Outbound Collective logo

Paddle on Jones Lake, BC

Fraser Valley D, British Columbia

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Description

Added by Brice Ferre

Located 2 hours east of Vancouver, BC, 42km east of Chilliwack, Jones Lake offers incredible views of the glaciers around, with minimal effort.

Jones Lake Reservoir is approximately 25 km southwest of the town of Hope, British Columbia. Directly off of BC Highway #1 at the community of Laidlaw. To reach the lake, you will have to drive 9 km (5.6 mi.) on a  steep and pretty beat up gravel road. The Jones Lake Forest Service Road is car accessible, but it is strongly advised to drive up in an SUV or 4x4. 

It is possible to get there in a regular sedan, but you will have to take it very easy. 

As the road is still active during the week, extra caution must be taken if you want to drive to the lake from Monday to Friday. Before reaching the lake you will be able to choose between 2 campsites. Jones Lake Main (31 spots) and Jones Lake West (18 spots).

Once you get up the road, you will have the option to either grab a camping spot and set up your tent, or just park in the day area and enjoy picnic tables and easy access to the water.

Be careful though, you can actually drive to the water with your vehicle, but if you do so, chances are you will get stuck in quick sand or mud and will have to get towed. We spent a weekend there recently and saw a lot of people with big fancy trucks get stuck for hours until one of the locals who has a house on the lake was kind enough to tow them out of there. The poor man has to do that at least 10 times a week, as he told us, because people think the laws of gravity and mud don't apply to their brand new Dodge Ram, and assume that spinning the wheels as fast as they can in quick sand is gonna solve the issue.

So be careful. Park on road next to the lake and walk to the water. 

Once you reach the water, get on your board and embrace the immensity of the place. Chances are you will feel incredibly small while paddling amongst these massive glaciers. 

Camping overnight will allow you to look at the stars around a campfire, surrounded by water and mountains.

Pure heaven. I strongly recommend it.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Stand Up Paddle
Chillin
Camping
Photography
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic

Paddle on Jones Lake, BC Reviews

Beautiful area, 9km FSR (not too bad), light wind started about 11 am . Calm prior to that… and we spent the morning almost entirely alone on lake !!

This place is pretty easy to find. If you follow the directions listed, there's an exit and a sign for the lake. Road is steep and has plenty of potholes and loose rock but there were vans and 2wd vehicles at the lake. Once you walk out to the lake, the views are incredible. It will make the amateur photography look like a pro. Just stunning. Two things I wish I knew prior to going: 1. Take a boat, kayak, canoe, or something. The serenity on the lake at dawn and dusk are probably some of the best that you just can't get on the shore. 2. There are bear tracks everywhere. I'm from the southeast US and we don't really have many/any bears. Kept me on alert until some other campers showed up. No sightings or anything but if they scare you, just know they do frequent the area. If you're looking for remote car camping with spectacular views, this is your place.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Jones Lake

Hike Mount Cheam

Explore Bridal Veil Falls in Chilliwack

Hike to Flood Falls, British Columbia

Hike to Eaton Lake

Hike to Lindeman & Greendrop Lakes