Russet Lake Backpacking Guide: 2 Day Trip Near Whistler
If you’re looking for a 2 day backpacking trip near Whistler, Russet Lake is one of the best options in the area. While it sits deep in the backcountry of Garibaldi Provincial Park, it’s not one of the hardest hikes near Whistler.
The trailhead is easy to reach by car or bus from Whistler Village and this 2-day route is designed to get the most out of it. On the way in, you can hike via the Singing Pass Trail and on the way back via the High Note Trail. Between the two, you’ll take in glaciers, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and some of the most stunning ridge views in the park.
Russet Lake Trail Details (via Singing Pass)
How to Get to Russet Lake Trailhead
There are two ways to reach the Russet Lake trailhead. You can drive via the Sea to Sky Highway or take the bus from Vancouver to Whistler. The trailhead can then be accessed on foot from Whistler Village.
Either way, plan to arrive early. The Singing Pass trailhead is a 15km hike to the campsite with significant elevation gain, so an early start gives you plenty of daylight and the best chance of snagging a good campsite. Alternatively, you can take the gondola to Whistler Roundhouse and follow the High Note trail to Russet Lake.
Where to Park for the Russet Lake Hike
If you’re staying overnight at Russet Lake or Kees and Claire Hut, park at Whistler Day Lot #4. Although parking comes at no extra fee if you have a valid backcountry reservation, you’re still required to use the PayByPhone app (Lot #4078 for Garibaldi Park users) or one of the machines, if available.
Also, make sure you display your camping or hut reservation on your dashboard in the vehicle.
If you prefer to get to Russet Lake trailhead without a car, both Epic Rides or YVR Skylynx offer daily connections between Vancouver and Whistler, from where the Singing Pass trailhead is an easy walk.
Two Route Options: Singing Pass vs Gondola Route
There are two main ways to reach Russet Lake, which I will discuss below.
The first option is to hike up Whistler mountain via Singing Pass Trail to Russet Lake. This is a longer hike without the gondola option. It does not offer a lot of views for most of the trail but it’s not technically difficult and saves you the gondola fee.
The second option is to ride up the Whistler Village Gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge, where you’ll follow the High Note Trail to Russet Lake. This route has less elevation gain and incredible views. Obviously, the trade-off is the gondola cost.
Which route should you take? For a 2-day backpacking trip, the best approach is to hike in via Singing Pass on Day 1 and return via the High Note Trail on Day 2. This way you’ll save the best views for last and the gondola down is free.
Russet Lake Camping Reservations and Fees
Russet Lake is part of Garibaldi Provincial Park, where all campgrounds require an advance reservation.
Spots in summer fill up fast so aim to book at least 3–4 months ahead. If your preferred dates are fully booked, don’t give up. People often cancel their original trip, so it’s worth checking back regularly on the BC Parks website.
The camping fees for Russet Lake are $25 per person/night and an additional $6 transaction fee per tent pad. But if you’re not a resident in British Columbia, you’ll be charged an extra $20 flat fee.
The Russet Lake campground has 20 designated tent pads, bear cache and an outhouse. If you however prefer staying at a hut, you can reserve a spot at Kees and Claire hut, located on the hill overlooking Russet Lake.
How to Book Kees and Claire Hut at Russet Lake
If you prefer to stay at Kees and Claire Hut instead of camping at Russet Lake, you need to get a reservation on Spearhead Huts Society‘s website.
You can reserve your spot 60 days before your desired date, unless you have an Alpine Club of Canada memberships, in which case it’s 90 days in advance.
The price per person per nights is between $40 and $50.
Hiking Itinerary for a 2 Day Backpacking Trip to Russet Lake
On our Russet Lake backpacking trip, we followed Singing Pass trail on the way in and High Note trail on the way out. This way we were also able to take the gondola down to Whistler village for free.
Day 1: Whistler Village to Russet Lake (Singing Pass Trail)
The Singing Pass trail begins near the gondola bus stop in Whistler Village. You’ll initially follow the well signed trail along the Whistler Mountain Bike area before entering a forested trail.
The elevation gain on this first stretch is gradual. While there are not many scenic views on this section, make sure you look up to spot people ziplining between Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain.
Next, you’ll come across several creek crossings where you can refill your water bottles. Eventually, you’ll reach Singing Pass that introduces you to the alpine area of the mountain.
From here, you’ll enjoy alpine views and fields of wildflowers while you follow a series of switchbacks to Kees and Claire Hut.
The highlight of this section is Overlook Glacier and the surrounding peaks. Make sure you take a break to enjoy these spectacular views.
The Russet Lake campground is located at the bottom of Kees and Claire Hut. There are 20 designated camp sites you can choose from but remember to bring your reservation with you in case a ranger asks for it.
If you’re brave enough to swim at Russet Lake (it’s freezing!), you won’t regret it. After a refreshing dip, we spent the afternoon relaxing by the shore.
Make sure you time your evening to catch the sunset. The mountains turn golden and truly put on a show.
Day 2: Russet Lake to Whistler Roundhouse Gondola (High Note Trail)
The next day, we were one of the last to leave the campsite. In fact, we took our time and enjoyed a relaxing breakfast before packing up.
Then, we made our way back to Kees and Claire Hut before going down to High Note trail junction (around 3 km from Russet Lake).
Here you should stay on the left on High Note trail and follow the alpine traverse along the switchbacks. See if you can spot Whistler Peak and Blackcomb Peak.
As someone who comes skiing in Whistler every winter, it was unusual seeing these slopes not covered in snow.
While you continue on the trail, see if you spot Cheakamus Lake on your left before descending in the subalpine forest.
The Harmony Ridge area in Whistler is not only popular in winter but in summer as well. Continue on High Note Trail until you reach Whistler Village gondola at the Roundhouse.
The ride down to Whistler Village is free of charge, and after two days on the trail, enjoying the views from the comfort of the gondola is the perfect way to end the trip.
More Hikes In Garibaldi Provincial Park
Garibaldi Provincial Park has some of the best backcountry hiking trails near Vancouver. In summer it’s a popular area for hiking while in winter it’s a great spot for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.
Although there are many shorter hikes in Garibaldi Park, the main trails with an overnight option are:
- Garibaldi Lake and Panorama Ridge
- Elfin Lakes (it’s one of my favorite fall hikes near Vancouver)
- Wedgemount Lake
More Ideas: 2 Day Backpacking Trips near Vancouver
Over the years I’ve done a lot of backpacking in BC and some of my favorite trips are:
- Flora Peak in Chilliwack
- Mount MacFarlane in Chilliwack
- Tin Hat Hut on Sunshine Coast
- Semaphore Lakes near Pemberton
- Golden Ears in Fraser Valley
If you have 3 days or more I also highly recommend Juan de Fuca Trail and Cape Scott Trail on Vancouver Island.
