Laurel Lake Trail
I have been exploring the lakes and trails off of Highway 24 that connects Little Fort to 100 Mile House. I try to get to a lakeshore to launch a kayak, but I also try to find trails and double tracks to hike. The east end is very quiet and remote. On one summer day, I drove into the Latremouille Lake Recreation Site, then paddled the lake. Afterwards, I drove over to the Goose Lake Recreation site, and hiked around the shoreline, then I followed an old route over to Laurel Lake.
Goose Lake is not a large lake but there is a good-sized camping area on the east side.
The trailhead to Laurel Lake was not easy to find, but I was able to use my GPS to help out. The double track wound through the forest, crossing a stream and then going over a ridge.
Along the way were a few wildflowers and fungi.
The last 100+ metres was blocked by extensive windfall. I tried 3 different routes and the one on the left side was best, requiring a a few “climb-overs” to get to the shoreline. Laurel Lake is a quiet spot in the forest with no one around.
It was a perfect spot for lunch. There was no sign of any trails around the shoreline, but I brought water shoes so i was able to walk through the shallows to see around the corner.
The hike around Goose Lake then over to Laurel Lake and back was only about 2 km, but that was just right for a second exploration for that day in the area.
We will be back to the area t explore new lakes and new tracks. Deer Lake and Rock Island Lake look like a good candidates for another day in this remote part of the province.