Adventure Time: Camping at Lindeman Lake
Well hi there. It's been far too long since my last post. I have been having blogging neglect guilt these past two months. I have a book full of posts that need to go up, but to be completely honest I have had zero motivation. Its awful! I love blogging, and love writing, but for some reason my head hasn't been in it lately. I am really hoping that is going to change. I am actively taking steps to re-motivate myself to get back into it. Please forgive me!
That being said, you can probably see why this camping trip was long overdue. I was counting down the days untill my classes were done for the year, just for trips like this. Hiking and being out in nature is one of my favourite things to do to escape the stress of med school and city life. Getting to sleep out in nature is even better!
Lindeman Lake is a small glacier lake in Chilliwack, BC. It has become a popular day hiking spot due to the fact its only 1.7km to reach the lake from the parking lot, making it a short hike in. We decided to head out on July 1st, Canada Day. Knowing that we may be in for a busy hike, we left early in the am.
Crossing Post Creek over the fallen tree bridge
The trail head is located about 1km before the you get to Chilliwack Lake, about a 2 hour drive from Vancouver on Chilliwack Lake Rd. There is a parking lot with signs, so it is pretty hard to miss.
The hike itself is mostly uphill. With big heavy backpacks it was definitely a workout! The trail is by no means a well groomed trail, much of it is climbing over boulders and tree roots. There were plenty of people out their with kids though, so if you are looking for a family friendly hike, this is definitely one.
After a relatively short (30-40 minutes) up you are greeted by the most incredible turquoise water.
Lindeman Lake
When we arrived at the lake we quickly realized we weren't the only ones with this idea. All the camping platforms were full. We set up our tent on one of the only flat spots we could find, it ended up working out just fine, as I think our view of the lake was actually better.
After pitching our tent, I immediately set up our hammock. I found two perfect trees right on the edge of the lake and climbed in to enjoy the view for a couple hours.
Relaxing in my thermarest slacker hammock
This hammock has seriously been one of my best purchases. It is a thermarest slacker double hammock, and it is very portable. It also happens to be very photogenic ;)
As it was a holiday Friday there were a TON of day hikers. At first we were a bit annoyed as it wasn't our ideal secluded mountain camp. People after people kept asking us if they could take a picture in our hammock. When we got back into town I checked the geo location on instagram and sure enough a number of people had posted pictures of themselves in our hammock haha.
Not much compares to the amazing turquoise colour of a glacier lake
Once the rush from the day hikers wound down, the lake became much more peaceful. There were only two other groups camping up there, and they were both pretty mellow.
We enjoyed having the lake to ourselves into evening.
I really don't think much beats sleeping and waking up out in nature far away from any noise from the city. Being completely removed from time is how I wish I could live everyday! Despite sleeping on a hard lumpy ground and fluctuating between too hot and too cold I swear I get my most restful sleeps out here. Come morning, I am always eager to wake up early and enjoy the dewy morning with tea or coffee in hand, with nothing but the sound of birds around me.
Speaking of coffee... We love to bring this collapsable java drip from MEC on all our camping and road trips. It is SO nice to be able to enjoy a nice cup of coffee somewhere remote! This particular one is made by GSI outdoors and it collapses down into a pancake shaped disc. It takes up next to no room in our bags. It is our favourite piece of camping gear we own!
This mug is also one of our favourites. It is made by a super rad company called Treeline Outdoors.
Our tiny two person tent that we squeezed three of us into :)
Lindeman is surrounded by many boulder fields that make for some fun scrambles!
I can't get enough of this turquoise!
Packing up to leave camp always feels like it comes too soon!
I feel so lucky to live in such an amazing sliver of this planet, where we have access to the outdoors every direction we turn. There is so much benefit to gain from spending time in nature for the body, mind and soul.
Fallen tree bridge over Post Creek
I love this human and his adventurous heart
Adventure buds for life!
Camping at Lindeman Lake was such a treat. The hike overall is not challenging and the views are incredible. I would definitely love to come back and camp in the winter when it would be even less busy. If you are planning on camping here, I suggest trying a week day to get more of the lake to yourself.
I am always looking for suggestions of your favourite hikes in the lower mainland area.
Do you have any hikes planned for this summer? Let me know in the comments below!!