Sparrowhawk Tarns Traditional Cache

Honestly, this is one of my favourite places to hike. This small lock and lock container is located at the Sparrowhawk Tarns, a collection of alpine tarns situated in a scenic cirque. Expect a round trip hike of 13 kilometers covering approximately 600 meters of elevation gain.

This moderate hike is simply stunning. You will walk through a forest out into a massive boulderfield. Past the boulderfield is an amazing alpine meadow which had acres upon acres of wildflowers (late July). A small waterfall and several creeks lead up to the tarns, which are situated in an incredible alpine bowl. You are guaranteed to see marmots and if you are lucky you will spot some pikas. If you come in mid-late September the countless larch trees will be a vivid yellow. This backcountry hike has almost everything you could possibly hope for - truly one of my favourite hikes!

There is a well defined trail the entire way to the Sparrowhawk Tarns. Park at the Sparrowhawk day use area and proceed to the trailhead. A well used trail lead up through the forest. When you encounter a cairn on the trail, continue straight (turning left leads to Read's Ridge). Further up, take a right at a flagged fork in the trail. Walk alongside Sparrowhawk Creek for a while and continue to treeline. A cairn and flagging marks another place to turn right. Follow the trail through the boulderfield to the best of your ability, following the rock cairns along the way. Soon, you will be high up in the bowl and you will see the alpine meadow. A trail skirts through the meadow to a gentle waterfall. Follow the cairned trail up and proceed to the posted coordinates. The number, size and colour of the tarns varies from year to year and month to month. Take the time to explore the area - you'll be glad you did! Keep an eye out for marmots!