A wonderful weekend hike along the shore of Big Salmon Lake. Expect plenty of up and down through rocky terrain as well as countless sweeping majestic views.
All paths contained herein are approximation and are meant for planning purpose only. Do not use them for navigation. Please carry an accurate topographic map for all route finding.
The Big Salmon Lake hike can either begin at the park office or at Big Salmon Lake parking. If you are looking for a longer walk, leave your vehicle at the front office and enjoy several kilometers added to your journey.
The trailhead is just to the right of the boat launch behind a picnic area, quickly gaining elevation through the forest until you are on top of the cliffs overlooking the lake. The trail winds its way along the shore of the lake, occasionally veering inland to avoid obstacles. Keep a vigilant look out for signage as it can be straightforward to miss a crossroad and end up walking in the wrong direction.
The preferred campsite cluster for this journey is at the very tip of the lake, though there are others along the way if you are looking for a shorter hike. You should arrive at camp after about 7km of hiking as the trail doubles back just past the tip of big Salmon and leads you into a deep ravine. Camp is in this ravine right on the shore of the lake.
The location is gorgeous, nestled in a ravine, surrounded by cliffs with a sweeping view down Big Salmon. To add even more beauty, sunset will fall perfectly across the lake's surface.
Be wary, however, because your campsite will be situated right at the end of a long lake and at the mouth of a tall ravine you are effectively in a wind tunnel—plan for windy conditions. Bring a strong tent and set it up, assuming winds are racing across the lake.
As an added benefit, a lookout point is marked on the map above that provides breathtaking sunset views worth exploring after making camp.