Madelay Lake Trail - High up in the alpine mountains surrounded by thick forests, waterfalls and wildlife is the trailhead to the Madelay Lake Trail. The single track trail follows along an earthy path heading down the mountain, through many switchbacks, side stepping over tree roots, deadfall and boulders.

From the Madelay Trailhead the route follows a single track trail for 4..5 Km to the Hanging Tree wilderness campsite. Here there are pit toilets and a campsite. Continue for another 2 Km and the trail connects to Rainbow Lake. The total elevation gain of this hike is 500 metres. Because of the high elevation of this hiking trail some sections may be muddy and depending on the season there may be snow still on the ground.

The Madelay Trail leads to Rainbow Lake and then connects to the Rainbow Trail which continues down the mountain and ends on West Side Road. The Madelay - Rainbow Trail is a combination of the two trails adding up to around 16 Km of blissful wilderness hiking. It is better to start hiking the entire trail from the Madelay Lake Trailhead as the elevation drops 1000 metres (3250 feet) to the Rainbow Trailhead. Going down is easier than going up.

Madelay Lake is a small lake that is just pass the trailhead entrance. The lake is not on the trail but further up the gravel road. The road to the lake and trailhead is a very rough, steep gravel road and should only be attempted with a 4x4 vehicle or a dirt bike.

Madelay Lake provides good fishing for rainbow trout up to 30 cm (12 inches). Fishing in the lake is relatively good because the lake is so difficult to access. It is best to pack in a canoe or belly-boat as there is little space for shore fishing. There is a car top boat launch on the north end of the lake.

Lake & Trail Access - From Whistler Village travel south for approximately 20 Km to Callaghan Valley and then from Hwy 99 (Sea to Sky Hwy) turn right onto the Callaghan Valley FSR. The first part of the gravel road is relatively calm. But it does not take long for the road to get steep and the loose rocks start spitting out from under your vehicle. Continue driving till just after Alexander Falls where there is a right hand turn going up a gravel road. This is the Madelay Lake Rd turnoff. Continue navigating the rough, steep 4x4 road to the trailhead and then to the lake.

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