multiple creeks, continuing to follow the orange markers and the path will veer right, providing you the first glimpses of Atwell Peak off in the distance.

The trail will suddenly take a hairpin turn to the left and begin climbing uphill. There is another view of a prominent peak directly ahead of you as you climb up the hill.

From here, embark on a switchback to the right, enjoying the expansive views to your right. From here, the landscape gets interesting as you cross a creek and come to a small waterfall. Find a cliff face to your left and follow it, eventually reaching a small rockslide area.

From here, at the Prow Lookout, take in the breathtaking mountain views, where the Mamquam River, the Skookum Dam, and all the way to the City of Squamish can be seen. You can also see many mountains – Atwell Peak, Columnar Peak, Spire Peaks, Pyramid Peak, and even Sky Pilot Mountain to the south. Push forward along the trail as it turns east, down into a valley where you can spot the mountains surrounding Watersprite Lake before you.

Next, you’ll be faced with a tricky boulder field that you’ll have to pick your way across. Take your time and follow the markers.

The trail then opens back up again, but can be slippery, muddy and filled with obstacles. Again, take your time. But know you are in the home stretch!

Cross over one final debris chute and you’ll spot the original Watersprite Trail, but continue up the chute to the top and to your left, you’ll find a path leading to the Watersprite Lake Cabin. If you aren’t staying the night, continue straight to the lake.

Finally, you’ve made it to Watersprite Lake! Find mesmerizing, crystal-clear water surrounded by Dreadnought Peak (1,994 m) to the left, Watersprite Tower (1,810 m) straight across, and Martin Peak (1,877 m) to the right.

Spend time resting at Watersprite Lake, snapping photos and just soaking in the view. When you’re ready to make the hike back, retrace your steps back to your car.

Insider Hints for Watersprite Lake

• The path on the Watersprite Lake hike can be muddy. Wear either rain boots or waterproof hiking boots depending on your preference. Note that the trail can be challenging, so the more supportive footwear, the better.
• There is also a 10-person cabin at the lake available for reservation by British Columbia Mountaineering Club members. Make sure you book far in advance if you want a spot!
• You will require a 4×4 or AWD vehicle with good clearance to reach the trailhead.