Camping, Hiking & Paddling!

We drove from Fort Nelson, BC about 142 km north to Stone Mountain Provincial Park – after seeing SEVEN bears along the way! – and camped at the Summit Lake Campground in the park. It’s still early enough in the season and high enough in altitude,that the lake has quite a bit of ice in it – too much ice to kayak in we decided. (What wusses!)

Summit Lake at Stone Mountain Provincial Park

Stone Mountain forms the backdrop to our campsite at Summit Lake

We stayed close to camp that day and got up early the next morning for our epic hike – 12.5 km – up into the mountains.

The trail began at the campsite, over a little bridge across the stream pouring out of the lake. We had intended to go to a place called Flowers Lake, but even after consulting a map several times we still missed the turnoff! (*Note to parks people: It’s great that you have signs up showing the entire trail system … but it would be nice to have a small sign at the turnoff as well since it’s not much more than a goat path!!) It was all good though as we were hiking on a wonderful access road up to a microwave tower waaayyy up above the lake. Beautiful scenery – saw a couple of moose as well and I most thoroughly enjoyed the walk back immensely as it was all downhill!

Moose Grazing

Flower Lake at Stone Mountain Provincial Park

Bruce trying to get the shot!

The Shot!

The next day we were off again – only drove about 100km as our destination was Muncho Lake Provincial Park – which we’d been reading about. Now, I’ve seen a lot of lakes. A lot of mountain lakes. And yet I believe this one was by far the most beautiful I’d ever seen. The colour of the water is an amazing turquoise blue and about takes your breath away.

Our first view of Muncho Lake!

We were able to get a campsite at the MacDonald campground in the park which was right on the lake. First thing we did of course was haul the kayaks down and go for a beautiful 2 hour paddle. It’s quite a large lake and you feel like you’re the only people in the world out there. It sounds though like the summer is a different story with power boats, personal watercraft and parties all around. So glad to have seen it at this time of year! After the paddle, back to camp and relaxing in the sun. Bruce got out for another paddle after dinner and we had a sound sleep that night!