Overview:
Joss Lake and Joss Mountain Lookout (east access) is an excellent backcountry hike with a relatively well-defined trail. Once at Joss Lake there are abundant off-trail opportunities to explore further alpine lakes, in addition to panoramic views from Joss Mountain Lookout. It is likely that you will have this beautiful alpine lake to yourself. While AllTrails details the access to this hike from the west, the east access is less strenuous and will allow you to reach Joss Lake prior to Joss Mountain Lookout – preferable should you be carrying overnight packs.
Summary of Route:
- Type: Out and back, alpine lake camping
- Rating: 4/5
- Season: Summer
- Length: 6km one way to Joss Lake, +3.3km to Joss Mountain Lookout
- Duration: 1-2 nights
- Difficulty: Moderate
Access:
The turn off for Joss Lake occurs between Sicamous and Revelstoke off of the Trans-Canada Highway. Turn south at GPS coordinate 50.93142, -118.48218 onto Three Valley Mabel FSR, following signs for Frog Falls Recreation Site. This Rec Site is a suitable spot to spend the night should you be driving from Vancouver. Continue past Frog Falls Recreation Site and left left (east) at GPS coordinate 50.89437, -118.48747 onto Victor FSR. Stay on Victor FSR until you cross over Wap Creek, taking your first right at GPS coordinate 50.88211, -118.44691. Continue along this unnamed FSR, keeping Wap Creek to your right until you reach GPS coordinate 50.86330, -118.42001 where you will cross Wap Creek again, turning right once across. This FSR will steadily climb. Remain on this FSR, bearing left at any main intersections until you reach the trailhead at GPS coordinate 50.83817, -118.41314. Trail access will be on your right.
The Hike:
This route is not heavily trafficked so portions may be overgrown; however, it is well marked and there is a clear trail to follow. The first 1.2km are relatively easy as you proceed south past several small bodies of water. Passing these small lakes, you will start to begin your climb, continuing south for the next 2.2km.
At approximately 3.4km, the intensity of this hike increases and you begin to make your ascent up to Joss Lake through a series of switchbacks. Throughout this portion there are, generally, several small streams where water can be filtered if necessary. After a 2.2km ascent (total of 5.6km in) you will reach the alpine and views will begin to open up. At this point, the world is your oyster.
Continue North/West and you will reach Joss Lake. I found the best sites to be on the eastern side, though take your time and explore to find the site that suits you best. Alternatively, you can continue past Joss Lake and proceed to Joss Mountain Lookout. There is no water at Joss Mountain Lookout, so be sure to top at Joss Lake should intend to spend the night. If you’re searching for an even more remote site, continue west past Joss Lake to several more unnamed alpine lakes. While Backroad Mapbooks shows a defined trail to these lakes, we were unable to find one so off trail navigation skills are necessary. As a further alternative, or as part of a multi-day hike, consider proceeding south from Joss Lake to Two Moon Lake and the surrounding peaks.
