Vantage Peak

Vantage Peak is an excellent first scramble, and there are loads of excellent camping options and even a hut nearby that break the trip up and make it accessible to newer hikers too. This trip can be done as big day trip or broken up over two days if you bring a tent. It makes for a great weekend trip from Vancouver–so good, in fact, that Arc'teryx made a whole movie about it. As of June 2019, this route is no longer safe to access. Until further notice, the Cerise Creek area is closed. Two large landslides have wiped out large sections of trail. There is also risk of further slides. This has dramatically altered the approach route along both summer and winter trails. It also poses a continued risk. BC Parks has closed the area. For updates visit the Nlhaxen Conservancy.

Just 20 kilometers beyond the ever-popular Joffre Lakes turnoff is an unmarked extended shoulder with a large line of old-growth trees. If you get to the corner with the marvelous view of the Anniversary Glacier on Joffre Peak and Mount Matier, you've gone too far. At the eastern end of this turnoff is a narrow trail that descends to a very stout log bridge that crosses the river. The trail from here is quite straitforward. It works it's way up to a logging road and then back into the woods. 

The trail that goes through the woods is very rooted, often muddy, and goes up and down a great deal. With heavy packs it can be quite tricky. The trail curves to through a boulder field and eventually heads into the subalpine beside the Keith Flavelle Hut. 

The hut is a great place to stay with beautiful views. In past years firewood used to be available, but in recent years there have been some selfish individuals who have been lighting bonfires or just simply burning wood unnecessarily. There is only one firewood flight per year, so if you come up in the winter, use it sparingly. 

If the hut feels a little crowded, head down the hill to the end of a towering moraine; you'll find a beautiful lake situated beneath the Anniversary Glacier that makes for excellent camping. 

To get to Vantage, follow the little singletrack that ambles up the wide valley toward the Vantage Matier Col. From the col you'll head straight for the summit. The trail gets increasingly hard to follow as it dips between the krumholtz trees and approachs the narrowing ridge. You can break to the climber's right and traverse along the edge of the ridge if you want to avoid the steep section or take to the ridge for some fun exposure. Either way, within a few minutes you'll be on top of a spectacular summit with incredible views in every direction. 

PACK LIST

• 10 essentials
• Hiking boots (trail shoes are doable, but they can get uncomfortable if conditions are muddy.) 

Overnight

• Three-season sleeping Bag
• Sleeping pad
• Stove and cookware
• Tent