During September a few years ago, we traveled to Murtle Lake before smoky conditions in smothered the area and we decided to shorten our time there once the smoke moved in. On the second day we paddled the west end of the west arm of Murtle Lake. We launched from Birch Beach and paddled past Smoker Island. The wide bay … Continue reading…
To get to Murtle Lake, we have to drive to Blue River, then drive up into the mountains for 23 km. At the trailhead we have to load the kayaks onto carts and portage for 2.5 km. At the boat launch on Murtle Lagoon, we then paddle for 12 to 14 km to camp at a marine campsite. On this … Continue reading…
We traveled to Murtle Lake before smoky conditions smothered the area and we decided to shorten our time there. On the second day we paddled the west end of the west arm of Murtle Lake. We launched from Birch Beach and paddled past Smoker Island. The wide bay at the mouth of File Creek and Anderson Creek is shallow and … Continue reading…
In mid-September we drove to Blue River, then followed the Murtle Lake Forest Service Road to the end of the road. We loaded our gear into portage packs and into the kayaks and fastened the boats to kayak carts, then portaged 2.5 km to the Murtle Lagoon. At the launch, we reloaded the hatches and paddled west. The original plan … Continue reading…
A few tips on planning for the portage to Murtle Lake. An Overview The portage is 2.5 km. There are small several hills along the gravel path. At the launch area is the registration kiosk, a rack for carts, and rental equipment, but there are no staff there. The launch beach has a dock and a rocky beach (Parks should … Continue reading…
For 4 days in the fall we paddled the whole shoreline of the west arm of Murtle Lake. This was a return trip having done it twice before, but this time I was determined to follow the contours and go into every bay and creek mouth as far as the terrain would allow. On Day 1, we paddled over to … Continue reading…
At the end of September and into the first days of October, we went into Murtle Lake for 4 days, paddling into the west arm. [map style=”width: auto; height:400px; margin:20px 0px 20px 0px; border: 1px solid black;” maptype=”TERRAIN” gpx=”https://kamloopstrails.net/wp-content/uploads/Murtle Day 1.gpx” elevation=”no” download=”no”] From Blue River we drove up the narrow Murtle FSR for 27 km to the parking … Continue reading…
Following the last post are coordinates and distances for each spot noted. Spot Coordinates Distance Boat launch N52 04.316 W119 35.752 0.0 km Murtle Lagoon Camp N52 04.464 W119 36.9544 1.5 km Straight Creek N52 07.731 W119 37.201 8.0 km Moonlight Bay N52 11.587 W119 40.342 16.5 km Eagle Point to be revised 21.8 km Murtle Beach N52 15.648 W119 … Continue reading…
Murtle Lake is the largest canoe/kayak-only lake in North America. it is also a remote spot that takes a lot of time, effort, and planning to provide a good wilderness experience. This article provides some information for paddlers who want to explore the north arm of the lake. The Trailhead From Blue River, watch for the Blue River Campground … Continue reading…
Once you have launched your canoe or kayak, you will pass through a lagoon for 1.5 km. At this point, you will emerge into Murtle Lake. There are two campsites (Murtle Lagoon) here if paddlers get a late start. The large east bay makes good paddling if the winds are calm, but if not, you may have to stay inside … Continue reading…
Paddlers from all over the world travel to North America's largest non-motorized lake. In British Columbia, we sometimes take such special places for granted, but it's right in our backyard. Murtle Lake is a destination for paddlers, hikers, and anyone loving to camp in remote mountains. The water is crystal clear, the beaches are wonderful, wildlife is abundant, and the … Continue reading…
At the very end of the Wells Gray road is the boat launch. Everywhere beyond is best explored in a boat. We can paddle 21 km north on one shoreline and 21 km back on the other shoreline. When the river volume drops in August, we can even paddle the additional 2.5 km up to Azure Lake by using back … Continue reading…
Note – Most of the updated information is now on Kamloops Kayak, a sister site. Click the link for more information. This page provides links to information on Kamloops area lakes for kayaking. Lakes shown with blue have links to articles. Black ones are still in progress, but will be completed soon. Smaller lakes will also be added as they … Continue reading…
Murtle Lake sits in a basin deep within Wells Gray Park. It is North American’s largest non-motorized lake and a destination for many paddlers. We launch out of the lagoon and spend a few days of paddling, camping, and enjoying the remote rugged scenery. The lake was created when a lava flow from the northwest dammed the Murtle River and … Continue reading…
Paddlers in the Kamloops area are blessed to have many paddling destinations within an hour's drive. There are more than 40 lakes within that radius, but the lakes must be big enough to get a good workout by going around the perimeter once or twice. Some of the lakes are large enough that it will take several trips to do … Continue reading…
Although I have only been to Stevens Lakes once, I hope to get back there again soon. It can be done in one long day, but it also takes some preparation. I was lucky enough to have hired a fishing guide who took us in for the day. I remember the long back road route, then the long hike in. … Continue reading…
