Backpack to Moat Lake

Starting at the Paradise Meadows Trailhead (3,600'), the trail to Moat Lake takes you through subalpine forest and lush meadows along Strathcona Provincial Park's Forbidden Plateau. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow as it winds past Lake Helen Mackenzie and onward past to the numerous lakes of the Plateau. 

One of the most picturesque lakes is Moat Lake.  Nestled below Castlecrag Mountain, Moat Lake is the perfect end to a moderate 7.5 mile hike which ascends approximately 1150'.  The water is clear, cold, and teeming with rainbow trout that readily hit a spinner or sip a dry fly. 

While there are many places to camp along the way and at Moat Lake, a particular treat is a stay at Moat Lake Retreat located on 13-acre Stuart Wood Island. This is truly a unique place. Years ago, prior to the creation of Strathcona Provincial Park, the Wood Family purchased the island. When the park was created, the Wood Family retained ownership and (lucky for us) rents the island and its two cabins to those that want to make the trip. 

While the two A-frame cabins (one sleeping 6 and the other sleeping 4) offer more amenities than backpacking, this is not "glamping" and they are as rustic as you would expect a Canadian fish camp to be. The "Big Cabin" does have a generator for night time card playing, a propane refrigerator, propane stove, plates, utensils, and cooking gear.  There is also a rowboat and a motorboat with a 2 hp motor.  There is a "swimming hole" on the island that is warmed by the sun but we found swimming in Moat Lake to be more enjoyable, albeit a bit chilly.  The waterfalls at the far end of the Moat Lake are accessed only by boat and make for a memorable shower as well.  

Our family (mom/dad and three kids ages 17,14, and 11) stayed at Moat Lake in July 2014 and the weather was perfect.  We swam, boated, fished, hiked, chilled, and reconnected as only nature allows. Don't be put off by the name.  The "Forbidden" Plateau in general and Moat Lake in particular are bucket list destinations. One of the best trips ever!