Gwillim Lakes Hike, Valhalla, B.C.

It’s only 6 km into Gwillim Lakes in small Valhalla Provincial Park — if you can get to the trailhead.

The nearest towns of note are Nelson and Castlegar.

… there are three separate camping spots Drinnon Lake, Drinnon Pass, and the most beautiful one of all – Gwillim Lakes (free, 1st come, 1st served).

At Gwillim Lakes I counted at least 13 tent pads …

Finding the trailhead to Drinnon Pass and Gwillim Lakes

In many ways the crux of the hike is getting to the Drinnon Pass – Gwillim Lakes trailhead. I was ready to give up on account of the road in – though John was definitely not. The rough road is both a blessing and a curse. …

Plan to buy a roll of chicken wire before you head into Valhalla Provincial Park.

Wherever you park, be it at the trailhead or at some point along the final 2 – 3 kilometre section of road, wrap your car in chicken wire like they did in the car pictured below.

This will prevent the pesky porcupine from gnawing away on your car’s brake lines and causing untold misery getting back to civilization.