Hikingthe Boreal Trail - Tourism Saskatchewan
Hikingthe Boreal Trail - Tourism Saskatchewan
Hikingthe Boreal Trail - Tourism Saskatchewan
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Travel Itinerary | The <strong>Boreal</strong> <strong>Trail</strong><br />
The trail follows the shore of Pierce Lake south to the large fullservice<br />
Sandy Beach Campground, then heads uphill through mostly<br />
aspen forest. For the next couple kilometres the <strong>Boreal</strong> <strong>Trail</strong> follows<br />
the same path as the Humphrey Lake <strong>Trail</strong>, a popular day hike from<br />
Sandy Beach Campground. This stretch tends to be rich in birdlife,<br />
especially near shallow Humphrey Lake which is favoured by loons,<br />
various waterfowl and occasionally tundra swans. Just a bit further<br />
up the hill, the trail comes to a height of land where you can climb<br />
a viewing tower for sweeping views of the forested lakelands.<br />
Not far past Lac des Isles, the terrain changes yet again as the trail<br />
follows the Waterhen River, the main waterway running through the<br />
park. The countryside becomes more open as the meandering river<br />
widens into wetlands rich in birds and other wildlife. Since there’s no<br />
road access for much of the way, you’ll enjoy parts of the park that<br />
few visitors ever see.<br />
Farther east the trail splits, offering three optional routes. Continue<br />
along the river and head up to Little Raspberry Lake, then Kimball<br />
Lake, site of the most popular beach in the park and the largest<br />
campground. Alternatively, turn north to Matheson and Vivian Lakes,<br />
then onto Kimball Lake. A third option is even better if you haven’t<br />
had enough of an “away from it all” experience. From Vivian Lake,<br />
turn north and circle around the four picture-perfect Mustus Lakes.<br />
First you hike along eskers near Third Mustus Lake, then to hilly terrain<br />
overlooking the creek between Third Mustus Lake and Peitahigan<br />
Lake. Watch for wildlife in the wide creek valley with adjoining<br />
wetlands – nesting grebes, terns, kingfishers, waterfowl and possibly<br />
coyote, wolf or moose. To continue on the <strong>Boreal</strong> <strong>Trail</strong> you must cross<br />
this creek, which is only feasible when water levels are not too high.<br />
The <strong>Boreal</strong> <strong>Trail</strong>, Meadow Lake Provincial Park. <strong>Tourism</strong> <strong>Saskatchewan</strong>/Paul Austring<br />
One of the prettiest sections is just north of Lac des Isles, among the<br />
park’s larger lakes. In addition to backcountry campsites, you can<br />
also overnight in the full-service Murray Doell Campground. But just<br />
before you arrive, you might run into a surprise left by busy beavers.<br />
They are fond of damming a creek here, which often means that the<br />
path gets flooded. You can cross the dam if it looks stable, but if in<br />
doubt, it’s not far to detour on the road.<br />
The stretch after Murray Doell is among the more challenging<br />
segments with several creek crossings. The trail heads inland from<br />
the lake to bypass a large wetland area formed by Sukaw Creek.<br />
Depending on water levels, you might be able to wade across the<br />
creek where the valley narrows or, if you prefer to keep your feet<br />
dry, continue a little farther to the road and cross the bridge. The<br />
east side of Sukaw Creek takes you through some of the most<br />
gorgeous landscapes of the entire trail, winding along the tops of<br />
eskers, looking over a mix of forest, meadows and wetlands with<br />
the expansive lake as a backdrop. Arriving back at Lac des Isles, you<br />
can relax on your own private beach at yet another nicely situated<br />
backcountry campsite.<br />
In the next couple kilometres you have to contend with a troublesome<br />
water crossing where a creek empties into the lake. No matter<br />
how you look at it, you’re going to get wet! Sometimes it’s a simple<br />
matter of wading across, but more often than not you’ll find deep<br />
channels excavated by beavers. If you’re looking for another way<br />
through, sometimes the best bet is to wade into the lake.<br />
On the east side of First Mustus Lake, the two branches of the <strong>Boreal</strong><br />
<strong>Trail</strong> meet for the final leg to trail’s end at Greig Lake. Now it’s time<br />
to kick off the hiking boots, relax and celebrate. You’ve accomplished<br />
the <strong>Boreal</strong> <strong>Trail</strong> – <strong>Saskatchewan</strong>’s longest hike.<br />
Contacts and resources<br />
<strong>Boreal</strong> <strong>Trail</strong> Map – <strong>Saskatchewan</strong> Parks<br />
W: http://saskparks.net/borealtrail<br />
Meadow Lake Provincial Park<br />
5 km N of Goodsoil on Hwy 26, 24 km N of Pierceland on Hwy 21,<br />
6 km N of Dorintosh on Hwy 4<br />
P: 306-236-7680 TF: 1-800-205-7070 W: www.2sk.ca/13383<br />
Meadow Lake<br />
Information on accommodations, attractions, shopping and dining<br />
P: 306-236-3622 W: www.2sk.ca/com/1000584<br />
Pierce Lake Lodge<br />
South shore of Howe Bay at Pierce Lake in Meadow Lake<br />
Provincial Park<br />
Open: year-round<br />
P: 306-839-4517 W: www.2sk.ca/14669<br />
An $11 per-tent, per-night camping fee is charged for the use of<br />
backcountry campsites. Fees can be paid at the point of registration.<br />
You’re encouraged to contact Meadow Lake Provincial Park before<br />
visiting to inquire about any trail closures and suggested places to<br />
leave a vehicle. P: 306-236-7680 or E: meadowlake@gov.sk.ca<br />
Disclaimer: <strong>Tourism</strong> <strong>Saskatchewan</strong> makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this travel itinerary. Please note, all services, accommodations,<br />
attractions and events are subject to change without notice. For more information, please contact <strong>Tourism</strong> <strong>Saskatchewan</strong> at 1-877-2ESCAPE or www.2sk.ca.