Quartz Lake (aka Quartz Creek)

Synopsis

A steep start, but the reward is a lovely lake just below treeline nestled in an alpine valley.  Historically this trail has been called the Quartz Creek Trail.  However, the creek out from this lake is just a tributary of Quartz Creek which runs down in the valley where you parked.

Trail update Oct 7, 2021
A re-route has been put in around the section of blow-down trees near the trail start.  The re-route runs about 175m around these trees.

Hike Print Hike Only

Trailhead
The trail begins on the east side of the road and is marked by a trailhead kiosk.

Trail
The trail climbs steeply up the forested slope, crosses several slide paths, and then climbs right next to the creek until you reach the lake. The top third of the trail can be very wet throughout the summer, so wax your boots.

The trail will bring you to the north end of Quartz Lake. The lake is a popular fishing spot.[read more]

Two tent pads, a picnic table and a food cache remain from the MOF Recreation days. There is an outhouse on the right hand side of the lake outlet which is accessed by a log bridge.

Trail Map

Access Print Access Only

From the junction of Highway 95 and Highway 1, drive west on the Trans Canada Highway for 38 kilometres to the Quartz Forest Service Road (FSR) turnoff. The highway is multi-lane here and there is a left turn bay. (The start of the Quartz FSR is used as a staging area for snowmobilers in the winter.)

Set your odometer at 0 km at the red roofed building right immediately after turning off Hwy 1:

[read more]

0 km red roofed building.
1.4 km stay left and pass through the yellow gate.
4.1 km stay straight ahead on main road.
5.5 km concrete bridge and parking area for Quartz Lake (there is a post and kiosk at marking the trailhead).  Park on either side of the bridge.

Photos

Elevation Profile