Elfin Lakes Updates - July 1, 2026
Hi folks, we just finished a 3-day backpacking trip at Elfin. A few things to note:
- lots of thick patches of soft (not slushy... yet) snow in the last 2.3km or so. Gaiters and poles strongly recommended - spikes / crampons were not really helpful given the soft snow and the frequent switching between clear/rocky ground and snow.
All the tent pads, walking paths, etc. at the campground are completely clear of snow.
The weather did not quite cooperate during our time there and it was cloudy and very foggy. We attempted the Gargoyles hike (as did many others) and mainly stayed at the saddle area, waiting for the weather (visibility) to improve, without any luck. Check the forecast before attempting - gaiters are a must and spikes / crampons might help a tiny bit on this specific steep + snowy portion of the hike if you choose to attempt it.
The pit washrooms are in surprisingly good condition (pump / pedal 'flush' and all!)
Very few bugs / mosquitoes right now, but I imagine with snow melt and higher temps soon, they will be out in droves soon enough.
NOTE: Most people were kind, courteous, and obeying outdoor etiquette, but please be mindful of the following:
- NO MUSIC from bluetooth speakers - please use headphones if for whatever reason the peace and quiet + alpine bird songs up there in mother nature are not enough for you and you need city vibes. (Someone was blasting Drake and Charli XCX out loud and got an earful from me... like just stay home if you want to spew sound pollution out in nature. The whole point of getting out of the city for most people is to get away from this stuff...)
- Please do not walk on grasses / bushes / vegetation - follow the trail (even if that means trudging through the snowy bits). These are not city parks - these are endangered alpine plants which are increasingly facing climate stress and don't need us trampling them.
- Please clean up after yourselves and PACK EVERY PIECE OF GARBAGE back - compostable or otherwise.
- In the common use day shelter, the parks folks have kindly provided cleaning sprays. Please wipe up the metal tables, sink, and counters after yourselves. There's also a couple of brooms and dustpans too for easy sweeping under the table and benches once you are done. Leave it better than you found it <3