WELSH LAKES
TRAIL REPORTS
MAPS
PHOTOS
WELSH LAKES
TRAIL DESCRIPTION
The trail starts with a crossing of Welsh Creek on a footbridge and then stays in the forest to the north of the creek for about 2 km. There are several sections where the creek has been blocked by slides leaving pools of water. The trail soon leaves the forest behind to climb rocky, talus slopes of varying colours. The trail is well defined but watch your footing on the rocks as this section of the trail is quite steep. At 3 km there is a great view of Welsh Creek cascading into a canyon from above. The trail then switchbacks up through more rocks and rubble to the right of the creek. After another couple of hundred metres, you have arrived at Lower Welsh Lake. There are 8 tent pads, 2 tables, a bear bin and a pit toilet. There’s lots to explore around the lake or you can continue on to Middle and Upper Welsh Lakes.The trail to these lakes is not well defined. If you are looking for even more adventure, there is a fourth lake you can visit. Aberystwyth Lake is hard to pronounce and hard to get to. The access is from Lower Welsh Lake, but there isn’t really a marked trail and you should be good at route finding if you plan to visit this lake.
TRAIL MAP
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
High clearance vehicle recommended/watch for logging trucks. Set your odometer to zero at the traffic lights on Highway 93/95 at the Invermere junction. Go west into Invermere. At 2.6 km turn right onto Panorama Drive. At 4.5 km just after the Toby Creek Bridge, turn right toward Wilmer. At 7 km turn right onto Main St and drive through Wilmer onto Westside Road. At 17.8 km turn left onto Horsethief Forest Service Road. At 22 km turn right at the Y-junction onto Horsethief Forster FSR. At 27 km turn right at another Y-junction. The road then passes a reservoir on the left and crosses a bridge, stay to the left. At 28 km turn left to stay on Horsethief Forster FSR. At 45.2 km take the road to the left of the sign for the Welsh Lakes trail. This road is steep and narrow, it ends at 47 km at the trailhead. 1.5 – 2 hour drive from Invermere.
TRAIL REPORTS
Welsh Lakes July 16, 2025
Forster FSR has the usual potholes and deep ruts around the 30km mark. High clearance vehicles recommended particularly for the last 1.5 km of road, or park at the bottom of the access road. Trail in good condition. Mosquitos at campsite are active!
Welsh Lakes October 15, 2023
Primitive Campsite Established
With the funds raised by STMS and the help of RSTBC, a primitive campsite with 8 tent pads, 2 tables, a bear bin and a pit toilet has been established by Starr Trail Solutions. Starr Trail Solutions also worked on trail improvements around the first two lakes. The tent sites can not be reserved and will be on a first come basis.
This STMS project was made possible by the support and donations from: Columbia Basin Trust, Lions Club, RSTBC, and Rotary Club.
TRAIL PHOTOS
