Backpack Helm Creek

Start your drive by driving up the Cheakamus Lake forestry road to the parking lot (approximately 7km up the road). From the parking lot, start walking down the trail towards Cheakamus lake. 

About 2km down the trail, you will see a sign post indicating that you can continue straight to Cheakamus lake, or take a right towards Helm Creek/ Garibaldi lake. Take the right hand turn.

You will then hike down towards the Cheakamus river, cross a cool iron bridge, and then begin making your way up 3000ft of elevation towards the campsite. 

The hike from the river up to the camp site took us approximately 3 hours (2 hours back down) - Once you enter the meadow where the campground is situated, you are faced with an unbelievable view of Black Tusk mountain. 

From the campground (you do require a permit to camp), set up your tent on one of the amazing wooden tent pads. Once you have set up camp, and put your food away in the bear caches, I would highly recommend hiking up towards Helm Lake at the base of Black Tusk. Walking across this volcanic landscape is the closest thing to walking on the moon that you will get on earth. 

You could easily spend several nights at the Helm Creek campground exploring the nearby area, and I will definitely be back soon! 

Its location in Garibaldi park means that  there are no fires or dogs allowed, so please be respectful and follow these rules.