Arnica and upper view of Twin Lake – Relaxed Pace

Slow and Steady Hikers
I love this unique, slightly challenging hike on the BC side. The opposite of usual, we start downhill toward Arnica Lake through a beautiful forest with wildflowers ending back uphill just before the lake. We eventually come to beautiful Arnica Lake surrounded by many Arnica flowers. At this point, we have a choice. We can stop there for lunch and head back the same way or go farther to the first of the twin lakes (strong group). One the way back, we go back uphill, level out, and finish with some elevation gain, as we climb uphill to the trailhead.

Options to be decided by the group in coordinator with the trip organizer

Arnica Lake Trail:
Listed as hard, 10.2km and 760-970m elevation gain (based on route), return, pass by Vista Lake

1st Twin Lake (the pretty one):
After we get to the Arnica Lake, we can choose to hike 2.3 more kms to the first of the twin lakes, which is beautiful. This adds 4.6 kms and several hundred meters with three lakes and a total of 19km and 1170m.

We meet at the Vista/Arnica trailhead, see map, at 9:45am, to be ready to hike at 10am sharp. This will be a long challenging day, please don’t make evening plans.

On my hikes, we take 8-12 experienced hikers. We do not run ahead or leave people behind. We are out to enjoy nature together, get to know each other better, and keep each other safe. If you run ahead of the group, we will feed you to the bears.

That being said, this hike is for experienced hikers who want to hike at a relaxed pace. To be accepted on this hike, YOU MUST HAVE HIKED WITH ME BEFORE. No beginners, no guests, no children. I may bring my friendly, experienced hiking dog, on a leash, if there
is room in my Jeep. Her name is Jasmine.

You choose to make your own carpooling plans once you are accepted on the hike. Recommended $25 gas fee. I recommend meeting at Shouldice Park and Ride at 7:45am or Petro Canada at hwy 22 and 1 at 8:00am. I can take 3 (max 4) passengers from Petro, on the north end of the gravel road, on the hwy 22 side.

Bear spray and cameras recommended. Lunch, snacks, 2-3 litres of water plus electrolytes, poles, changes of clothes, medications, waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, required. Water purification tablets, a headlamp with new batteries, first aid kit, tensor bandage, and emergency silver blanket are recommended in case things don’t go to plan. Extra socks and plastic bags for your boots are also useful. A water bladder you can drink while you hike, plus a backup water bottle is ideal.

Please read the slow and steady waiver and code of conduct in advance. You will sign in agreeing to the conditions of the waiver at the trailhead and leave an emergency contact name and number. You agree to follow slow and steady policies, listen to the organizer, treat everyone with respect, do your own research on the hikes, come prepared, and recognize that your organizers are volunteers who put in a lot of their own time to plan and lead these hikes for you.