| Clearwater and Azure Lake Boat/Canoe Access Camping |
Here's what you need to know: You can access Clearwater and Azure Lakes off of Highway 5 by turning north on the Clearwater Valley Road at the Clearwater Info Centre. You then follow this road (approx. 67 km) to the very end where you will find the Boat Launch. This is WHERE YOU PAY YOUR CAMPING FEES at the self registration station. The Marine Camping fee is currently: 5 DOLLARS PER PERSON PER NIGHT (Kids under 13 free), in Cash, in Advance - No credit cards! You can also prepay your fees at discover campings new back country reservation site |
Camping locations: Clearwater Lake - 8 Azure Lake - 4 Capacity: 50 or so camping parties (2-4 people) What's there: fire rings, picnic tables, outhouses Hot spots: Rainbow Falls, 4 1/2 Mile, Barview, Huckleberry Average number of parties per night: 10 June/Sept, 30 July/August Things not to miss: Rainbow Falls, Osprey nests, fishing, waterfalls |
| The fee vault and the envelope you fill out |
CELLPHONES DON'T WORK And you'll need a really good radio, if you want one. Canoes and related gear can be rented In Clearwater, or at Clearwater Lake Campground from Clearwater Lake Tours (see Links). They also offer daily boat tours and taxi service to Rainbow Falls. Clearwater and Azure Lakes offer a family friendly camping experience, with outhouses and picnic tables at every campsite, as well as ground mounted bear proof food caches, and fire rings. Campsites are patrolled and maintained daily. There will be toilet paper in the outhouse. The portage trail between the lakes is good, but not very level. This is where you'll do most of the work on your trip. Canoe carts are pretty much a waste of time on the main portage because of rocks and some small stairs. Boardwalks cover any wet areas. The portage is about a 20 minute walk one way. I've heard everything from "not a problem" to "what a pain" to describe the portage...to each their own, I guess. There are no cabins for public use on the lake. Ivor and Osprey campsites are designated "canoe only" as an added bonus for canoeists trying to completely avoid power boats. The fishing is pretty good! It's all rainbow trout, and several locations yield 1-4 lb fish. Locations? Ask the PFO staff when you meet them on the lake, they'll tell what gear is hot and where the bite is on. The busiest campsites are generally Huckleberry and Barview on Clearwater Lake and 4 1/2 Mile on Azure. Ask your PFO daily for updates on site use. |
- Clearwater/Azure Lake FAQ’s
1. How do I get there?
Take Highway 5 to Clearwater, turn north at the info Centre, follow the main road for 67 km.
2. How do I pay?
You pay with cash or travelers check at a self registration station located at the water's edge at the canoe and
boat launches right at the lake shore - exact change required. YOU MUST PAY IN ADVANCE - non-payment
could result in eviction.
3. How much is it?
5 dollars per person (13 and older) per night. No discount for disabilities or seniors.
4. What if I want to stay longer?
When you first register, pay for as many nights as you know you're going to stay.
If you decide to stay longer, pay any additional fee directly to the marine patrol on the lake.
YOU CANNOT PAY ON THE WAY OUT - this is the same as non-payment of fees and could result in fines or
eviction.
5. Canoe carts?
Not necessary, nor recommended.
6. Best places to camp?
All the sites are nice; Barview, Rainbow Falls, and Huckleberry are the busiest, but also the largest. Ask the
PFO Boat Patrol about use levels when you get there… generally there’s always lots of room, but sometimes
certain sites fill up.
7. Best places to fish?
Near creek outlets, river mouths, and waterfalls. Ask the PFO Boat Patrol for current hot spots.
8. Hiking trails?
There are a couple - the most used is Eagles View at Divers Bluff. It’s very steep at the top, so take care.
The other common hiking trail is Huntley Col at 4 1/2 Mile Campsite. This is much longer and steeper, trail
condition varies greatly during the year, remember to take water with you.
9. What is there in the way of facilities?
Clearwater and Azure Lakes are wilderness camping with the right perks. All campsites have bear proof food
caches, fire rings, picnic tables and clean outhouses with toilet paper.
10. Animal problems?
Bears are very rare on the lakes for some reason, but park staff will advise you if it’s an issue.
11. Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but be good about keeping it on a leash and cleaning up its “messes”… this will be enforced by the PFO
Lake Patrol.
12. Cooking?
You can’t rely on fires to cook, you must bring a camp stove.
13. Where are the nearest amenities?
Clearwater has pretty much everything you need in the way of groceries, gas, and accommodations. Ask the
PFO staff where to get what.
14. Cell Phones?
They don’t work in the park.
Round tripping to Rainbow Falls by Canoe? Four 1/2 mile Campsite is the "bottleneck" for this trip, so ask the PFO Patrol if it's busy. Osprey and Indian Point are your close alternatives. |
tip 2
early. On travel days, don't dawdle, get on the lake early if you want to avoid windy conditions. On hot days, a moderate wind usually comes up about 1 pm and lasts for a couple of hours. Wind direction is very unpredictable, especially on Azure Lake. |
The River Channel I won't offer advice to Power Boaters on how to navigate the channel, maps are available and you do this at your own risk. However I suggest only experienced boaters with a 9.9 horsepower engine or stronger even bother. |
The River Channel for Canoeists Stay off the Navigation route on the maps if you can, this line is marked for power boaters and does not apply to canoes. THE WATER TAXI CANNOT STOP IN THE RIVER CHANNEL, SO TAKE CARE TO AVOID IT. |
During parts of June and sometimes early July, water levels in the River Channel between the lakes can be too high and swift for passage by canoes, see Clearwater Lake Tours for Water Taxi options, or for info on the extended portage route. |
Use the Park Patrol to your advantage. The PFO staff are on the lake every day. They can travel much faster than you, and have current knowledge of what campsites are busy and which ones are free. They also usually know the weather forecast, fishing conditions, about firewood, where that big group of kids is camped, and other info that may affect your plans (Not to mention the fact they're very friendly). |
| These are some of rules that you should know: 1. No Commercial Guided Groups (see links for allowable guide companies to escort your commercial party) 2.You must pay in advance, failure to do so will result in immediate eviction and possible fines. 3.Cutting down your own firewood (trees) is grounds for fines and eviction - so is possession of a firearm or a chainsaw. Some firewood is supplied by staff. 4.No personal watercraft! (i.e. Jet skis, Sea-Doos) This is not a complete list of rules - consult with BC Parks official website before going to the lake. |
Clearwater Lake - looking north
Azure Lake
| Click here for Canoes rentals and Water taxi services on Clearwater, Azure and Hobson Lakes. Clearwater lake Tours, Over 20 years of service in Wells Gray. |
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