Welcome to Garibaldi Provincial Park. One of the most beautiful parks on this side of the country, Garibaldi is an area roughly 1,950 square kilometers containing ragged snow capped peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, large alpine meadows with flowers of all colours, and vast, vast forests. There are many unique and interesting geological features in the park caused by recent volcanic activity, such as the Barrier, the Black Tusk, the Table, and much more (view the earth caches at these locations for more information). Along with the stunning scenery, the western side of the park is packed full of trails that you can hike. They vary in difficulty from a leisurely day hike, to a demanding mountain climb in the snow. There are also a good number of campsites and shelters throughout the park that you can stay at, though there is a camping fee you have to pay.
I have created this series to take you along some of my very favorite hikes in the park. I have placed four traditional caches at four different locations throughout Garibaldi, as well a final mystery cache. You will have to hike to each of the four traditionals and grab the clues for the final. THIS SERIES IS NOT MEANT TO BE DONE OVER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME!!! If you are dedicating yourself to doing this, you may be able to do it in one season, though for some people, I expect it could take over a year to complete. Each of the hikes this series will take you on has its own challenges and benefits, and some of the caches are not meant for novice hikers. Please make sure you are prepared for your trip, expect rough trail conditions, bad weather, and snow (even in the summer months). You can easily find a list of equipment you may need online. Make sure to view the trail report before attempting any of these hikes! It can be viewed on the BC parks website.
Wedgemount Lake:
I have decided to place this cache one the shore of Wedgemount Lake, probably one of the most beautiful lakes in the park second only to Garibaldi Lake itself. Unfortunately, the hike to the like is the most strenuous in the park; with almost 1200 meters of elevation gain over only seven kilometers, this hike will test your hill climbing like no other hike in the park. The trail head can be accessed via a dirt road off the main highway going to Pemberton just north of Green Lake in Whistler. For those who have done the hike over three years ago, the road and trail head has changed due to construction being done in the area, though the beginning of the road is still in the same place. After a quick drive, you will end up at the trail head where there is a park map and an outhouse. If you glance up to the east, you will be able to see roughly where you are going.
The new trail starts off gently; for the first fifteen minutes or so you will start climbing on a very gentle grade; it will not stay this way! Eventually you will hit where the new trail meets the old one. The trail will immediately get much steeper and rougher; be very careful at this first climb, there are steep cliffs on both sides. You will continue to climb for about ten minutes until you hit a small scree that you have to cross. This section requires caution and good foot placement, the rocks can be very slippery and dangerous even when dry. The hill climbing starts up again right away after this crossing. You will follow steep switch backs up for a while. Eventually you will hit the easiest part of the hike; the grade will ease up a bit and you will encounter flat areas every once in a while. There are a couple awesome views to the south on this stretch including one of the falls (there is a cache at this viewpoint). This easier stretch will continue until you have to cross the bottom of a another scree after which the hike becomes the most difficult yet. The grade will once again become extremely steep and the trail along this section is slippery and treacherous when it rains. This will continue until you hit an open meadow where the trail becomes VERY muddy. Ahead you will see the ridge and the final climb to the lake. This final climb is by far the most difficult and dangerous of the hike. The climb is a roughly hundred meter ascent up an old scree and at times the trail becomes almost vertical. Use EXTREME caution when doing the climb; falling and slipping is very easy especially when it rains. After this last climb you will reach the top of the ridge and get your first view of the lake
As you make your way down into the bowl the lake rests in, you will arrive at the main camp site. The main site has a good number of sites complete with ten platforms, a small shelter, and an outhouse. Unfortunately, the way the main site sits above the lake, the views from sites are minimal. If you are willing to put your legs through a bit more punishment, you can descend to the lake shore where there a more sites. The walk down to the shore takes about ten minutes along a rocky path that will take you passed my cache. Once at the lake you can set up your tent right along the water on the provided platforms where you will have an exceptional view of the mountains, glaciers, and the lake. Be warned, there is no outhouse in the lower area. If you feel adventurous, you can make the trek to the base of the glacier, you can swim (very cold), and if you have the expertise you can climb Wedge Mountain and grab the cache up there. Make sure to bring warm clothes with you, there is a constant cold wind that blows off of the glacier and can make things very unpleasant for those not dressed properly.
Note: As of 2016, all campsites in Garibaldi park require a reservation. Check out the bc parks site for more details.
The cache itself is a small diving container hidden under a large boulder just above the lake. To get to it, follow the trail to the lake until you reach a very large cairn on your right if you are heading down, then make your way up and over the small rise on the lake side of the trail and you will see the boulder. Please use discretion when looking for the cache, this area can get quite busy on weekends and you could be spotted. Also make sure to rehide the cache as well as you can. There is a little room for tradables, but no pen so please bring your own. The hint for the final is just under the lid. If you forget to grab the hint, send me a message and I will provide it for you. This cache can not be done during the winter. Happy Hunting! :)
DON'T FORGET TO WRITE DOWN THE HINT!!!!!!
The Great Garibaldi Tour: Diamond Head
The Great Garibaldi Tour: Garibaldi Lake
The Great Garibaldi Tour: Singing Pass/Russet Lake
The Great Garibaldi Tour: Final