PNOA Elfin Lakes 3-Day Backpacking Adventure

From September 5–7, 2025, 19 members of PNOA embarked on an unforgettable three-day, two-night backpacking trip to Elfin Lakes. For 10 of them, this was their very first time backpacking, which made the journey even more meaningful.

Itinerary

Day 1: Backpacking to Elfin Lakes Campground — 11.59 km with 637 m elevation gain and 158 m descent. The trail led us through lush forests and open alpine meadows, with distant snowcapped peaks on the horizon. Upon reaching the campsite, the two turquoise glacial lakes shimmered in the evening light like twin sapphires nestled in the valley.
Day 2: A day hike to Opal Cone — 17.19 km round trip, with 816 m elevation gain and 831 m descent. At the top, the volcanic landscape stretched beneath our feet, its dark lava rocks contrasting sharply with the dazzling white glaciers. In the distance, the majestic Garibaldi Mountain range and the ridges of Diamond Head appeared through drifting clouds, their glaciers glowing silver in the sunlight against the deep blue sky—a breathtaking alpine panorama.
Day 3: Backpacking back to the Elfin Lakes trailhead — 10.38 km with 155 m elevation gain and 652 m descent. Looking back, the snowy peaks and tranquil lakes remained unchanged, but in our hearts, the bond with this place had grown much deeper.

Memorable Moments

After long hikes, swimming in the crystal-clear lakes refreshed our bodies, while shared meals and laughter at camp filled our nights with warmth.
Although BC’s wildfires dimmed the skies and kept us from seeing the Milky Way or Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, the spirit of mutual support, care, and love shone brighter than any starry sky.

Special thanks to our leaders Baishui, Adeline, Lisa, and Timothy, along with assistant leaders Mandy, Rick, and Romeo, whose dedication, guidance, and care ensured everyone’s safety throughout the journey.

Growth & Takeaways

This adventure was not just about distance and elevation—it was about learning, resilience, and teamwork. For the 10 first-time backpackers, it was a transformative experience that built knowledge, confidence, and trust in themselves.

As Mandy beautifully summed it up at the end:
“This is the life I want!!”

Three days on the trail left us with more than just kilometers logged or photos taken—it gave us friendship, trust, teamwork, and a renewed love for the wilderness.

Tips for Future Backpackers

Bring the right gear — Sturdy hiking boots, a well-fitted backpack, and weatherproof clothing are essential for safety and comfort.
Stay fueled and hydrated — Drink water regularly, supplement with electrolytes or salt tablets, and keep energy foods (like bars, nuts, or dried fruit) handy to avoid heat exhaustion and energy crashes.

We hope more friends will step into the wilderness, embrace both the challenges and beauty of backpacking, and discover the joy it brings.

PNOA Elfin Lakes 三天两夜重装徒步回顾

2025年9月5日至7日，PNOA组织的19名队员在 Elfin Lakes 开展了一场难忘的三天两夜重装徒步露营之旅。其中有 10 位队员是第一次尝试重装徒步，这更让这次旅程意义非凡。

行程安排

第一天：重装背包徒步至 Elfin Lakes 营地，单程 11.59 公里，累计爬升 637 米，累计下降 158 米。沿途郁郁葱葱的森林、开阔的高山草甸与远处连绵的雪峰相互映衬，湖水在夕阳下泛着晶莹的光泽。抵达营地后，两个碧蓝的冰川湖泊静静镶嵌在山谷之中，仿佛一对湛蓝的眼睛凝望着群山。
第二天：轻装挑战 Opal Cone，往返 17.19 公里，累计爬升 816 米，累计下降 831 米。登顶之时，脚下是荒凉壮美的火山地貌，灰黑色的岩石与远处洁白的冰川形成强烈对比。抬眼望去，雄伟的 Garibaldi 山群 与蜿蜒的 Diamond Head 山脊 在云雾之间若隐若现，山峰上覆盖着晶莹的冰川，阳光照射下泛着银白色的光芒，与碧蓝天空交织成一幅震撼人心的高山画卷。
第三天：重装背包返回 Elfin Lakes trailhead，单程 10.38 公里，累计爬升 155 米，累计下降 652 米。回首远眺，雪山依旧巍峨，湖泊依旧宁静，而此刻心中却多了一份深深的不舍。