When the weather warms up in summer, we go to the higher elevation lakes.   We get an early start and paddle for 60 – 75 minutes.     the ratio of loading/unloading and driving time to actual paddling time is 2.5 – 3 to 1, but the locations are usually worth the extra effort.     On a sunny and hot summer morning I drove up the Heffley – Louis Creek Road, then turned onto the Knouff Lake Road.    Before Sullivan Lake at about 9km, watch for a sign for the Community Lake Road.    This is a good gravel road that climbs into the hills, bearing east for 5.5 km.

On a Friday the Community Lake Rec Site was full, but an early morning start meant easy access to the launch and parking area.

It takes about an hour to paddle around the lake.     There are a few small islands and a number or shallow bays to explore.

Community Lake is dammed at the south end.    Community Creek spills down a gully and joins Edwards Creek.    It continues south all the way down to Heffley Creek.

After paddling the lake I hiked around the south and east side of the lake on old backroads.      There is a maze of quiet tracks on top of the mountain to explore.