Brian Waddington Hut

Summer access: 2.5 hrs
Winter access: 6 hrs
Location: 50.63059, -122.67985
Hut fee: $10 per person per night

About Brian Waddington Hut
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About Brian Waddington Hut

Built in 1998, this spacious hut sits in a subalpine basin at 1715 m beside Long Lake. It sleeps more than 25 people. The hut is open to non-motorized, non-commercial users. The VOC discourages visits to the area between August 15th and October 15th, when it is sensitive habitat for grizzly bears.

Backcountry skiers visit the hut for dry snow and challenging runs. In summer, Mt. Gandalf, Mt. Aragorn, and Mt. Shadowfax are fun scrambling destinations.

The hut has a wood stove (winter use only) and an outhouse. Firewood should be used sparingly, because it is carried in by volunteers. A creek south of the hut is open year-round for drinking water. For more information, see the VOC Wiki.

How to get there

Blackwater Creek FSR is ploughed in winter up to the start of Phelix Creek FSR near km 13 (2WD accessible with low clearance). This is the winter parking lot. In summer, drive 4.4 km up Phelix Creek FSR to the barricades at the second bridge and park (2WD accessible with moderate clearance; keep left at the fork before the bridge). Walk up the road through a few cutblocks until the road becomes a trail and climbs through mature forest to Long Lake. If the lake is not frozen, walk around the north side to the hut. The total distance is 5.5 km and 600 m elevation gain (9.9 km and 1090 m in winter). In winter and especially in spring, there is overhead hazard along Phelix Creek FSR from large avalanche paths.

2021 Phelix GPS track

Last updated: Oct. 17, 2023

Conditions reports
New report
March 23-24 - Hard snow, great for ss, not for skiing  Angie I 

March 23/24, 2024

We parked at the lower parking lot as there was still snow on the road. We noticed large trucks and suvs with chains made it part way up the road. Snowshoes were needed once you hit the trail. Snow was heavy and wet. We didn’t have any problems crossing the lake.
On the way out, most of us used microspike to walk down. The snow was harder in the morning. We shared the hut with a group of 10. There was room in the hut for our group of 7. 2 of us tented and there were 3 backcountry skiers that were also snow camping. The skiers said the snow condition wasn’t ideal. We all loved the cabin. Overall hut and outhouse was in good condition. The solar lights only lasted one turn, maybe the battery needs upgrading. It didn’t bother us. The money container is very full. Money was sticking out, I would recommend someone empty it out soon. And we brought our own firewood. So we don't know don't know how full the woodshed was. Sawry! We'll def be back again.
March 25, 2024

Conditions update  Will K 

Good trail in now. Went half way up road before putting on snowshoes. I carried in 6 pieces of wood. If used sparingly there is enough wood for 4-5 nights, if everyone carries in 1 or two pieces that’s a bonus. Above the hut there’s a thick crust, I stayed on top with small msr snowshoes, went up Frodo, ridge is nice spring/winter walk. Gandalf looks good.
March 21, 2024

Great trip to hut! Wood supply is very low.  Jess Van Dusen 

Hut is in great shape, trail is still a bit bony but skinnable now, 4:45 in, 2:15 out. Good coverage in ski terrain. Wood is nearly out, we were very sparing with our use. Only maybe 4 nights worth left (we came out 3/7). One of the big water pots leaks so a new one would be helpful.
March 7, 2024

Lost Snow Pickets  Timothy Warkentin 

I lost two MSR snow pickets up at the hut the weeked of Feb 17th. If you find them please message 778229o232. Thanks, -T
Feb. 17, 2024