Berg Lake Trail — Two Yatris

We were a group of 4 friends and one energetic aunt. A classic and popular trek in the Rockies, you really have to book this one well in advance. The two of us from Vancouver flew into Prince George the night before and stayed at his parents place. Picked up some supplies and bear spray, got an early start the next day for the early morning drive to the trail head, the few even from the road is quite impressive letting you know your in for a treat. After the orientation with one of those classic old parks videos we were en route. After a short ways we were at the side of Kinney lake, quite a pretty spot for those with less time.

The next highlight is the valley of a thousand falls, a gorgeous wide mountain valley as described. After that you climb out of the valley, the most strenuous portion of the trek. There was a bear crossing the trail here but it scampered off when it heard us approaching. You then reach a few more impressive waterfalls on the east of the trail, finally heading to emperor falls. Was a long day at that point so we headed to direct to the campsite rather then detour down to the falls. Actually, despite sharing the name the campground is a fare ways and some elevation from the falls so if you want to see if on the way in stop here. The campsites were pleasantly located on the robson river. After unpacking and setting up tent we rushed ahead to Berg lake to grab some golden hour shots as it was a pretty clear night (glad we did as next couple had lots of clouds). The low light panorama shot was my tripods one success (still should have invested in an L bracket). Next day we had a short jaunt past the lake to rearguard campsite, where we stayed for the night.

We did the loop up and around toboggan falls/hargreaves lake, caught some bad weather towards the end but this passed. We arose early the following day and hiked up towards Robson glacier. It certainly has receded a lot compare to the 1970s hiking guidebook I’ve borrowed from my father. Snowbird pass was off limits due to wildlife restrictions at this time of year. At this point we made the decision to leave one night early and hiked out from rearguard. Stopped at Emperor falls this time. Setup the tripod that had been dragging me down for 3 days, but completely botched the shot, way too much mist for the longer exposures. I’d suggest using a longer lens and shooting from much further back or just use a couple of faster shutter speeds and combine them in post processing I guess. I have subsequently bought the much lighter ultrapod II – will report back after this summer. A day in the hotsprings was our reward for getting out a bit earlier. We hit the road back to PG and then flew home to Vancouver.

Between the lake, the very prominent Mt Robson, gorgeous valley and the waterfalls this hike does not disappoint. You will not be alone but it doesn’t feel anywhere near as crowded as some of the day hikes near Vancouver. Its also a good foray into backpacking, it would be a good first trip for any reasonably fit person who prepares ahead with ranger station, help lines. Don't be like the guy we saw at Berg lake in for the day with nothing but jeans a sweater and a camera though! If you are not on a tight budget, and dropped the ball on the reservations, considering getting dropped off by helicopter and hike out, it a pretty reasonable $250pp. If I go back with spouse this is likely what we’ll do as it saves the backtracking.