Phyllis Lake

Phyllis Lake is a low-key out-and-back trail just off the Sea to Sky Highway near Squamish, BC, that feels a bit more rugged than its stats suggest. At 15.4 km with about 469 m of gain and a max elevation around 505 m, it’s rated moderate and usually takes around four and a half hours, but the rougher sections and light route-finding make it feel like a real backroad adventure. If you like quieter trails away from the classic Squamish hotspots, this one fits the bill.

The Phyllis Lake trail follows a powerline cut and old roads toward Marion Lake and then Phyllis Lake, with a mix of open stretches and shaded forest. You’ll hear and see Furry Creek along the way, and there are some surprisingly nice viewpoints over the valley and surrounding hills as you climb. The creek sections are often the highlight, with clear water and a more wild, remote feel than many front-country Squamish hikes.

Recent hikers are blunt: the lake itself isn’t exactly inviting right now, and the dock at Phyllis Lake is reported to be rotten and sketchy, so don’t plan on hanging out there or using it. Treat this more as a journey hike for the quiet, the creek, and the views, not a classic lake destination. Expect some rough, sometimes muddy or overgrown patches, bring GPS or a map for the less obvious sections, and aim for late spring through fall when the route is mostly snow-free and the access roads are easier to manage.