Trip 115 - August 1, 2016 (Monday)Bootski Lake Trail HikeNear Tumbler Ridge BC Page 1 of 2 |
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Liked: Mountain and lake views, few bugs. The access road is quite smooth until the last 12 kilometers, but is passable in a medium-clearance 2WD vehicle all the way to the trailhead. Of note: Remote wilderness area, some parts of the trail are steep, several creek crossings required, the lake could be somewhat difficult to find, the last 12 kilometers of the access road are full of large potholes, hiking boots and poles are highly recommended (or essential, if you decide to climb the mountain by the lake). The mountain by the lake is for experienced and properly equipped hikers only - avoid the final narrow ridge if windy or wet. Northern BC Backroad Mapbook (3rd edition) Trailhead Coordinates: Page 29 (Monkman Provincial Park) G1. Related Website: WNMS Bootski Lake Hiking Route Brochure (PDF file). Bootski Lake Trail is located off Wapiti Forest Service Road, which branches off Ojay Forest Service Road, which starts off Highway 52E approximately 71 kilometers Southeast of Tumbler Ridge in Northeastern British Columbia. The trail is steep at times, but leads to great views, especially if you are experienced and equipped enough to climb the mountain near the lake. 1. We start with the photo of the Tumbler Ridge area map, which used to be located next to the old visitor centre in Tumbler Ridge. The red arrow shows the turnoff from Highway 52E onto Ojay FSR, and the yellow arrow shows the Bootski Lake trailhead.
2. Here is that turnoff from Highway 52E onto Ojay FSR. It is located just over kilometer past the turnoff to Kinuseo FSR, which we covered in our previous trip report. Please, note, that on many maps Ojay FSR is still listed as Wapiti FSR, but the name has changed, and Wapiti FSR is now the road which branches off Ojay FSR at the 25 km mark.
3. Ojay Forest Service Road. Stay right at the split at 7.3 km mark (not pictured).
4. At the 25.0 km mark, take the road to the right (this is the beginning of Wapiti FSR). Zero your odometer at the split.
5. At the 5.0 km mark from the split, right after Wapiti West Recreation Site, there is a bridge.
6. The bridge features a neat view to the right.
7. One of the many potholes on Wapiti Forest Service Road.
8. An abandoned shack is located on the left side of Wapiti FSR at the 5.7 km mark.
9. Inside the shack.
10. At around the 10.7 km mark, a great mountain view serves as a sign of things to come for Bootski Lake Trail hikers.
11. The turnoff to Bootski Lake trailhead is on the right side at the 12.0 km mark.
12. The trail starts right after the turnoff. Coordinates: N 54⁰35.212' W 120⁰37.398'. Elevation: 1,261 meters. If you have an ATV and the creeks ahead are not in flood, you may drive much further.
13. The first creek crossing soon after the start of the hike.
14. The second, much larger creek crossing, follows shortly thereafter. We managed to hop on stones, but wading would be the only option, if the water level is higher.
15. Fifty minutes into the hike, the hiking trail makes a right turn seen in the photo below. Coordinates: N 54⁰35.254' W 120⁰38.973'. Elevation: 1,441 meters.
16. The view immediately after the turn.
17. This is where it starts getting steep on occasion.
18. The trail goes through a burned forest...
19...
20. And, then, through an unburned forest again.
21. Getting closer to the alpine.
22. One hour and forty-five minutes into the hike, we are nearly at the alpine. Remember the stones seen on the far end of the photo below. This is your landmark for getting back into the forest - route marks in the alpine are not very plentiful, and it's a rather large (though uncomplicated) area. Coordinates for the stones (cairn): N 54⁰34.887' W 120⁰39.571'. Elevation: 1,732 meters.
23. Make a sharp left upon reaching those stones, hike a bit further...
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Other Trips in Tumbler Ridge BC Area:
Bergeron Cliffs Hike |
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Stone Corral Trail ![]() |
Windfall Lake Trail |
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Mount Clifford Trail ![]() |
Murray Canyon Overlook |
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Quality Canyon Trail ![]() |
Other Trips:
ihikebc.com Trip 115 - Bootski Lake Trail Hike (near Tumbler Ridge BC) Page 1 of 2