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Windfall Lake

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Windfall Lake is an alpine lake situated in a cirque beneath tree-line cliffs in the Tumbler Ridge Global Geopark, British Columbia. The 10km return hiking trail (5-7 hours) climbs through forest and sub-alpine meadows with 370m elevation gain. The site features geological deposits from the Mississippian Period (359-323 million years ago) with fossils including trilobites, corals, and brachiopods, alongside Triassic sandstone cliffs from the Sulphur Mountain Formation. Backcountry camping facilities include tent pads, bear caches, and toilet facilities. Late summer swimming is possible, and a circular route option through karst topography is available. (via official site)

Tents Walk-in only

Key facts

At-a-glance details for Windfall Lake, from its official website.

Pitches & accommodation

Accommodation typeBackcountry camping with tent pads
Trail difficultyAlpine hiking classification
Trail improvements100m boardwalk section installed over wettest areas (summer 2017)

Activities & family

Allowed activitiesHiking, lake swimming (late summer), cave exploration (expert-only), wildlife observation
Route optionsCircular return route through karst topography; ridge summit ascent; Mt. Crum ascent; Tunnel Mountain via Tunnel Cave; high unnamed peak southeast of lake
WildlifeBarrow's Goldeneye ducks observed at lake

Location & access

SettingAlpine lake in a cirque beneath tree-line cliffs
Geographic areaTumbler Ridge Global Geopark, British Columbia
Access methodHiking trail from trailhead; no vehicle access
Geological featuresMississippian Period limestone (359-323 million years ago) containing trilobite, coral, and brachiopod fossils; Triassic sandstone cliffs from Sulphur Mountain Formation (252-201 million years ago)
CavesSausage Cave, Caribou Cave, Auricle Cave (60m deep, contains ice formations); part of underground karst system

Facilities & details

Amenities and on-site features reported for Windfall Lake.

Backcountry
Toilets

Know before you go

Practical things to prepare for a trip to Windfall Lake.

Location

Where Windfall Lake sits on the map and how to get there.

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What’s nearby

Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.

🏞️ Attractions

Mount Crum (2,071 m)Summits & peaks167.7 km · ~247 min driveDirections ↗

Weather

Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.

Best time to visit

Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Windfall Lake.

Good to know

Quick answers to common questions about Windfall Lake.

How long does the hike to Windfall Lake take?

5-7 hours round trip

What is the total distance to Windfall Lake?

10km return to lake

What is the elevation gain on the trail?

370m (1,215 ft)

What facilities are available at Windfall Lake?

Tent pads, bear caches, and toilet facilities

When is it possible to swim in Windfall Lake?

Late summer

Are there toilets at Windfall Lake?

Yes, toilets are available on site.

Documents & downloads

Price lists, brochures and info files from the official website for Windfall Lake.

Reviews

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