The best walks and hikes in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy
4.9
(13)
212
hikers
5
hikes
Hiking in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy offers access to mountainous terrain within British Columbia's Joffre Group. The region features spectacular peaks like Joffre Peak and Mount Matier, along with Mount Chief Pascal at 2,204 meters. Hikers can explore subalpine meadows, mountain tarns near the Anniversary Glacier, and diverse forest ecosystems including old-growth Engelmann spruce.
Best hiking trails in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy
- The most popular hiking route is Wendy Thompson Hut via Marriott Basin Trail — Pemberton, a 7.9 miles (12.8…
Last updated: October 25, 2026
5.0
(1)
43
hikers
12.8km
04:55
560m
560m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(7)
103
hikers
9.72km
04:07
540m
540m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
19
hikers
10.3km
04:07
450m
450m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(5)
42
hikers
4.71km
01:28
190m
190m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
6
hikers
5.00km
02:44
400m
400m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
This parking lot is reserved for guests of the Wendy Thompson Memorial Hut.
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This parking lot can be reached via the gravel road.
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The Marriott Basin Trail traverses a beautiful and wild area near Pemberton, BC, ending at the Wendy Thompson Memorial Hut. Along the way you'll pass by Lower Marriott Lake, through verdant forests, and wildflower strewn meadows.
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The Wendy Thompson Hut is a remote, reservation only backcountry hut set near Lower Lake Marriott. The approach is generally easy to moderate, but weather conditions can quickly change, especially in winter, making it much more difficult to reach. To make a reservation see here: https://accwhistler.ca/WendyThompson.html
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Tucked into the alpine bowl of the Cayoosh Range, Lower Marriott Lake glows with glacier-melt clarity beneath rugged ridges and scree slopes. With striking scenery and alpine calm, Lower Marriott Lake rewards those willing to tackle the trail on the way to its shoreline.
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Between Lower and Middle Joffre Lake lies a large clearing at approximately 1,300 meters in elevation. Looking north, the Cayoosh Range rises above the pass between the Joffre Creek and Cayoosh Creek valleys. To the south, the rock formation on the ridge of Joffre Peak is visible. (Visit May 28, 2025)
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Access to the Joffre Lakes Trail is located at the top of a pass. Joffre Creek drains west into the Lillooet River, while Cayoosh Creek flows east and empties into Duffey Lake, which drains into the Fraser River. During the summer months, you must register for the Joffre Lakes Trail free of charge – for information, see the following website: https://bcparks.ca/reservations/day-use-passes/#joffre-lakes Registration is required to ensure a manageable number of hikers in the park – a maximum of 500 people per day. The trail leads to the park's three lakes: Lower Lake, Middle Lake, and Upper Lake. The Lower Joffre Lake is just a few hundred meters from the parking lot. Joffre Lakes Park is known for its turquoise lakes and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks; the base of the Matier Glacier is visible. Below the Upper Joffre Lake, Holloway Falls plunge into the depths. The trail ends at Upper Joffre Lake, but it is possible to continue along the western shore to the Joffre Lakes Backcountry Campground and further to the southern end of the lake, where rushing streams carry the waters of the Matier Glacier. (Visit May 28, 2025)
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Lower Joffre Lake is part of the Joffre Lakes Provincial Park. Access to the Lake is via the Duffey Lake Road, BC Highway 99. The car park is located at the mountain pass (approx. 1,300 m) between the valleys of Cayoosh Creek and Joffre Creek. Joffre Lakes Park is a protected area, class A park, since 1996. Class A parks are dedicated to the preservation of their natural environments and are open to the public. (Visit June 4, 2018 & May 28, 2025) https://bcparks.ca/joffre-lakes-park/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy?
There are 5 hiking trails documented in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy on komoot, ranging from easy to difficult. These routes allow you to explore the diverse mountainous terrain, subalpine meadows, and forest ecosystems of the conservancy.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy?
Hikers can expect a variety of terrain, from challenging alpine environments with spectacular peaks like Joffre Peak and Mount Matier, to subalpine meadows and dense forest ecosystems, including old-growth Engelmann spruce. Some areas also feature mountain tarns near the Anniversary Glacier.
Are there any easy hiking options suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there is one easy route available. The Lower Joffre Lake – Upper Joffre Creek Valley loop from Overflow Parking is a 4.7 km trail that takes about 1 hour 28 minutes to complete, offering a more gentle experience through the Joffre Creek Valley.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest to look out for?
A significant landmark is the Keith Flavelle Memorial Hut (Keith's Hut), located at approximately 1,650 meters elevation, which serves as a base for hikers and mountaineers. You can also explore mountain tarns near the Anniversary Glacier and enjoy views of prominent peaks like Mount Chief Pascal.
Are there any loop trails in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy?
Yes, there are several loop trails. For a challenging option, consider the Rohr Lake loop from Marriott Basin Trailhead. An easier loop is the Lower Joffre Lake – Upper Joffre Creek Valley loop from Overflow Parking.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in the conservancy?
The summer months are generally the best time for hiking, as trails to subalpine meadows and glaciers become more accessible. However, conditions can vary, and it's always advisable to check local advisories, especially concerning challenging terrain and potential hazards like past landslides.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy?
The routes in Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning mountainous landscapes, diverse natural features, and the access to challenging alpine terrain.
Is there a mountain hut available for overnight stays or as a base?
Yes, the Keith Flavelle Memorial Hut (Keith's Hut) is situated within the conservancy at about 1,650 meters elevation. It's a key attraction and provides a base for hikers and mountaineers, supporting climbing and ski touring activities.
Are there any trails that lead to glaciers?
Yes, a summer trail leads up the mountainside to an elevation of about 1,650 meters, continuing further to the Anniversary Glacier and the northern slopes of Vantage Peak, allowing hikers to explore glacial areas and mountain tarns.
What are the cultural aspects of Nlhaxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy?
The area holds significant cultural heritage values for the Lil'wat, N'Quatqua, Sekw'el'was, and T'it'q'et First Nations. They have historically used the area for plant and berry gathering, hunting, ceremonial, and spiritual practices, contributing to a serene mountain experience.
What should I be aware of regarding safety and hazards?
Visitors should be aware of advisories, particularly concerning past landslides from Joffre Peak that have impacted the Cerise Creek watershed. The terrain can be challenging, so exercise caution and be prepared for potential hazards inherent in mountainous environments.
How can I access the conservancy's trails?
A hiking trail accessible from Highway 99 (Duffey Lake Road) leads through second and first-growth forests directly into the conservancy. Non-motorized access is permitted within the conservancy.
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