Galatea Lakes Trail

Beginning at Highway 40, this trail follows the course of Galatea Creek to the lakes that feed it. After crossing the large bridge over the creek at the start of the trail, take an immediate left. You'll follow a fairly gentle grade for about 4 km (2.5 miles) through mixed evergreen, larch, and aspen forest. There are multiple nice views of cascades in the creek along this path. After crossing another footbridge, the climb becomes slightly steeper up to the first lake stop - Lillian Lake. There is an established backcountry campround at the western end of the lake for those wishing to stay overnight (permit required). You'll continue to climb beyond Lillian Lake out of the treeline until you reach Lower Galatea Lake in a deep cut of the alpine cirque between Lillian Peak and The Tower. Continue just a bit further around the northern shore of Lower Galatea Lake to reach Upper Galatea Lake at the deepest portion of the cirque. For those wishing to extend this hike or devise a multi-day backpacking trip, Guinn's Pass Trail meets with Galatea Lakes Trail just prior to reaching Lower Galatea Lake. This trail traverses the pass between Lillian Peak and Guinn's Peak, connecting to Buller Pass Trail and Ribbon Creek Trail.