Tenquille Lake – Tenquille‑Owl Lakes Recreation Area, BC

Tenquille Lake is a serene subalpine oasis in the Pemberton Valley, embraced by jagged mountain peaks and lush forests. The lake features a rustic backcountry cabin and offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, camping, and accessing nearby scrambles. It’s a perfect blend of alpine beauty and easygoing adventure. 📸

Distance & Elevation

• 10.5 km round‑trip (via Tenquille Creek Trail)

• 275 m elevation gain

• Out & back

Trailhead & Route Options

• Tenquille Creek Trailhead (Birkenhead Lake FSR): ~3.5 km easy forested hike to east side of lake.

• Branch 12 (Hurley FSR): ~6 km gentle walk to lake - 4WD needed.

• Lillooet FSR trailhead: ~9.5 km approach with ~1,400 m vertical gain, no 4WD needed.

Trail Notes
The Tenquille Creek Trail climbs gradually through dense forest along the creek before opening onto the lake’s eastern shore. A pleasant 3 km loop skirts the shoreline, passing blueberry bushes, fishing spots, and picture-perfect camping clearings. The Pemberton Wildlife Association cabin sits near the west side, offering a dry shelter and social hub (honor system, leave it tidy!).

Camping & Permits
Backcountry camping is allowed around the lake, with several primitive lakeside spots. Fires are prohibited.

• Tent pad/cabin booking not required, but overnight stays still need a BC Parks backcountry camping permit.

• Reserve via BC Parks:
  https://camping.bcparks.ca → select “Tenquille‑Owl Lakes Recreation Area” or “Garibaldi Provincial Park”

Seasonal Tips

• Best Time: June to September for snow‑free trails.

• Spring and fall may be wet and muddy—waterproof footwear recommended.

• Summer evenings drop cool; bring warm layers and bug spray!!! The bugs are bad...

• You need a 4x4 to access the road. As it can be really gnarly with washouts. So without 4X4 you hike in up the road up.

Gear Essentials + Fun Stuff

• Fishing rod and valid freshwater license (lake stocked with rainbow trout!).

• Trekking poles for creekside mud and gentle elevation.

• Cabin etiquette essentials: clean gear, no chopping wood inside, respect communal space.

AllTrails Link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/tenquille-lake-trail