With a Reserve on the east end, private ranch lands on the south side, and some private homes on the west end, there is limited access to the hills around Neskonlith Lake (except with permission), but the McGillivray Forest Service Road climbs into the hills on the northwest side and a rough road winds along the north side of the lake.   From these roads, we can climb over rocky hills for viewpoints and to find early wildflower displays.   Yellow glacier lilies are abundant in the hills in April.

I climbed to the top of rocky hilltops for the views, with lots of up and down exploration of the area.

Neskonlith Lake (sometimes spelled Niskonlith) was ice free by mid-April.   We have paddled the lake a few times, launching from the provincial park.

In wet gullies we found pussy willows in bloom.

Among the hills are a few ponds to enjoy.   Some snow lingered even at lower elevations, but ducks were on the ponds dabbling for spring morsels.

A glacier lily from a certain angle had a pinwheel effect to enjoy.   Water droplets still clung to the petals.

From a  viewpoint higher on the McGillivray Forest Service Road, the burn from 2003 was below and above.    The fire climbed all the way to close to McGillivray Lake, 8 km north and 1000m higher.   There was snow and ice on the road past the 4 km mark so I turned around there, but noted two side roads to explore later in the spring.

No map is provided this time since there are some land access permission issues in the area.   For anyone wanting to visit the area,  wait for the provincial park to open, or drive up the McGillivray FSR to explore the hills above Neskonlith Lake.