| Red Heather campsite is the best way to | | | | a small campground with tent platforms. |
| describe it, rather than a campground. It's quite | | | | Red Heather is about an hours walk with a |
| small. Turn east off Hwy 99 onto Mamquam | | | | backpack from the parking lot. The shelter is |
| Road, 4 km north of the Squamish town site. | | | | nearby. The shelter is the home of families of |
| Follow the paved road past the Squamish Golf | | | | field mice. On a rainy evening we set up our little |
| and Country Club and then take the gravel road | | | | stove to cook supper. As soon as we were a |
| just past the Mashiter Creek Bridge. The road is | | | | little quiet the little mice suddenly appeared. They |
| generally full of potholes so take it easy. It is | | | | scurried everywhere, curious as all get out. |
| graded occasionally. It is 16 km from the highway | | | | The campsite was perfect as the platforms kept |
| to the parking lot, located at 914 meters. You | | | | us above the rain soaked ground and we |
| should stop at the lookout 1 km before the | | | | remained nice and dry. The sounds of the owl's |
| parking lot that provides a sweeping, panoramic | | | | hooting nearby was amazing. It continued for |
| view of the Squamish River Valley and Howe | | | | hours. |
| Sound. | | | | The next morning we headed off to Elfin Lakes |
| All camping areas, cabins, shelters, etc. in Garibaldi | | | | where we managed to get a couple of bunks in |
| Provincial Park are operated on a first-come, | | | | the Elfin Lakes Hut. This is a real bargain at $10. |
| first-served basis. If you are there first, you get | | | | Per night. It even is equipped with propane stoves. |
| to stay. No reservations are accepted. Be | | | | This site is cared for by a Ranger who is on site |
| prepared to camp in outdoor conditions if the | | | | for the season. |
| shelter facility is full. Camping is restricted to Elfin | | | | The heat in August can be quite unbearable as |
| Lakes, Red Heather and Mamquam Lake | | | | there is not much in the way of shade. The nice |
| Campgrounds. | | | | cool waters of the lakes are perfect to cool one |
| Camping and Shelter fees are charged year round | | | | down. |
| and must be paid in full at the trailhead Fee | | | | If you are really into hiking you might want to |
| Station. Proof of payment must be carried at all | | | | climb your way up to the saddle you can see |
| times while in the park. A box is provided at the | | | | from the lakes and hut. The view from there is |
| parking lot for your payment. | | | | spectacular. You might want to make sure you |
| Red Heather - Located 5 km from the parking lot, | | | | place some rocks inside your tent if the wind is |
| the Red Heather area offers a day use shelter | | | | blowing as it could literally blow it away at times. |
| equipped with 2 picnic tables, a propane hot plate, | | | | Another 7 miles of a hike will bring you to the |
| a wash sink, a cooking counter, a wood stove | | | | Mamquam Lake remote campsite. Again there are |
| (winter use only) and pit toilet facilities. Please take | | | | a few tent platforms and plenty of hiking |
| it easy on the wood to ensure that wood supplies | | | | adventures everywhere. |
| last through the winter season. Camping is not | | | | One important note. The Garibaldi Park is a carry |
| permitted in the shelter. On snow camping is | | | | in/carry out park. Take your garbage home with |
| permitted during the winter season only. Nearby is | | | | you if you please. |