Hiking in Whistler BC - The Crater Rim Loop is Spectacular

The Whistler Corridor is terrific hiking territorymay put in for a swift journey.
because there is such a diverse collection of greatAt about 2km along this trail you come to a fork.
trails from which to choose. The Crater Rim LoopThe left will take you up and over a suspension
certainly fit's the bill.bridge where you continue to join up with the east
This area north of Squamish is a fascinating one. It isside trails.
part of the Whistler Interpretive Forest of whichIf you continue along the Riverside trail you will come
there are three in the Squamish area. These areasto the Loggers Lake parking lot.
have been cut over a few years ago. A cut over isAt the parking lot you have two choices. You may
an area that has had its trees cut down and the logscontinue on Riverside trail which will join up with the
removed.Basalt Valley trail and the Riparian trail or, take the
In reality, there isn't really any area of old growthCrater Rim trail. Hiking in BC will keep you in great
forest remaining anywhere in the lower mainland. Allcondition.
the forests have been logged at least once andFrom the parking lot you walk up a road for a few
more often than not, twice. Trees grow fast inminutes and come to the beginning of the Crater Rim
British Columbia.Loop. The sign post will tell you that over the next
This hike covers a multitude of trails. You may hike3.2 km the trail will rise 100 meters. Much of the
for as little as an hour or two, to long, multi day,altitude is gained in the first part of the hike leading
backpacking hikes. Hiking in BC is incredible.to the rim.
To get to the start of this hike you need to travel 2The trail now meanders along through a fairly sparse
½ km south of whistler to the signpostedforest. Here and there you get glimpses of the lake
entrance on the left of highway 99. From Squamishand the valley on the left. You walk along and then
you must travel 48 km north and turn right just pastcome to another junction where the Ridge Trail leads
the railway crossing. At the east end of the parkingoff to the left to join up with the Basalt trail.
lot is the Riverside Trail.You go right and travel along the rim. Notice the
You have two choices. You can park here and walkviews of the Black Tusk There is a nice resting place
the Riverside trail up to the Loggers Lake trailhead,here. Great place for a lunch. Hiking in BC you meet
or you may drive to the Loggers Lake Parking lotthe nicest people. The trail continued along the rim.
and hike the Crater rim Loop trail from there.Soon you will enjoy views of Mount Fee and another
Let's start by doing the Riverside trail.one called Mount Caley.
The trail begins with a rise over a ridge and descendsNow you will go down an incline and across a rock
to cross Cheakamus Lake Road, continues through aslide. After you pass some scrub bush you pass over
nice forested area before you hit the Westside roadtwo old roads and come to where the Ridge trail
. You cross the Cheakamus river just ahead. Hiking inheads off north into the forest. The right trail leads
BC is always a pleasure and full of rich scenery.to Loggers Lake. Keep on the trail to another
You will hike along the river. Various interpretivejunction.
boards have been installed along the way. As youKeeping left you will be on the short route back to
continue the trail nears the road where kayakersthe parking lot.