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Backpacking the Poboktan trail successfully presented its challenges, but with determination and perseverance, we overcame them. In the mountains, there’s always a chance of snow, especially in June, which we did encounter. In 2022, the bridge across Poboktan Creek did not exist. From the parking lot, we walked to the highway, crossed Poboktan Creek, walked by the Warden’s cabin and started hiking.
Table of Contents
Poboktan Trail
It took us forty-five minutes to climb over trees that had fallen across the trail due to a windstorm. We wondered if the trail would improve or if we should turn around. Since we didn’t have a park pass for any other backcountry campsites, we decided to persevere. It created significant detours, forcing us to walk deep into the woods to avoid and navigate around this mess. We persevered, but it was a tremendous amount of work to go over or around these trees while carrying backpacks. Fallen trees aren’t usually something we expect to encounter while backpacking. Still, it forces us as hikers to adapt and roll with the punches when something unexpected shows up.
We were prepared to stay positive while backpacking in the rain as it started to drizzle on us. We knew it was likely to rain since it had poured on us at our Mount Kerkeslin campground campsite nearby while we were getting ready in the morning.
Training for Backpacking Poboktan Trail Successfully
To ensure a hiker is fit for this backpacking trip, the Laughing Falls hike offers a good cardio workout. Hiking with elevation helps get in shape. An indoor activity, such as Zumba, which is a great cardio workout, can also help you get in shape from the comfort of your own home. The more exercise you do before a trip, the easier it will be backpacking.
Mentally Preparing for Backpacking Poboktan Trail Successfully
I enjoy seeing these signs along the way while hiking, and especially while backpacking. It’s always encouraging to see how much further you need to backpack to arrive at the campground. My mom and I each put on our Samsung health trackers to get a rough idea of how far we were hiking.
At Maligne Pass Junction, we had 1.2 km left to reach the first campground, called Poboktan Campground. We stopped at Poboktan Campground for a break to use the facilities and rest, taking off our packs and sitting down at a picnic table. After the unexpected forty-five-minute section of fallen trees, we were way too hungry to wait to have lunch at the campground; we had eaten lunch earlier. It was a nice break to sit down and take off our packs. Poboktan Campground is in a pretty location along the rushing Poboktan Creek. The distance to Waterfalls Campground was another 5.7 kilometres to our final destination.
Our health tracker recorded 12.66 kilometres one way. Other blogs have mentioned that it’s closer to eight kilometres. I’m not sure if our route was much longer since we had to detour around many trees. Unfortunately, since the trail wasn’t in perfect condition, we don’t have an accurate reading for the Poboktran trail to Waterfalls Campground.
Water Flowing Down Trail
We encountered rushing water flowing down the trail further up past Poboktan Campground, on our way to Waterfalls Campground. On different parts of the trail, puddles had formed, causing us to detour into the forest to avoid the excessive water. The amount of water flowing down was crazy. A lot of snow was melting from above. Since we couldn’t walk on the trail, it took us longer to get to our destination.
Tip: Being prepared for the unexpected is always a good idea. On this trail, that seemed to be the best motto since the conditions were constantly changing.
Gore-Tex Boots
Gore-Tex boots cover your ankles and prevent them from rolling by keeping your feet steady and secure. These boots are a requirement on this trail to prevent feet from getting wet when stepping into two inches of water. Gore-Tex boots also help prevent snow from entering your boot when stepping in snow.
Tip: If you can prevent your feet from getting wet, you’ll be a much happier backpacker. When the weather isn’t the warmest or there’s a lot of moisture in the air, it can be hard to dry socks. If wet socks can be prevented, hiking will be more pleasant.
Backpacking Poboktan Trail Successfully with Snow
As we continued upwards, we found deeper snow.
For some trail sections, it felt like we should have brought our downhill skis, given the amount of snow we encountered. We definitely could have made snowmen with the wet snow. The person leading had a harder time breaking the trail, with each foot sinking deep into the snow.
Thankfully, the weather cooperated as you can see from the picture. We weren’t wearing thick jackets, but having to put in a lot of effort to hike upwards in the nice weather caused us to sweat.
Tip: Take turns breaking trail to avoid causing one person’s exhaustion. Following the leader requires less energy once the footprints have been established.
It’s essential to wear gaiters to prevent the snow from entering your boots at your ankles, especially when the snow is deep. Gaiters will help protect your feet from mud and water. It’s easy to dry quick-dry pants, but drying boots and socks is a much longer process.
Crossing a Creek with Large Volumes of Water
We had to cross this creek, which was running with a large volume of water, in June 2022, to continue backpacking the Poboktan trail to Waterfall Campground. We needed a steady footing to get to the other side without falling in. It was a bit tricky to figure out. Of course, the rocks were slippery, which doesn’t help. The creek was rushing at many different points along its course. There wasn’t an easy spot to cross. There had been a previous bridge, but it had since been washed out, as evidenced by the wood remaining in the bush. The video shows Kris trying to steady his poles to get across. His gaiters were a terrific help in preventing rushing water from soaking his boots and feet.
