A relatively easy shorter mountain bike route goes past 3 lakes in an 11km route.   Start at the large parking area south of the edge of the McQueen Lake fenceline.   Ride north around the west side of McQueen Lake, then turn onto the McQueen – Isobel Lake Forest Service Road.

Not far past McQueen Lake is Griffin Lake, a short 5 minute hike to a viewpoint down the lake.

A little farther down is the trailhead for the Grasslands Community Trail, a 14 km route through 4 ecozones, ending at the Deep Lake trailhead.   When the road splits a little farther on the road, we take the signed route up to Isobel Lake.

We can ride around the lake staying on double tracks.   The ride goes through the campground, past the boat launch, a fishing dock, the low mobility trail, and an day-use area.   (Link to map).At the west end of Isobel Lake the trail winds around back to the road which is the better route for many cyclists, but there is also an older seldom-used trail that was once called the Forest Capital trail, a signed interpretive trail from Isobel Lake to McQueen Lake.   It is now a bit overgrown with some debris on the trail, some rough sections for bikes,  and sections where some route-finding is needed.   There are two meadows filled with wildflowers along the route though.

chocolate lily

early blue violet

Once back on the forest service road, it is an easy ride to the parking area.  At various times of the day, McQueen Lake, Lac du Bois, and the upper grasslands ponds offer fine perspectives of meadows, sky, and spring waterfowl.

Mountain bikers are encouraged to avoid riding within the McQueen Lake Environmental Center property when groups are on-site and to steer well clear of the overnight center.   There is lots of riding in the area without going through private property at inappropriate times.  The McQueen – Isobel route is a good alternative instead.