Lindeman Lake and Greendrop Lake make an excellent backcountry day hike in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. The route passes two beautiful mountain lakes, dense coastal forest, several large boulder fields, creek crossings, and rugged mountain scenery.
Lindeman Lake is the easier and much more popular destination. Continuing beyond Lindeman to Greendrop Lake changes the character of the hike considerably. The trail becomes rougher, less travelled, and crosses several large boulder and landslide areas where progress can be much slower than the distance suggests.
The distance and elevation gain may appear moderate, but the route to Greendrop Lake crosses large boulder fields and rough terrain that can significantly slow your pace. Good footwear, balance, and confidence moving over uneven rock are important.
Trail Stats
These statistics are based on my original 2015 GPS recording, which includes the full out-and-back hike to Greendrop Lake.
- Distance: approximately 11.2 km return
- My hiking time: approximately 5 hours 55 minutes, including short breaks
- Low point: approximately 600 m
- High point: approximately 956 m
- Net elevation gain: approximately 355 m
- Cumulative elevation gain: approximately 600 m
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging because of the rough terrain beyond Lindeman Lake
- Route: Out and back
BC Parks currently lists Lindeman Lake as approximately 3.4 km return and Greendrop Lake as approximately 10.4 km return. My GPS recording was slightly longer at about 11.2 km.
Getting There
The hike begins from the Post Creek parking area along Chilliwack Lake Road, southeast of Chilliwack. The drive is long from Metro Vancouver, so an early start is worthwhile.
Vehicle break-ins have occurred at the Lindeman Lake parking area, so avoid leaving valuables visible in your vehicle. Cell service is also limited or unavailable in much of the Chilliwack River Valley, so download any maps or information you need before travelling into the area.
Interesting Facts
- Two very different hikes: Lindeman Lake is a relatively short and popular destination, while continuing to Greendrop Lake adds several kilometres of much rougher trail, including extensive boulder and landslide terrain.
- Boulder fields: The Greendrop route crosses several large landslide areas where hikers may need to scramble over, under, or around large boulders. The section beyond Lindeman Lake is best suited to hikers who are comfortable with rough footing and slower travel.
- Current reroute: Near Greendrop Lake, part of the trail has been rerouted beside the creek. Follow the square orange trail markers rather than flagging tape.
- Biogeoclimatic zones: Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park spans several ecological zones, including the Coastal Western Hemlock and Mountain Hemlock biogeoclimatic zones, with Alpine Tundra at higher elevations. This hike remains mostly within the forested lower and mid-elevation portions of that transition.
- Backcountry camping: Both Lindeman and Greendrop lakes have designated backcountry camping areas. Registration is required, and campers should complete it before entering the park because cell service is limited.
- Lindeman Lake facilities: Lindeman Lake has a pit toilet and food-storage facilities at the backcountry campsite. There is no garbage removal service, so everything brought in must be packed out.
The Route
The interactive map below shows my actual 2015 GPS route from the trailhead past Lindeman Lake to Greendrop Lake and back. Use the layer control in the upper-right corner to switch between the regular map and satellite imagery.
The Hike to Lindeman Lake
The first section climbs steadily through forest toward Lindeman Lake. Although the distance is short, there are rocky sections and enough elevation gain to make it more than a casual walk.
Lindeman Lake is the first major destination and is well worth visiting even if you do not continue to Greendrop. The lake has a striking green colour and is surrounded by steep forested and rocky slopes.
Beyond Lindeman Lake
The route changes considerably beyond Lindeman Lake. The trail becomes rougher and crosses several large boulder and landslide fields on the way toward Greendrop Lake.
This was my first hike involving extensive boulder-field travel. It was one of the most interesting parts of the route, but it also slowed our pace considerably. Good balance and careful foot placement are much more important here than speed.
Current BC Parks information notes fallen trees beyond Lindeman Lake and a rerouted section near Greendrop Lake. Follow the square orange trail markers rather than flagging tape.
Greendrop Lake
Greendrop Lake is quieter and more remote than Lindeman Lake. By the time we reached it, there was a light sprinkle of rain and thunder could be heard in the distance.
The lake makes a natural turnaround point for the day hike. Because of the slower travel through the boulder fields, allow significantly more time for the return trip than the distance alone might suggest.
Wildflowers
Trilliums were blooming during my May hike. Flowering times vary from year to year depending on snowmelt and spring temperatures.
Along the Trail
What to Bring
The full hike to Greendrop Lake is a backcountry route with rough footing, large boulder fields, limited cell service, and considerably slower travel than the distance suggests. I recommend carrying the Ten Essentials.
Carry reliable navigation, a headlamp, first-aid supplies, sun protection, extra food, sufficient water, emergency shelter, and extra clothing. Good hiking footwear with secure traction is particularly important for the boulder fields.
Download an offline map before entering the Chilliwack River Valley, carry a fully charged phone and backup power, and leave your route and expected return time with someone you trust. Cell service should not be relied upon.
Leave No Trace
Please follow Leave No Trace principles throughout the hike. Stay on the marked route, pack out everything you bring in, avoid disturbing vegetation, keep wildlife at a distance, and do not create shortcuts around difficult trail sections.
If camping at Lindeman or Greendrop Lake, use the designated backcountry camping areas and complete the required registration before travelling into the park. Campfires are not permitted in the backcountry.
Before You Go
Check current BC Parks trail information before heading out. Windfall, creek conditions, landslides, snow, and trail reroutes can affect the section beyond Lindeman Lake.
