The Flank Trail - Whistler Snowshoe Trails
Officially known as the Rainbow-Sproatt Flank Trail, it runs the length of Whistler Valley, opposite Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Flanking both these enormous mountains, the Flank Trail is the inspiration for an ever-growing number of trails that run to it, from it, and across it. From the Callaghan Valley, far south of Whistler, near Whistler Olympic Park it begins(or ends). It then stretches 40 kilometres along the flank of the massive and sprawling Mount Sproatt, then Rainbow Mountain, where it finally terminates near Ancient Cedars and Showh Lakes. Ancient Cedars and Showh Lakes are well north of Whistler Village and adjacent to Green Lake.
Open year-round, this metropolis in the woods, depending on the season is home to cross country skiing, snowshoeing, a biathlon experience, a surprisingly nice cafe, and endless trails to see the Olympic sights. Not least the giant ski jump that you can get up close to to appreciate its enormity. Just a short hike from Whistler Olympic Park on the Flank Trail takes you past the long abandoned Northair Mine. This briefly thriving gold mine is now an unusual little world in the woods. A beautiful little lake dominates the area now with a dirt road running along its edge and to the surreal, cement skeleton-like foundations of what must have been quite a large building.
Past Northair Mine, the Flank Trail slowly descends toward Whistler and the logging road finally gives way to a wide trail that you quickly discover is popular with bikes. The length, width and beautifully gradual elevation gain and loss of the Flank Trail makes it an amazing trail on a bike. You can cover a great distance, see dozens of amazing viewpoints and all the while along are comparatively relaxing route. The Flank Trail continues to descend all the way to Function Junction, the southernmost neighbourhood in Whistler. It then turns 90 degrees to the left and ascends quickly along the flank of Mount Sproatt.
Along this section, more than any other on the Flank Trail, you see frequent side trails. Almost always on your right, these purpose built bike trails, almost all black diamond in difficulty, plunge into the forest and along and over rock cliffs, over bridges and various ramps. Hiking trails here inspire and enable more bike trails, which in turn enable more hiking trails. This back and forth trail building frenzy has, and is, producing a bewildering and ever expanding trail network on this once sleepy side of the valley. From Whistler Olympic Park to the Rainbow Trail, you will have hiked halfway around Mount Sproatt. The Flank Trail seems to terminate at the Rainbow Trail, however a small sign directs you to turn right, follow the Rainbow Trail, for a couple hundred metres, then left after the water treatment building to the beautiful bridge over Twenty One Mile Creek.
The Rainbow Trail winds through the forest fairly steeply upward. In less than a kilometre you come to Rainbow Falls crashing down through huge pillows of snow. This little waterfall sits in a beautiful little snowy enclave that feels as though it belongs in some movie. Deep snow, crystal clear green water cascading down from a frozen cliff. A little, hidden paradise. One of many in Whistler. Further up the trail takes you to the first signs for the Flank Trail. The Flank Trail overlaps and crosses the Rainbow Trail for half a kilometre. Following the Flank Trail to the right takes you to a very scenic bridge over 21 Mile Creek. Following the Flank Trail to the left leads you to a steady ascent for 400 metres along the Rainbow Lake trail to the trail turnoff to the Flank Trail. The Flank Trail from here quickly ascends through more deep forest and finally after 15 minutes opens up and flattens out. The views become beautiful and trail less tiring. Whistler, Blackcomb and Wedge The Flank Trail is way more than a days hike on foot or snowshoes. It is best tackled in pieces. The great advantage of accessing it from the Rainbow Trail is that you are roughly in the middle of the trail. On snowshoes, it is especially good. The Rainbow Trail is steep here, but very scenic and even small kids won't complain. Every bend in the trail reveals another great view. Dramatic views of the crashing creek, beautiful snow weighed down trees, wilderness waterfall and a wonderful, snowy bridge crossing, all in the first 15 minutes on the trail. Fantastic. Flank Trail Directions and Map
Whistler & Garibaldi Park Hiking Trails
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