Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake lies high in the hills above Adams Lake.    It is a remote spot, but the water is a clear, blue-green water attracts campers and paddlers from all over.    Access by rough backroads, the Rec Site is small, and many people want to visit the site, so it is not a good choice for prime times.

Route/Access/Launch:

  • Drive north on Highway 5 towards Barriere.   Five kilometers south of Barriere, turn right onto the Agate Bay Road.   Drive for 22 km east towards Adams Lake.    Turn left onto Minnova FSR.
  • Minnova FSR is a gravel narrow road which climbs into the hills.   Expect potholes and a rugged ride, best suited to high clearance and in shoulder season 4WD.
  • At 19 km you will come to the Johnson Lake Recreation Site.
  • There are 12 rustic campsites and a hand launch.    There is limited parking on the site.

 

The Lake:

  • The lake has marl shoals which account for the crystal clear water.   The lake is surrounded by forest, except at the west end where the Johnson Lake Resort is located.
  • The lake is long and narrow with steep hillsides above the lake.
  • A paddle around the lake is about 10 km.

 

Pros:

  • A beautiful lake on a nice day during non-prime times.
  • It can be peaceful and quiet, but mostly in the shoulder seasons.

 

Cons:

  • Ice-off is later at this higher elevation spot.    The Rec Site is open from May 6th to Oct. 15
  • There is too little space at the Rec Site for prime time use.    It is hard to launch and nowhere to park.
  • The lake can be too busy at prime times.
  • The road is not suitable for many vehicles.

 

Images:

 

 

Note – More images and a video to be added.