Hike to Brew Lake

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
6-8.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
17.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,053 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Hike to Brew Lake

The Hike to Brew Lake is a lightly-trafficked 17.1 km out-and-back that will take you through variations of terrain on the way to some beautifully scenic viewpoints of the lake and surrounding area. The initial stretch of trail is largely wooded, before reaching a more rugged and exposed back half. This makes for an interesting hike through some rough country that will ultimately leave you feeling reward, if not a bit tired.

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Route Description for Hike to Brew Lake

The Hike to Brew Lake is a scenic, if rugged, trail that will take you through a woodland landscape on the way to the beautiful and almost otherworldly shores of the lake. Depending on the time of year that you will be completing the hike, the trail can be packed down with heavy snow. Make sure to bring proper gear for the conditions such as snowshoes, crampons, and microspikes to better traverse the trail. Additionally, the trail should be treated like any BC hiking route, in that bears are commonly seen in the area. Hikers should bring bear spray to avoid any dangerous encounters.

Setting out from the trailhead, make your way down Branch 50 and turn right at the junction with Brew Main. Follow this toward Branch 100 and continue onto Branch 110 to eventually connect with the Brew Lake Trail. Follow this west as it climbs uphill for 1.0 km, where you will need to make your way across a creek. From here, the trail will continue to climb uphill before exiting the tree cover onto a more exposed stretch of trail.

Keep heading west toward Brew Lake, as the route continues to climb in elevation. Approximately 2.2 km from the creek crossing, you will arrive at the edge of the lake. This is a truly unique palace, as the area surrounding the lake is pock-marked with craters, making it seem as though the mountain lake would be more fitting on the surface of the moon, rather than the woodlands of British Columbia. Hikers that wish to extend their trip can do so by continuing uphill along the trail for an extra hour or so to reach Brew Hut. This optional vantage point features an overnight cabin, as well as stunning views of the surrounding area. After taking in the sights around Brew Lake, make your way back down the trail and through the forest to return to the parking area where you started your journey.

Getting to the Hike to Brew Lake Trailhead

To get to the trailhead for the Hike to Brew Lake from Whistler, head west on BC-99 S and make a slight right toward Brew Creek Forest Service Road. Continue on for 1.1 km to reach the trailhead on your left.

Route Information

  • When to do

    July-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Hike to Brew Lake Elevation Graph

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Hike to Brew Lake Reviews

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