Lindeman Lake Hike, Chilliwack, BC

Lindeman Lake is a beautiful climb in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. For 3.5 km, it is a short hike but still a beautiful one for the Lindeman Lake. Lindeman lake is an exquisite, turquoise lake encompassed by thick woods and mountain tops. A lot of hikers swim in the lake in the summer. This trail leads you upwards towards the serene Lindeman Lake and Greendrop Lake.

Lindeman Lake Hike Summary

• Rating: Moderate
• Distance: 3.5 km
• Elevation Gain: 800 feet
• Time Needed: 1.5 hours
• Type: Out-and-back
• Season: May to October
• Dogs Allowed: Yes
• Est. Driving Time from Vancouver: 2 Hours
• Backcountry Campsites: Lindeman Lake Campground
• Route Signage: Average
• Crowd Levels: High
• Highest Point: 840 m
• Trailhead Coordinates: 49.096865, -121.456256

Lindeman Lake Video Guide

Lindeman Lake Hike Overview

Lindeman Lake is a highly popular hiking destination located in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. It is known to be one of the most visited hikes in the Fraser Valley, competing with Elk Mountain for that title. The trail to Lindeman Lake is known for its easy accessibility, family and pet friendliness, and stunning turquoise lake, which has become a tourist destination in itself.

At just 3.5km, the hike to Lindeman Lake is short and can be completed in approximately an hour. However, due to the two-hour drive from Vancouver, some may find the hike ending at the lake too short. Fortunately, there are options to extend the hike and make it more worthwhile. The hike itself is quite steep, and many hikers are surprised by the gradient, which is why AllTrails categorizes it as a “moderate” hike.

Despite the trail’s popularity, the lake is truly a sight to behold. The vibrant teal/turquoise colors are surreal and different from the blue hues found at Garibaldi Lake or Joffre Lakes. For those looking to spend more time at the lake, camping is available with a backcountry camping permit, and there are a few campgrounds nearby.

Lindeman Lake is open year-round, but most people prefer to visit during mid-spring to early winter when the lake is thawed and the trail is not covered in snow. In winter, the lake freezes over, and the trail becomes very slippery and steep, requiring the use of microspikes.

Lindeman Lake Camping

Lindeman Lake offers camping opportunities! A handful of campsites are available at Lindeman Lake, but securing a spot requires reserving a backcountry pass through BC Parks. To secure your backcountry camping pass for Lindeman Lake in 2023, you must make a reservation four months ahead using the BC Parks reservation system. The booking window opens at 7 am PDT.

The campsites themselves are not reservable; they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To find a prime spot, it’s advisable to arrive early. The campground provides a pit toilet for your convenience. Camping platforms and dirt sites are spread throughout the area near the lake’s trailhead. These sites are strategically located in proximity to the toilet facilities, ensuring you won’t need to embark on a significant hike to reach them.

Lindeman Lake Trailhead

Lindeman Lake is located in Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley, which is about a 2 hour drive from Vancouver. From Vancouver, you will need to take the Trans Canada Highway (Hwy 1) all the way to Exit 104. From this exit, turn right onto No. 3 Road and then again at Tolmie Road before immediately turning left to get back onto No. 3 Road. Stay on No. 3 Road until you reach Yarrow Central Road where you will need to take a left. The road will eventually turn into Vedder Mountain Road. Continue on until you reach the right hand turn-off onto Chilliwack Lake Road. Now you will just need to stay on this road until you reach the sign for the Lindeman Lake Parking Lot which will be for about 40km.

Despite the ample parking available at the trailhead, it can get quite crowded, and overflow parking can be found on Chilliwack Lake Road. It’s essential to arrive early and not leave valuables in your vehicle, as vehicle break-ins are common. Leaving your vehicle overnight is also not recommended.

Due to its immense popularity, the hike experiences early carpark congestion, particularly during the summer months. Restrooms can be found in the Lindeman Lake Parking Lot as well as near the lake at the campground. Remember to bring your own supply of toilet paper.

Lindeman Lake Hike Difficulty

Lindeman Lake, with an average gradient of 13.70%, is actually a pretty steep hike. Many hikers may not realize how steep it is until they start descending back to their car and see other hikers ill-prepared and surprised at the challenging terrain. Despite being a short hike, it’s essential to be appropriately prepared for a hike, not just a leisurely walk down the road.

However, the hike is relatively easy, given its short length, and the trail is very well maintained. While some may categorize this hike as moderate, others may disagree, and it’s essential to be aware of the steep gradient before embarking on the journey.

Hikers should also be aware of the potential risks and challenges of the trail. During the winter and early spring, the trail can be slippery and steep, making it more challenging to navigate. Hikers should have appropriate gear, such as microspikes, to tackle the trail’s challenging conditions.

Despite the steep gradient, the trail to Lindeman Lake is a beautiful experience, offering stunning views of the turquoise lake and surrounding area. It’s a popular destination for hikers of all skill levels, but it’s essential to be adequately prepared for the hike’s challenges. Below is the Lindeman Lake elevation graph

Lindeman Lake Hiking trail Information

The hike to Lindeman Lake begins at the end of Chilliwack Lake Road, just before Chilliwack Lake. The road and parking lot are both paved, making it accessible to any car. It is important to remember to empty your car of all valuables and leave the glove compartment open to show that there is nothing worth stealing. Additionally, there is a bathroom at the trailhead and an information board highlighting all of the different trails in the area.

