The two arms of Murtle Lake wind around Central Mountain (see the map in the previous post).    From a number of viewpoints, hikers can look down the west arm or the north arm of the lake.   To the east is the Wavy Range, with triangular peaks and long rocky ridges.   To the north is an endless line of snow and ice covered peaks of the Cariboo Ranges.    To the northeast is the source of the North Thompson River, the Premiers Range.    Looking past the end of the west arm, the Murtle River winds down the Murtle Plateau.   The cone -shaped Kostal Volcano stands above Kostal Lake.     Lakes, rivers and ponds dot the landscape.   Below the sandbars of Leo Island, where we camped, could be seen under the blue-green lake water (telephoto shot).

The start of the hike is on the north side of the west arm, not far from Leo Island.    There is no easy landing at the trailhead.   It is a bit of a rocky shoreline, but once ashore, there is room to drag the boat up onto the bank.    A sign marks the trailhead and the trail starts a winding route up into the forest.    The route is steep and a bit overgrown.   The route is 7.5 km each way with a 1037m elevation gain.   The trail climbs out of the forest into sub-alpine meadows with lots of wildflowers.    The mountain is a sprawling open meadow with rocky outcrops and a few ponds.    Travel across the top is quick and hikers will want to find new viewpoints by exploring the open ridges.

If this mountain had easier access, it would see many hikers.     It is a recommended hike for those who can travel, portage, paddle, camp, and take a full day to explore the high country.