In the center of the Stake Lake Trail system is a volcanic hill/mesa.    Four double track trails go over the shoulders of the hill and a rough single track winds its way along the top with viewpoints north, west, and south.   Basalt columns and steep talus slopes line the north and west sides of the hill.   The north side is more gentle, wetter, and has dense vegetation.  

Stake Lake has 80 km of trails so there are a number of route choices to and from McConnell Hill.    From the parking lot, we chose to go up the north side of McConnell Hill using the Sidewinder Trail, then followed the Bushwhacker Trail around a 3.2km loop on top, and finally came down the west side using Ambush and Rustler to the lake.

Following the ski trails is fairly easy and there are trail signs at most junctions, maintained by Overlander Ski Club.   Bushwacker Trail has no bushwacking, but route-finding is a bit of a challenge.   At times, it  is a double track following old skid roads, sometimes it is a narrow winding route among rocky outcrops, and there are a number of spots where the path is not clear.    We placed extra flagging tape at some of these.   Two viewpoints have a crude bench and a open view of the hills and lakes.   On the west side, Stake Lake lies below with Chuwhels Mountain beyond.

Wildflowers adorned all of the trails, with columbine, yarrow, lupines, paintbrush and arnica everywhere, but on top of McConnell Hill was yellow flowering sedum and some flowering succulents on the rocky terrain.    Twin flower graced the forest floor just off trail.

Watch for wildlife and wet zone plants in the center of the hill which is a depression with ponds and swamps.   We have seen moose, lynx, grouse, deer, coyotes, and rabbits on the hill.   For a full map of the route, go to an earlier post (link).