Stake Lake Trail
Just five minutes north of Lac Le Jeune is a year-round paradise for anyone who loves to be outdoors. Stake Lake is a place where people come for the snow, the sun, and the stars!
Nestled on the Nicola Plateau, part of the Interior Plateau region, the Stake Lake trails are awash with Engleman spruce, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine trees with stands of waterbirch among the bulrushes in the marshier areas. Plenty of wildlife is attracted to the area as well. Moose, lynx, mule deer, beaver, and plenty of bird species including osprey, waterfowl and songbirds are often seen throughout the year.
When the snow flies, local cross-country skiers know all about Stake Lake thanks to the hard work of volunteers from the Overlander Ski Club who have operated and maintained the trails since 1991. On a sunny and cold winter weekend the parking lot is often full to overflowing with those who love to hit the trails. The Lake and trails area is uniquely situated to hold snow and colder temperatures while surrounding regions can often go without. With a heated day lodge and 60 km of expertly groomed and well-marked trails, including lit trails for night skiing, 8 km of snowshoe trails and 5 km of dog-friendly ski trails, Stake Lake makes being active in the winter a lot more fun. For those who crave motors with their snow, motorcycle ice racing on the lake is also popular.
In the summer, the Stake Lake landscape is dotted with hikers, mountain bikers, and many happy people wielding fishing rods trying to reel in some rainbow trout. The lake is stocked and is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
As many skiers at Stake Lake know, skiing at night can be a thrill. It's not uncommon for skiers to have to stop and look up on a clear night because the view of the stars is so spectacular. Recognizing the value of this area for nighttime viewing, the Kamloops Astronomical Society moved an observatory dome to the cleared area at the lake where the ski club stages its events. Situated in a large pile of boulders, the observatory is used for night time viewing events by society members.
Originally built by Gerry Bernard for friend Murray Foubister, from a pattern in Sky and Telescope magazine, the observatory sat in Foubister's yard for a few years before it was eventually taken apart and reconstructed at its current home by Kamloops Astronomical Society members in 2010.
Easy to access from Kamloops, Logan Lake, and Merritt, Stake Lake is a perfect destination for people who love to spend time outdoors all year round. The Kamloops Astronomical Society's website offers excellent tips on how to get started as a skywatcher, and the Overlander Ski Club website includes excellent maps of all the trails.
Nearest Community: Logan Lake, B.C.
Altitude: 1333m
Ownership: Crown Land
Accuracy: 4 metres
Access information and restrictions: Approx 29km from Logan Lake. Travel northeast from Logan Lake on Meadow Creek Road. Continue along the road as it crosses the Hwy 5 and becomes Lac Le June Road. Turn right at the BC Forest Service Stake Lake sign
Parking: Park at the Stake Lake parking lot at the North end of the lake.
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