Murtle Lake

Murtle Lake is a large lake in a remote corner of Wells Gray Park, accessed through Blue River.   It is North America’s largest non-motorized lake.

 

 

Directions/Launch/Access:

  • Drive to Blue River (229 km) on Highway 5 North.
  • Turn onto the Shell Road and follow the signs to the Murtle Lake Forest Service Road.
  • Follow the narrow, winding gravel road for 27 km.
  • There is a large parking lot, washrooms, and information kiosks at the trailhead.
  • Paddlers need to portage their boats and gear on a 2.5 km gravel track to the boat launch.
  • The route is relatively flat, but there are some hills along the way.
  • Campers are encouraged to go light since packing heavier gear is arduous.
  • Using a portage pack is advised if the kayak is on a cart.
  • Carts can be rented from the Blue River Campground at the start of the Murtle Lake Road.
  • Carts can be secured at a rack by the launch (bring a lock).
  • Paddlers register at the launch area and pay $5/night/person to the lockbox.    Take the receipt with you.
  • The hand launch has a gravel beach next to a muddy lagoon.
  • After packing your gear, the paddle to the lake is 1.6 km.    There are two marine campsites by the beach at the start of the lake paddle.

 

The Lake:

  • From the large bay at the start area, there are two 22 km arms – the North Arm and the West Arm.
  • the next marine campsite on the north arm is 7 km.    The next one on the west arm is 4.5 km.
  • There are 79 marine access campsites in 20 sites on the lake.
  • Most campsites have tent pads, bear-proof storage, outhouses, and sitting areas.
  • The lake can be windy, especially in the afternoons.   It is always safer to follow the shoreline on a windy day.
  • The North Arm is more remote with steep mountains on either side.   The West Arm has shallower water with some volcanic rock at the west end.    There are a number of islands in the west arm and two have campsites on them (Leo and Smoker Islands).
  • There are some hiking trails from the lake, although most landings are rough.
  • I have hiked Central Mountain (hard and very remote), the Wavy Range (hard but rewarding), McDougall Falls (5 km), and part of File Creek.   The trails to Henrietta Lake, upper File Creek, Strait Lake, and Anderson Lake are okay and suitable for exploration or fishing, but windfall, mosquitoes, and muddy conditions may be a deterrent.

 

Pros:

  • Murtle Lake is beautiful and worth all the effort.
  • The north end is quiet, remote, and rugged.
  • The West Arm is busier, but has a number of landing spots of interest.    There are more leeward paddling opportunities on the West Arm.  Sunsets and sunrises are better on the east-west arm than on the steep-sided North Arm.
  • There are a number of beautiful beaches at marine campsites.
  • Straight Creek is a beach campsite with access to the Wavy Range.
  • The best month for Murtle Lake is in September.

 

Cons:

  • Early season camping can have challenges with muddy conditions, high water levels, and mosquitoes.
  • Prime season in July and August can be very busy at the trailhead, on the portage, on the lake, and in campgrounds.
  • Windy conditions and mountain storms can be difficult for paddlers who are tenting.

 

Some Images (Click an image for a lightbox (larger) view and a caption:

 

 

 

 

Murtle Lake is a fine destination for paddle camping and exploring.

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