TOLRA - Listing of Trails & Details

CHAIN LAKES TRAIL
Difficulty: Short and easy, slight elevation gain.
Distance (one way): 2.5km to first of 3 small lakes, options are to continue on via ‘Chain link Trail’ to end (located 7.4km past gravel pit on Westside Rd in valley bottom near Birkenhead River) OR continue up the trail to the left to Fowl Lakes (approx. 1.5hrs further).
Brief description: Easy hike through timber to the first lake, where there is a small wilderness campsite. About 3km further on a flat trail to the third Lake. From here, the trail continues to remains of old trappers’ cabin before descending through timber to Birkenhead River valley. Best to leave a car at both ends if planning to do the complete trip.
Facilities: none
Trailhead access: Take Hwy 99 North from Pemberton, pass by right-hand turn off towards the town of Lillooet (church on corner), and continue straight on Old Portage Rd. through the village of Mt Currie. Go over train tracks, turn left onto Owl FSR approximately 4Km further. Owl FSR is steep and not recommended for 2-wheel drives. Watch for logging trucks. Travel 9.3 Km up the main road to the junction of spur road, take the right fork to Chain and Fowl Lakes trailhead.

CHAIN LAKES TO TENQUILLE LAKE (MULTI-DAY TRAVERSE)
Difficulty: High. A good map, GPS and navigation skills are essential to finding your way through the mountain passes. Everyone embarking on the traverse should be physically fit and have appropriate gear. A minimum of 4 to 5 days is recommended for trip. Leaving a car at both ends or arrange pickup.
Distance (one way): 25km + distance from Tenquille Lake out to various trailheads.
Brief description: First section of trail is a easy grade to Chain Lakes. From Chain Lakes, a well-marked trail climbs at a moderate pitch into the pass. In semi-alpine, the trail weaves around small ponds and boggy sections then travel slightly downhill to Fowl Lake. Be aware that in bad weather or snow, the trail could be difficult to follow. Trail continues to Upper Fowl Lake – beyond here the trail becomes a route – marked only by rock cairns in some sections. NOT a place to get caught in bad weather! We encourage using existing campsites at Fowl, Upper Fowl, Ogre and Tenquille Lakes to minimize human impact on this wilderness area.
Facilities: Tenquille Lake Recreation site - cabin and tent sites require advance reservations, you must have a confirmed reservation PRIOR to arrival - there is no cell service on site.
Trailhead access: Use the same directions as Chain Lakes or if starting from Tenquille Lake use Branch 12 or Lillooet River trailhead directions.

LILLOOET RIVER TO TENQUILLE LAKE (VIA HISTORIC TENQUILLE LAKE TRAIL)
WARNING! Do not travel in high winds. Trees damaged from 2009 forest fires are vulnerable to falling in wind storms. High avalanche danger in winter and spring approaching Wolverine Creek and through Tenquille Pass.
Difficulty: Moderate. Long and steep, and should be attempted only by those in good physical condition.
Distance (one way): 9.5km
Brief description: Easiest to reach with any vehicle. Although more difficult than the more popular ‘Branch 12’ route to Tenquille Lake, this trail winds through open forest and offers excellent views of the rich Lillooet River valley below. You will cross several small ephemeral streams and pass through small meadows. After crossing Wolverine Creek, the trail meets up with the alternate Branch 12 route, soon climbs through Tenquille Pass then descends to Tenquille Lake.
Facilities: Tenquille Lake Recreation site - cabin and tent sites require advance reservations, you must have a confirmed reservation PRIOR to arrival - there is no cell service on site.
Trailhead access: Trailhead can be accessed with 2WD and is located about 25km from the village of Pemberton. Travel north on Pemberton Meadows Rd, right turn on the Hurley FSR at 23km and continue for about 2km to the bridge crossing Lillooet River. Cross bridge and park immediately on the other side. Trailhead is about 50 meters up spur road to the right.

BRANCH 12 (FROM HURLEY FSR) TO TENQUILLE LAKE TRAIL
WARNING! High avalanche danger in winter and spring through Tenquille Pass. From spring to mid-summer, exercise caution when crossing snow bridges across creek gullies.
Difficulty: Moderate. Generally easy grade with some steeper sections.
Distance (one way): 6km
Brief description: Trail leads northwest, swinging around the south side of Goat Peak, ascending the upper Wolverine Creek drainage where it meets the trail from the Lillooet River bridge (above). Grade of trail is generally gentle, and the route offers views of the Pemberton Valley, Copper Dome and other mountain peaks. After hiking for about 5km, you’ll reach the meadows at Tenquille Pass before descending to Tenquille Lake.
Facilities: Tenquille Lake Recreation site - cabin and tent sites require advance reservations, you must have a confirmed reservation PRIOR to arrival - there is no cell service on site.
Trailhead access: Drive past Lillooet River access (above) on Hurley FSR – zero odometer at bridge, at about 7km stay right up Hurley FSR. About 20km past Lillooet River bridge, look for the Hurley River/Tenquille Branch sign (‘Branch 12’) – turn right. Mainly 4×4 access beyond turnoff, distance to the trailhead is about 5km. Some 2WD vehicles with good clearance can drive part way down Branch 12 and park in the designated parking area about 2km from turnoff, only 4X4 vehicles are recommended beyond this point.