Russet Lake is a small alpine lake tucked beneath Fissile Mountain, which features 360 degree views of the alpine surrounding Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Resort. I completed this as an overnight hike in September 2017.
I’ve been lucky enough to have explored the Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Lake, and Wedgemount Lake as well, all of which fall within the boundaries of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Due to the proximity to the Lower Mainland these can be some of the busiest and most well-trodden hikes in Southwestern BC, but if you pick your time wisely (i.e. mid-week) you may be able to find some solitude here.
Here is some beta for you to use while planning your hike to Russet Lake.
Garibaldi Provincial Park is located on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Lil’wat, Squamish, and St’at’imc peoples.
Trail Stats
Distance: 12.5km to Russet Lake from Whistler Peak via the High Note Trail, and 14.5km to Whistler Village from Russet Lake via Singing Pass, for a total of 27km
Elevation Gain: 1400m
Route Type: Loop (where part of the loop is a gondola/chairlift ride)
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Hiking Season: July to September is the most popular time to complete this hike. If you have the appropriate avalanche gear and training, it is possible to complete this hike in the winter as well.
Planning Resources
- 105 Hikes in Southwestern British Columbia is one of my favourite hiking guides for the area
- The BC Parks website has some maps of the area as well as trail reports
Preparing for the Trip
Itinerary
Russet Lake can be done as a day trip, or as an overnight trip. You can access the lake using the Singing Pass trail, or using the High Note/Musical Bumps trail. The Singing Pass trailhead is located in Whistler Village, near the bus exchange. The High Note/Musical Bumps trail is located at the peak of Whistler Mountain. To access this trailhead, you will need to take the Whistler Gondola and the Peak Express chair to the summit during the summer months.
When I did this hike in 2017, we opted to do the High Note/Musical Bumps trail to Russet Lake, and to take the Singing Pass trail back down to Whistler Village. We did it this way because this route looked more scenic, and also because I had an extra day on my EDGE Card from the previous ski season that I wanted to use up before it expired.
One thing to note is that it will be difficult to get an early start if you opt to do the High Note/Musical Bumps trail from the Whistler Peak, as the lifts do not open early in the summer. Back in 2017 I remember that the first chair to Whistler Peak did not start until 11am. Be sure to check operating times and ensure you have enough daylight to get to Russet Lake safely.
Transportation to Trailhead
The Singing Pass trailhead and the Whistler Village Gondola are located in Whistler Village. You can park in the overnight lots at Whistler Village and walk to the gondola or the Singing Pass trailhead in a matter of minutes. You will have to pay for parking.
Sleeping Options
All campsites in Garibaldi Provincial Park require reservations ahead of time, regardless of the time of year. At the time of writing it was $10 per person per night to camp anywhere in the park.
The Russet Lake campground has a number of camping spots, a pit toilet, and a bear cache for food.
An alternative option is to stay at the Kees & Claire Hut, which is located at the south end of Russet Lake. This hut is not operated by BC Parks, but you can book it on the Spearhead Huts website.
Check the BC Parks website for the most up-to-date information about the requirements for this trail.
On the Trail
Day 1: Whistler Village to Russet Lake
It was not an early start to the day, by any means. By the time we drove from Vancouver, parked in the appropriate place, took the Whistler Gondola up to the Roundhouse, and got on the first Peak chair when it opened at 11am, we did not get started hiking until about 11:15am.
The route traverses below the peaks of Whistler Mountain, undulating but and providing panoramic views of Cheakamus Lake and Black Tusk in the distance. Note that there is almost no shade here, so be sure to wear sunglasses / sunscreen / a hat.
Eventually the trail reaches the Garibaldi Park boundary, indicating that you have now left Whistler Mountain and are now in the Provincial Park.
From here the trail descends into a valley, where it meets up with the Singing Pass trail. It climbs up another ridge and you finally get your first views of the lake. Note that when I completed this hike in 2017, Kees and Claire hut was under construction but not yet active. The hut should be located right at the top of this ridge.
We descended towards the campsite, which was located at the far side of the lake, near its outflow stream, to set up camp for the night. This site very possibly has the most scenic outhouse in the world overlooking Decker and Overlord Mountains … if you know, you know.
Since completing this hike in 2017, I believe the campground may have been updated, so I cannot guarantee the outhouse is in the same place as it was when I stayed there.
Day 2: Russet Lake to Whistler Village
After enjoying a sunny morning swim in the mountains, it was time to pack up camp and head home.
From Russet Lake, ascend to the ridgeline you descended from yesterday. Then descend further downwards out of the alpine and into the forest. From here, take the Singing Pass trail. This trail is very flat and meanders along the side of Whistler Mountain for 10km, passing below the Peak to Peak Gondola, and eventually ending at Whistler Village. While it provided shade, it is not the most interesting stretch of trail.
Finally, we arrived back in Whistler Village with sore feet and ready for a warm meal and a hot shower.
Summary
Russet Lake, while lesser-known than some of the other lakes in Garibaldi Park, is definitely worth a visit. I’d recommend if possible taking the High Note trail on the way there, and taking the Singing Pass trail out on the way back, to get the best views of the surrounding area.
