We got to sneak into Murtle for a three night clockwise loop.
Weather was anywhere from downright hairy to scorching heat.
Water level was maxed. Most fire rings on the beach were a foot or two under water.



















































































Hope you enjoyed.
Canoeheadted

Wow, sure looks like lots of water. I imagine the McDougall Falls would be quite neat to see. Though the West Arm is great, I still prefer the North Arm. A couple times we have just set up at that hillside campsite in your photos (Eagle Point I think) and explore from there.

Thanks for sharing the photos of one of my favourite places to paddle.

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-Jim-

"Paddle faster, I hear banjos!"

Thanks for sharing the pictures. Brings back memories for me, too. We really have to go again! Beautiful!
Ralph

Thanks Ted.
Anyone have any info or experience on the hiking into the alpine?

I have hiked up Central Mountain a couple times. Nice trail, great day hike, awesome views. Been down to McDougall falls a couple times, nice short 5k hike, nice spot. Hiked up File Creek after paddling a few kilometers up the flats. There was blow-down and lots of burn, but still a nice hike, lots of volcanic rock.

One place I have yet to hike, and plan to next time, is up Wavy Ridge. I would even like to make it an overnight trip.

_________________
-Jim-

"Paddle faster, I hear banjos!"

Thanks for posting the great pictures! I like the one with the fire pit under water. How were the mosquito's?
PJ.

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Mad River Song

PJ, the bugs were mostly non-existent. The only time they were bad was on the portage in and out.

gret pictures ted!

I paddled Clearwater-Azure in mid-July this year. First time back there in many years. Water levels were still very high, the beaches nearly all under water. The river between the lakes was a grunt, taking well more than an hour to reach the portage. We managed to get a couple of km up the river at the east end of Azure. That is well worth a trip back.

IT LOOKS LIKE A GREAT ADVENTURE! WONDERFUL DESCRIPTIONS....THANKS LYNN MARSHALL

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i have been a member since october 8, 2008 and only missed five days during that time.  however, my log in data is never accurate. not sure why...but my password is secure already as far as i'm concerned. if i need to change email mr i don't why i do...its 10-03-13 i am concerned my info says 2 yrs and 2 mos. on this site when I've been here since 10/08/2008.

I've expressed this before with no compliance.....HELP1

Plan on doing Murtle last week in September. Would seven days on the lake be enough? We like to hike weather permitting.

Seven days would do it, unless you intended to circumnavigate the entire lake, and hike most of the trails. I think seven nights (eight days)was our longest trip, but we spent most of that trip on the west arm relaxing, fishing and hiking. We only ventured a short bit up the north arm for the last two nights. I have also spent an entire 5 night trip only on the north arm.

Bottom line, do what you can in the time you have, because you will definitely be wanting to come back for more. It is one of my favourite places within a days drive to paddle.

_________________
-Jim-

"Paddle faster, I hear banjos!"

This might be in another thread but does anyone know if carts are available or if they are available for rent anywhere nearby?
Until I get a better canoe I'm stuck hauling my 85# poly... 2.5km port with that won't be fun - maybe I'm being a wuss?

Stencil, I agree with what Jim said. That nails it.

Mark, this portage with a cart is a must. It doesn't get any easier.
Blue River Campground rents them for $10 day.
I'm sure there are others too.

Buy one and have it for life. Used if you can.
We use a Rolleez and love it. Small and strong. Bonus is the new ones have no-flat tires.

Have fun.

Hey CHT,

Thanks for a great trip report and pictures. Question for you: what kind of vehicle did you drive in and how was the access road?
I did Murtle Lake twice in one year about 8 years back, and I seem to remember a winding cobbled route that could have qualified for this show
http://www.history.com/shows/irt-deadliest-roads
Has it been improved since? Would a family car survive it?