Tip #1: Find a place to cross that has the shortest width possible to make your jump as easy as possible.
Tip #2: Ensure your feet are as far forward on the slippery rocks when jumping to allow a smaller area to cross to reach the other side.
Accomplishment: Reaching Waterfalls Campground
These waterfalls at the Waterfalls Campground were a gorgeous sight. It made the challenges we faced while backpacking the Poboktan trail worth it. There was still a lot of snow higher up in the mountains, as evidence by the large volume of water rushing down the creek and the waterfall. The view was peaceful to look at during supper when our feet were taken out of our wet boots and switched into sandals. These sandals are perfect for backpacking, ensuring you don’t stub your toe by having a toe guard, while still allowing for breathability. We did our best to protect our feet and boots from being drenched by wearing gaiters and ankle Gore-Tex hiking boots. Unfortunately, with the amount of snow and rushing water on the trail and from the creek, it was inevitable that our feet would end up soaking wet.
Working as a Team at Camp
Setting up Camp
Finding a place to set up camp that wasn’t covered in snow proved to be difficult in the dedicated camping area. We did find a patch of dry ground near the top of the trail that was far enough away from the picnic tables and the bear-proof bins. Not wanting to sleep in soaking-wet tents, we opted to camp there. As a bonus, we had a view of the creek and the valley below us.
Tip: If the dedicated sleeping pads are bare, it’s mandatory to sleep there, but sometimes it’s essential to compromise to fit the weather conditions, if they are covered in mounds of snow.
To help with several tasks that needed to get done at camp, we worked as a team. Dad made the fire to dry out our socks, boots and warm up our feet. I gathered firewood to keep the fire going and made trips back and forth to the tent area to gather warmer clothes for Kris and my dad, as they hadn’t brought sandals to save on weight.
Tip: If your feet are soaking wet at camp and you need to remove your boots to dry them off and warm up, it’s challenging to be useful at camp when you’re barefoot if you don’t bring sandals. Even though they are an added weight, you will be thankful that you can change into different footwear once at camp and air out your feet while your boots dry. Then you can also accomplish more tasks once you’ve arrived at your campsite.
My mom went to the creek to collect water to filter and refill the bottles. Kris also helped fill our water bladders.
We were lucky enough to find the sun shining down on us for part of the evening. If the weather is extremely sunny, it’s essential to protect yourself from sunburn and apply sunscreen.
Properly Storing Food
They used to offer poles with clips to hang up food, but have since upgraded to storing food in bear-proof bins. These are the bear-proof bins. There are four camp sites at this location. Each tent pad occupant is assigned a designated bin to store their food. Anything with a scent, such as food or toothpaste, should be placed here. If any tomato sauce, for example, were to fall on your clothes, that would also be put into the bin to avoid attracting the bear to your tent.
Tip: Be extra cautious when backpacking; you don’t want any lingering smells on your clothes when storing them in the tent.
Mindset to Finish Backpacking Poboktan Trail Successfully
We knew there was a lot of snow for us to travel through at the beginning of our trip back. Knowing what to expect on the return trip made it much easier to have a positive mindset. We were prepared with our gaiters and Gore-Tex hiking boots to hike through the knee-deep snow and make our way back. The fallen trees were waiting for us at the end, too, but at least we’d be able to sit in our cars once we were done with the trip. Thankfully, once we arrived at the rough section, someone had taken an axe and cut down some branches or trees, which was much appreciated!
Final Thoughts
Even with the challenges we encountered, it was a wonderful family trip! It’s always easier on the last day of backpacking to know that even if you’re covered in dirt or drenched to the bone, you can change into different clothing once you arrive at your car and eventually have a hot shower. This trip forced us to persevere, as we were determined to reach the Waterfalls Campground. It created lifelong memories. We were all proud that we succeeded as a team, especially after the initial doubt that had set in as we encountered the fallen trees. My love for the outdoors continues to grow with trips like backpacking the Poboktan trail successfully. For more backpacking trips, check out the West Coast Trail.
Additional Links
- Guide to Winter Backpacking Into Jacques Lake Hut
- Ultimate WCT Packing List
- West Coast Trail: Exciting Food
- Epic 4-Day Jasper Summer Itinerary for Adventurous Couples
- Banff Unique Experiences: 3 Days Summer Itinerary
Trip Resources
- Book your flights with Expedia
- Book your hostel through Hostelworld.com
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Book your vacation rental with Vrbo
- Book your experiences through TripAdvisor, Manawa
- Book your guided trips through Viator or GetYourGuide
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