The Lindeman Lake Trail, situated within Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, offers a brief hiking path characterized by rocky and technical terrain, culminating at a stunning turquoise lake. Although the trail is not excessively challenging or lengthy, it incorporates some stair-like sections and several small boulder fields.

Hikers are advised to wear appropriate hiking footwear and consider bringing additional equipment such as crampons or microspikes for potentially wet or icy conditions. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that this trail can become quite busy, especially later in the day. To secure parking and experience a less crowded visit to the lake, arriving early at the trailhead is recommended.

Upon starting the hike, you will come across a junction where going right will lead towards Flora Lake/Peak, which is a very difficult hike. Continuing on the correct trail, you will soon be walking next to Post Creek, which flows into Lindeman Lake. The first 600 meters of the trail will be flat, walking next to the creek. A wooden bridge marks the end of this section, and the elevation will begin to increase.

After crossing a bridge, the trail ascends steeply uphill along a well-marked but potentially slippery stretch due to loose dirt and rocks. The trail proceeds directly to the lake, so keep moving uphill, and you’ll soon find yourself at your destination. Upon arrival, the pristine turquoise waters of the lake offer an inviting sight, particularly on a hot day. Regrettably, the water’s temperature remains chilly year-round, deterring most from taking a dip. Following a moment to appreciate the enchanting woodland and mountain vistas around the lake, retrace your steps along the Lindeman Lake Trail to return to the trailhead and your parked vehicle.

The next 300 meters will be steep, with a gradient of around 25%. However, the trail is well marked and easy to navigate. At around the 800-meter mark, the trail levels out for 200 meters before becoming steep again. The next 300 meters are even steeper, with a gradient of 40%, and can become slippery and muddy due to lake runoff. Proper footwear with good traction is recommended, as many people have struggled during this section with inadequate footwear.

At the 1.2-kilometer mark, you will have finished the steep part of the trail and will be left with a mellow stroll in the forest for the remaining 500 meters to the lake. Upon arrival, you will notice the tent pads and washrooms, as well as a decent amount of space by the lakeside. However, depending on the time of day and year, it may be incredibly busy with people taking photos.

On the weekends, the trail can become very crowded. Since the trail is not so wide, hikers stop to make way for the others. The AllTrails route ends at the south end of the lake, but the best part of the lake is actually the north end. It is much quieter, and you get better views of the lake as you gain elevation. There is a boulder field at the north end that you can scramble up to get elevated views for some nice photos. However, it is a steep boulder field, so it’s important to be careful, especially with children. You can also try swimming in the lake, although it’s quite cold.

If you are not continuing on to Greendrop Lake, you can simply turn around and head back the way you came. It’s important to note that during peak season, there may be lines of people coming up, which can slow down your descent.

Best time to Hike Lindeman Lake

Lindeman Lake is a popular hiking destination that can be enjoyed year-round. However, most hikers prefer to visit between mid-spring to early winter, which typically falls between May to November when the lake is not frozen. During summer, the lake attracts a significant amount of visitors, especially on sunny weekends, so it’s best to plan an early start to avoid crowds.

In the winter, the trail leading to Lindeman Lake can be covered in snow, making it a great opportunity for snowshoeing or skiing enthusiasts. The lake freezes over during the winter, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.

It’s important to note that due to the popularity of Lindeman Lake, the trail can become quite crowded, especially during peak season. Additionally, parking can be limited, so it’s best to arrive early or carpool with other hikers. To minimize the impact on the environment, it’s important to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Swimming at Lindeman Lake

In the summer, people like to swim in the lake though the water is cold. Usually, the south end of the lake is very crowded as most of the hikers stop here. So if you are looking for a lesser crowded area, hike further towards the northern end of the lake for swimming. There is a bit of scrambling and some rocky patches but it worth it. The time for swimming is July & August.

Lindeman Lake Car break In

It’s important to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of theft. Make sure to remove all valuables from your vehicle, including bags, electronic devices, and any other valuable items. Don’t leave anything visible that could attract the attention of thieves. If possible, leave your glove compartment open to show that there’s nothing worth stealing inside. Also, it is not recommended to keep your parked overnight.

It’s also a good idea to park in a well-lit area and to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t hesitate to report any suspicious activity to the authorities or park staff. If you’re planning to hike during peak hours or on weekends, it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot and to avoid the crowds.

There have been some car break in incidents in the past. here are some links

• https://www.abbynews.com/news/thieves-active-at-lindeman-lake-and-other-parking-spots-along-chilliwack-lake-road/
• https://bc-cb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=2087&languageId=1&contentId=75599

Lindeman Lake Bears

Lindeman Lake is located in bear country, and encounters with black bears are not uncommon in the area. It’s important to take precautions to avoid any potential bear encounters while hiking. Some tips include making noise while hiking, especially around blind corners or in areas with low visibility, to alert bears to your presence and avoid surprising them. It’s also recommended to carry bear spray and know how to use it properly in case of an encounter.

If you do happen to encounter a bear, it’s important to stay calm and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises. Give the bear plenty of space and slowly back away while facing the bear. Do not run, as this may trigger a chase response in the bear. In the rare event of a bear attack, fight back aggressively using any available object as a weapon.

Remember, bears are wild animals and should always be treated with respect and caution. It’s important to practice responsible hiking habits and leave no trace behind, as this helps to minimize human-bear conflicts in the area.

Lindeman Lake Hike Photo Gallery

The trail becomes steep after crossing the bridge. The steep part lasts for about 15-20 minutes. Some portion of the trail has ropes as well.