Galatea Lakes Hike

Did this hike last weekend, fresh light layer of snow on the ground. The snow made for quite a muddy/slippery trail in the way down, getting the early start isn’t a bad idea. Quite a steady push throughout the whole was to Lillian Lakes, leaving the worst of it for the way up to Galatea Lakes. It was overcast and raining a bit the whole way up but once on the exposed part up to Galatea, the clouds dissipated letting us see the fresh snow peaked mountains with the clouds rolling in and out of the valley. Would definitely do this hike again.

Such an incredible hike! The first two hours to Lillian lake is in the trees and very beautiful. Shortly after you start your ascend after Lillian lake towards Galatea you break out of the trees and suddenly you’re on top of the world. Probably one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been. We clocked it at 16.4 km to get to Galatea Lake and back. Took us 5 hrs and we had a good lunch break taking in the incredible views at Galatea.
Can’t wait to go back in the summer and camp and try the summit!

A little bit challenging but very nice hike. There was snow on the trail and moody at some elevations so you have to walk carrefully.
We had fog at the first lake so we could not see much... but it's the game

September 15,2018 - Always a beautiful hike. There was snow on the trail at some elevations and trail was a bit muddy at some points. Traction was good for the most part though. We did not need the microspikes, but always a good idea to have them in these conditions. Heard lots of rock fall while at the upper lake. Careful if heading up the scree slopes to the cliff edge.

We did this hike yesterday on a whim and it didn’t disappoint! We planned on going just to Lillian Lake but decided to go the full way. It took us about 1hr 45 min to Lillian lake and about another 40 minutes to Galatea Lake on the top. The first leg was very nice. A Moderate climb in spots, forested, waterfalls. Moderate to high activity with other hikers. The last leg from Lillian Lake to Galatea Lake was the most challenging; moderate to steep elevation the whole way with an area of rocks before the lake. Best views were from this area! Going down was easy, all downhill. Incredible views of the mountains. Cool temps at the top. Bear advisory for the area so bring your bear spray. Would recommend! Took us ~5 hours total climbing + lunch + photos + descent.

This hike is absolutely beautiful!
Definitely a bit challenging!
We did some fishing at 2/3 lakes.
so many wonderful photo opportunities
Lots of little mini off trails to beautiful views!
Also there are quiet a few different trails here and some offer camp over night opportunities!
It did get a bit cold up at the top.
There are chipmunks, fish, mountain goats and pikas!

we tracked out steps and it was longer then 16km.... we got 24 km there and back. just be prepared
We started at 9 and ended at 530.
but we did relax at Lillian and Galatea lakes for about 2-3 hours.

Did the Lilian Lake and all the way to Galatea Lake. Not too bad today considering the smoke. The trees kinda filtered it down a bit. Went fairly early and wasn’t too busy. First half is in the shade and rolling up and down. Lots of bridges, we counted about 10. :) Brought our dog and it was great, not too hard for them. If you’re going to do Lilian Lake, do the Galatea Lake as well, as it isn’t that far. Check it off your list. Done about less than 5 hours.

Really enjoyed this hike! A busy trail of day hikers and backpackers but don’t let this put you off. Rolling ups and downs and many bridges to cross. It’s interesting to see all the chaos of the 2003 floods. We hiked all the way out to the second lake - so beautiful and peaceful and did the loop back to Lillian Lake. Wish I’d taken my bikini to go for a swim! Lillian Lake looks a beautiful place to camp. Even with smoke in the air the views were still stunning. Just under 5 hours return. #HikingWithHarri

Loved the terrain and the well marked trails. There was a creek along most of the route that was just lovely to listen to.

Absolutely amazing hike. Did not go past the second lake as the heat was getting high and the second lake was so beautiful I didn’t need to see any more. On our next excursion I plan to go to the Summit on the way back from the third lake.

Easy to find trail head with parking. The hike was fairly busy which was comforting as there was a bear with cubs on the trail. Lots of nice river views, on the way up. Getting to Lillian lake was a breeze, getting to the Galatea lakes was more of a challenge with the incline/ rocks (but still relatively easy). Bring a bathing suit for the lakes, was nice to jump in at the end of the hike!

We had a great hike. Got there early(ish) (0830) to beat the crowds as this is a very VERY busy trail with tons of people going up down and eating their lunches on the trail with their poles and bag beside them. The old people spread out on the trail picnicking provided the only real obstacle on the hike. The trail is very clearly defined and clear.

We booked a camping site for next weekend as the hike up to Lillian Lake which is on the same path as Galatea Lakes. We had a great time.

Perfect hike. Beautiful scenery, with few major inclines. Lots of forest cover during the hike, plus a surprising amount of footbridges. Even found a nice walking stick, I left it on the sign at the beginning just for you, but you gotta be quick, someone’s bound to snatch that bad boy.

Getting to Lillian Lake is relatively flat, but to get to Galatea Lakes it's a very steep 1km, but it is totally worth it. The views of the valley are stunning and Galatea Lakes are amazing. This hike is a must do.

Hiked this a few days ago at 17 weeks pregnant. The first stretch in to Lillian Lake is relatively flat with small sections of incline. The remaining trek up to the Galatea Lakes is definitely up but well marked and not as gruelling as one would expect. This hike is one of my new favourites. 7 hours total at a leisurely pregnant lady pave with and hour long lunch break.

This is one of my favourite hikes! Gorgeous scenery and a bit of everything!

Defined trails and great lakes to relax at.

Was good hike we took the dogs up and had lunch at the first lake got some fish all fingerlings then hiked the up to the rest of the lake all and all loved it was about 20km there and back with the bit of wandering around the lakes and definitely don’t skip the last lake you’ll beat yourself up about it later

I absolutely loved this hike, very nice inclined up with a few sections that were steeper, you cross several bridges and have the creek by your side. Very nice trail in really good shape, good for families and dogs.
It was very scenic, we went to all three lakes and it was totally worth it. Took us about 2 hours to get to the first lake, from there another 45 minutes to the second lake you have to cross a morraine to get there it is a bit steep but nothing you can’t do, after we rested for a bit we hiked to the third lake and it took us about about 30 minutes.
If you have the time don’t hesitate to go all the way to the end, my favourite lake was the third one.
I recommend walking poles and hiking boots, it got a bit windy and rainy at the top but not for too long so bring a jacket.
It was busy but not terrible.

Will be back to camp overnight.

Closed today due to environmental concerns. Scheduled to open tomorrow but it is supposed to rain hard tomorrow possibly prolonging closure.

Closed until Mid June as of May 15th 2018

Went in the summer and this hike was breathtaking!

Really beautiful and we didn't see anyone. Pretty snowy but we could still make it ok. Will definitely be returning in summer!

Breathtaking scenery. Crossing back and forth over the wooden bridges is a real treat!

Good snowshoeing! Easy peasy, great views and along creek is fantastic!!

Oct 21, 2017 - lovely trail, approx 50cm fresh snow at lower lake

This trail is well laid out with 11 bridges along the way up to the lakes. There is a couple wooden tent platforms at the west side of Lillian Lake. A nice trail to some mountain lakes.

5 stars as the trail is well laid out and was not very busy, and nice views with the lakes.

Nice hike with the sound of the creek most if the way along. Quite relaxing. Stop by one of the many bridges on the way back and soak your feet.