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Distance: 14 km
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
By Heather Macdonald

Before the snow flies, those trail runners who have been looking for the perfect trail might want to check out Cheakamus Lake just south of Whistler. It is a beautiful, easy and very runnable 14 km trail. With virtually no elevation gain, the trail is gently undulating (less than Buntzen Lake), and you run beside the crystal green waters of the Cheakamus River until you reach the lake itself.

For a shorter run, you could turn around at the first campground (3.5 km along) but you would miss the streams, spectacular views of mountain peaks and a slightly more challenging second half.

You can't get lost because you just keep going straight (there's only one turnoff to Garibaldi) and you know you're at the end when you come to a wide creek with only downed trees as a means to get across. Kathleen and I hiked it easily in 4 hours taking time for pictures. Take your camera; leave the dog at home (they're not allowed). And go in the morning because the afternoon is busy with hikers. Thanks Eric, for the recommendation!! To get there, take Highway 99 and just before Whistler, watch for the BC Parks Cheakamus Lake sign. Turn right, follow the paved road for about 200 metres, turn left on the Cheakamus Lake Road. The road to the trailhead is 7 km and it's rutty (4-wheel drive is handy).