5 of BC’s Epic Backpacking Trails for Early Spring

Cameron Fenton

March 25, 2025

Every March, I get the itch to go backpacking. While I love winter backcountry trips, there’s something about the simplicity of backpacking that I crave when the days get longer, and a subtle warmth hangs on the wind.

But spring backpacking can be challenging. Deep snow still covers most mountain trails. At lower elevations, trails can be riddled with mud, puddles and deadfall. When it comes to weather, sometimes it feels like you’ll run into all four seasons in a single day. But spring backpacking is still well worth the effort. Here are five of my favourite early season backpacking trips in southwest BC.

Tikwalus Heritage Trail

Named for a Nlaka’pamux village that once stood at the trailhead, the Tikwalus Heritage Trail blends scenic hiking and history. Tucked into the rain shadow behind the Coast Range Mountains, this trail climbs up the eastern flank of the Fraser Canyon to a forested plateau dotted with small lakes.

Before you start, take a minute to read the great interpretive sign at the trailhead. Then, get ready to climb. Most of the elevation is covered in the first few kilometres of switchbacks that deliver you to stunning vistas of the mighty Fraser River. All along the trail, once used by the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fur Brigades, more interpretive signs explore both Indigenous and settler history of the region.

After a night at the well-built backcountry campsite, the route loops back in a lollipop shape, finishing by retracing your steps back down to your car.

Lower Stein Valley

Just getting to the trailhead for this trip is an adventure. From Lytton, a small ferry carries you across the Fraser River where the trail starts a short drive away. The ferry runs a regular schedule but will shut down when the Fraser River is swollen with snowmelt, usually in May and June.

The Stein, from the Nlaka’pamux word “Stagyn,” meaning “hidden place,” stretches from the banks of the Fraser to the Coast Mountains. The trail starts in a dry, interior forest of old growth ponderosa pine, black cottonwood, aspen and birch trees. Less than a kilometre in is the first of several rock art sites, the Asking Rock, that’s worth a stop to take in the beauty and power of the valley.

The Lower Stein trail has four established campgrounds, so the length of your trip can be a choose-your-own-adventure. The trail to Loop Camp (two kilometres in) and Devil’s Staircase Camp (four kilometres in) is relatively flat. Beyond this, the trial climbs up and down and gets a bit rougher. As of now, Earl’s Camp is the furthest you can travel due to wildfire damage.

Lindeman Lake

Lindeman Lake might be the perfect trail for an easy overnight trek or someone’s first backpacking trip. Located 40 minutes up the Chilliwack River Valley inside Sx̱ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Park, it can be busy in the summer. But in the spring, you can find solitude on the trail and at the campground on the shores of Lindeman’s crystal blue waters.

The hike starts along a flat stretch of trail following a picturesque creek. Eventually it narrows, and climbs up, navigating rocks, bridge and roots. Massive old growth fir, cedar and hemlock trees flank the trail.

Beyond Lindeman Lake, the trail continues on to Greendrop Lake. Early in the spring, the trail and campground at Greendrop may still be covered in snow, but it makes a great afternoon or morning hike from a basecamp at Lindeman.

Saltery Bay Loop

This route samples some amazing coastal and low elevation forest hiking along part of the 180-kilometre Sunshine Coast Trail. You’re unlikely to find snow, even early in the spring. But, this close to the coast, expect muddy trails and some puddle dodging as you make your way.

Starting from the Saltery Bay Ferry terminal near Powell River, hike along the rugged coastline of Jervis Inlet. Keep a look out for wildlife as you make your way to the Fairview Bay hut, one of the 14 backcountry huts that make this Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail. The Fairview hut is fully enclosed, but the next hut is an open shelter. Details about all the huts can be found here.

Follow the trail as it cuts inland and winds through a towering coastal forest, the ground lush and green with moss and ferns. The next hut you’ll pass is the Rainy Day Hut, tucked on the shores of a lake of the same name. More beautiful forest trails and peekaboo views of the inlet bring you back to where you started.

Cultus Lake

This trip is a bit unconventional. By linking up front-country trails and accommodation, you get an amazing, accessible adventure that feels like the backcountry, but ends at a heated cabin on the shore of Cultus Lake. You’ll have to bring your own bedding, stove and cookware, but the cabins make going light and dealing with a marginal weather forecast a breeze.

For the hike, start at the Edmunston Road Trailhead. Follow the Horse Trail, an undulating track along a broad, forested bench. Along the way you’ll pass towering trees, cascading creeks and waterfalls. Exit at Watt Creek, then walk a short distance to the Maple Bay cabins.

The next day, start back on the same trail. Traverse Teapot Hill for a great viewpoint, then, hike back via the Clear Creek campground. Take a detour onto the Giant Fir trail to visit Sasquatch, one of the largest standing Douglas Fir trees in BC. The Seven Sisters Trail passes through more old growth before finishing near where you started. Follow the road back to your car. 

Tips for Spring Backpacking:

Pick the Right Objective

All the trips in this article have a couple things in common—they’re low elevation destinations that tend to be warmer than other areas. They’re also all relatively modest in terms of distance and elevation, great for getting your legs back underneath you as we come out of winter.

Check and Plan for the Weather

Spring weather can be all over the place—summery and warm one day, then snowing the next. Make sure you get a good weather forecast for your trip, and have a plan, and the gear, to deal with unexpected changes. It’s also important to remember that rain and warm weather can raise water levels, making river crossings dangerous.

Be Ready for Rough Trails

In the spring, trails tend to be muddy and wet. Waterproof hiking shoes and socks are a huge asset for early season trips. Carrying micro-spikes can also help if the trail has any patches of snow or ice. And, early in the year, trail crews may not have started maintenance yet, so be prepared to navigate downed trees, especially if any big storms came through in the winter.

Bring the Right Gear

Make sure to check through all your gear before you head out. It’s a good idea to inspect tents, sleeping bags and pads and rain gear for any damage that may need to be repaired. Try out stoves, check headlamp batteries and test any other electronic gear you might need. Don’t forget to bring all the essentials.

Embrace Spring

Spring backpacking will mean some cold nights and cool mornings. It also means you get to experience the landscape waking up from winter, from shoots and buds to new bird and animal life. Also remember, bears and other animals are waking up at this time of year. Make sure to practice wildlife awareness and safety.