Elfin Lakes Shelter

Elfin Lakes Shelter
Elfin Lakes Shelter in summer.
Overnight Capacity	33
Coordinates	10U 500881E 5515211N (WGS 84) 10U 500975E 5515010N (NAD 27) 92 J/3 (Topographic map)
Elevation	1470m (4823ft)
BC Parks Fee	$15/night [1-800-689-9025 (BOOK BY PHONE)]
Reservations	Yes
Locked	No
Access	Diamond Head
Built	1970s
Caretaker	BC Parks
Legal	Type: BC Parks Tenure Status: Active Management: Garibaldi Provincial Park Management Plan (1990)

The Elfin Lakes shelter is an often visited hut just south of Mt. Garibaldi, in the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Provincial Park. It is probably the best equipped backcountry hut in the Coast Mountains, owing to considerable investment from BC Parks. The hut is heated by propane, and there are propane lamps and propane burners for cooking on the main floor. Don't rely on the burners for a busy weekend though - there are only 3 and the hut sleeps 30. Also, a few large pots are provided for melting snow or boiling water from the lakes.

A ranger station nearby is usually staffed (at least on weekends).

History

This hut was built by the BC government in the early 1970s. Previous to that there was a smaller log lodge, south of the hut. At some point a 3rd building was built, also south of the main hut, to serve as a warden hut.

Access

The trail to the shelter follows Paul Ridge and provides beautiful vistas. At Elfin Lakes, Columnar Peak, the Gargoyles, Opal Cone and Mamquam Icefield come into view. The shelter is 11 km from the Diamond Head parking lot. Suggested time is about 3 to 5 hours one way. The elevation change is 600 metres.

Facilities

The Elfin Lakes area offers an overnight shelter equipped with bunks for 33 people (11 double bunks, 12 single bunks), 4 picnic tables, 2 propane hot plates, a wash sink, a propane heater, propane lights and pit toilet facilities.

If the Shelter is full, the Elfin Lakes Campground located nearby, offers 35 tent platforms, a day-use shelter with 4 picnic tables inside and 2 picnic tables outside, pit toilet facilities and hang storage facilities.

Heating	Propane Heater (propane supplied)
Lighting	Propane Lights (propane supplied)
Cooking	Propane Stove (propane supplied)
Fire Safety
First Aid
Sleeping	Sleeping only upstairs. 11 double bunks. 12 single bunks.
Capacity	33
Drinking water	Melt snow
Human Waste	Pit Toilets
Greywater
Garbage	Pack it out

Activities

See Diamond Head for skiing, hiking and other activities in the area.

Maps

• Garibaldi Provincial Park Trail Map
• Wilderness Camping Map

Gallery

• 
  Cooking Area
• 
  Sleeping Area

External links

• Garibaldi Provincial Park: Diamond Head Area
• Garibaldi Provincial Park (and Current Conditions)
• Garibaldi Provincial Park Wilderness Camping