Berg Lake Trail to reopen despite recent damage

By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG

BC Parks anticipates that the Berg Lake Trail will reopen this summer despite having sustained minor damage from flooding this fall, according to the Ministry of Environment and Parks. 

The 37.8 kilometre trail was a popular multi-day hike before a severe flash flood wiped out bridges and other infrastructure in July 2021, prompting the closure of the trail. Since then, BC Parks has rebuilt bridges, picnic tables and washed-out portions of the trail, opening up the first seven-kilometre segment leading to the Kinney Lake campground in June 2023. A second segment of the trail reopened the following June, leading to the Whitehorn campground at kilometre 11.

In an email statement to The Goat, the Ministry said a September 2024 storm damaged some infrastructure on the trail between kilometres 14 and 15. However, the damage was “relatively minor” and will be repaired this spring with upgraded bridge components and minor repairs to the trail itself.

BC Parks is currently in the third and final phase of the trail rebuild, according to the Ministry.

The trail will likely be opened up to the Whitehorn campground once again come springtime, the statement adds, depending on what the trail condition is like once the snow clears. BC Parks is working to reopen the entire trail this summer.

“Currently there is no set date for booking backcountry sites,” the statement adds. “If the trail opens in spring, it may initially open on a first-come, first-serve basis, with advance booking for the summer.”

The remaining work is vital to ensure the trail is safe for use, the statement says.

“We are excited to welcome visitors back to the Berg Lake Trail, but we need to complete the trail work to ensure the safety of visitors and staff alike,” it reads. “While a date has yet to be set, we hope to invite visitors, partner organizations and community members to a grand opening in the summer months.”