Lightning Lakes chain

Description

The Lightning Lakes are actually 4 lakes in a chain, starting from the day-use parking lot (Spruce Bay or Lone Duck). Either parking lot will put you at Lightning Lake, the largest of the chain, and then heading west, the trail leads to Flash Lake, Strike Lake (campsites at the west end) and finally Thunder lake.

The terrain changes from a forest walk along the lakeshores, to a rocky scree hike as you approach Thunder Lake. In the summertime numerous berries are available which include huckleberries, blueberries, Saskatoon berries, wild currants and more.

A few wildflowers can be viewed, although most of the more familiar types grow higher up in the alpine region of the park.

Vegetation also includes lodgepole pine, sub alpine fir, and Engelmann spruce.

A moderate hike would end at Strike Lake but another 3 Km will find you at Thunder Lake which resembles a large steep-sided rocky bowl. An alternate return can be taken along the south sides of Flash and Lightning Lakes, crossing back over at the Rainbow Bridge, or completely circumnavigating Lightning Lake back around to the chosen parking lot.

Upcoming and past Events at this Location

• 2009-01-31 Lightning Lakes Snowshoe Trip
• 2010-02-13 Lightning Lakes Snowshoeing February 13, 2010

Directions to Lightning Lakes chain

Drive approximately 80 Km east of Chilliwack, taking the Highway 3 exit from Highway 1, just past the Hope turnoff. The drive takes about 1 1/2 hours from Chilliwack to Manning Park Lodge and is very scenic. All amenities can be found at the lodge, and then head south on the Gibson Pass Road until you reach a fork in the road. Take the right-hand fork and continue along until you reach the Lone Duck day-use area. You can park here or continue on the road until you pass the BC Parks campground and turn at the Spruce Bay parking lot. Be prepared to pay the $3 parking meters.