Manning Provincial Park or Mt. Baker?
 

After being at Whistler, we plan to drive through Lillooet down to Hope. Know it will be a long day, but wonder if we should then stay 2 nights at Manning Park and spend a day hiking there or stay one night in Hope area and then head to Mt Baker for one night.<BR><BR>Has anyone been to both areas? Are they equally as great for scenery and hiking? Would love to fit both areas in, but think it may be a bit rushed.<BR><BR>I know we'll make stops and do some short hikes between Whistler and Hope, but wonder what the straight driving time is to help us know how much "free" time we have. Any suggestions of special places to stop along the way or any short (approx. 3 miles) hikes that are must dos?<BR><BR>I really appreciate suggestions from those you know the area rather than just going hit or miss myself.

I personally believe that Manning Park has more to offer because it's such a large park spanning over the entire Cascade region in the southern-BC region, as well it has various provincial campgrounds, trails, lakes, etc. My family used to go there for a weekend of camping, and it was great.<BR><BR>http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/exp...gs/manning.htm is their website.<BR><BR>I believe Mount Baker is a bit further (you would have to drive from Hope out to Chilliwack and then out to Abbotsford, cross the border, and then down the road to Baker). <BR><BR>Perhaps someone who's more familiar with both parks could answer?<BR><BR>

Not much happening in Hope so I would also go with two nights in Manning Park.

Hi! <BR> <BR>WE are from Washington. The Baker area is beautiful but a greater part of it is not open for hiking because of snow until July. Their are only a few accomodations around the area of hiking. There is a great Italian Restaurant near the snow line in a town near Glacier. Ask the locals if you go! <BR> <BR>Pam

Clousie: I live in Hope, and have travelled both areas extensively. On your way from Whistler, on the Duffy Lake Road, you may want to stop at Joffre Lakes, where there is good hiking. Also in the Boston Bar area, you have the opportunity to see Hell's Gate, and, if you are into white water rafting the Reo Rafting Operation at the Nahatlatch Lakes is a world class operation that offers lots of thrills, but safely. Depending on your timing, a stop in Hope is worthwhile to see the wooden carvings, and the Othello Tunnels. It is quite interesting to see the engineering marvel of building railway tunnels for the Kettle Valley Railway on sheer granite face. Lots of motels in Hope; the Skagit is nice because it is off the highway, and, therefore, quieter. Skinny's Grill in neighbouring Silver Creeek is probably the best restaurant; ( not expensive). I prefer Manning Park over Mt. Baker, because of the variety of places to go within the park, and things to do. I would recommend the Three Brothers hike which starts after you have driven to the Lookoff. To access the Lookoff, take Highway no. 3 from Hope for 45 minutes. Turn left opposite the Lodge area, and drive 20 minutes to the top. You are now in alpine country, and in July, and parts of August the wildflower display is spectacular. Have a great trip.

It's not much of a hike but if you're in Hope the Othello Tunnels are definitely worth visiting. Some people take a flashlight.