Deep in Lac du Bois Park sits Long Lake.   It is in the bottom of a trench, draining both the McQueen hills and the Batchelor Range.   The lake itself is 1.5 kms long, but the chain of ponds is 4km long.     It is hard to get to so it sees few visitors, but it is a worthwhile destination since it is the home to so many waterfowl in the spring and because it is a quiet and scenic hike.  

There are two road approaches, but both are best suited to a 4WD vehcile and the route is long and rough.   We have traditionally hiked in from the 7km marker on the Lac du Bois Road.    On a sunny day last week, we took this route in.  The track is not immediately obvious, but if you walk east you will pick up one of several single tracks going northeast.   The cattle/game/person track winds through the sagebrush over a ridge, then bears over toward a series of small lakes at the south end of Long Lake.

Over the years, we have been crossing over to the east side by taking a track through a gate at the south end of Long Lake.   Now there is a new fence there so this route can no longer be used.   Instead, we walked along the narrow single track along the west shore and took some photos.   In late March, the lake was still frozen.

Our favorite time of year to visit Long Lake is late spring when all the ducks, geese, and shorebirds are nesting, mating, and making a lot of noise.   If you approach quietly and bring binoculars or a long lens, you may be able to spot hundreds of birds and many different species.  

On the way out, we scouted a new route over to the east side double track.   From the 7km mark, stay lower and bear over toward the fence.   Follow the fenceline east and then northeast around the southermost pond and then continue on the single track to the east side.   From there join the old road/double track as it goes north all the way to the end of Long Lake and beyond.   A return trip walk/hike is about 8km.  

If you go on this hike, watch for nesting birds.   If you bring your dog, best to keep it on a leash or with you.   Come quietly in small numbers, respectful of the wildlife that lives there.   Enjoy the grasslands, the riparian zones, the lake, and the quiet seclusion of the park.