Hey All,

A few friends and myself have optimistically planned an April 23rd-25th (3 day) trip from access 8 (Cache lake) to Little Island Lake and Back... however, we understand this trip really depends on the "man" and when he decides to bring us a little of that golden sunshine. Pending ice-out for these lakes, we're looking at the Western Uplands trail as a backup plan. My questions are as follow:

1)What does the southern access look like (off Hwy.60)in regards to parking?

2)Approx. how long would it take us (a few guys in our mid 20's) to get to to the 2 sites on the northern end of Thunder Lake or the southern end of Lupus Lake?

3)If we're looking for a hike of approx. 4-6 hours our first day, what lake/site(s) would you recommend if we depart from either the southern (Hwy.60) access or the northern #4 Rain Lake access?

4)Any must-sees along the way?


Thanks a TONNE guys!

Chris

I am a bit puzzled by the question about a trip from Cache Lake to Little Island Lake and back since the title of the post if about backpacking the Western Highlands Trail. There is no trail by that name so you either mean the Western Uplands Trail or the Highlands Trail.

If you really want a 3 day trip out of Cache Lake I'd recommend avoiding Tanamakoon to Little Island as it is not the most scenic section of the park.

While longer portages, you would do well to consider taking the long trail out of Cache to Head Lake and depending upon your paddling and portaging skills, go through Head Lake to Harness Lake where you can camp and actually enjoy the option of a day trip through Pardee, Kirkwood, Bonnechere OR hike the backpack trail adjacent to Harness. The campsite on Harness at the narrows which has a north facing rocky shore has a small landing on the narrows side facing west. The site itself offers plenty of tent spots including one high up on the boulders.

Head Lake, while less traveling distance also has some nice sites including a couple on your left as you approach the creek leading to the Harness portage. You can bushwhack north a short distance and hike the same backpack trail or paddle Head and portage up the hill to Kenneth Lake to see the top of the waterfall and then paddle into the bay back down on Head to see the bottom of the falls.

I will let others answer your backpacking questions once you confirm what trail you intend to hike. I assume it is the Western Uplands Trail as Thunder Lake is off that trail.

-Jester

I know enough to know I don't know enough

On the site(on Harness Lake) Jester is talking about, you can see the alighted tip of the stinking transmitter on Hwy.60 at Cache Lake. Just when you thought you were deep enough, you really are not. Bummer...just don't look north!

Markus
Etobicoke, Onterry-airy-airy-Ohhh!

1)What does the southern access look like (off Hwy.60)in regards to parking?
An excellent parking lot. Even a vault toilet.

2)Approx. how long would it take us (a few guys in our mid 20's) to get to to the 2 sites on the northern end of Thunder Lake or the southern end of Lupus Lake?
I have no idea.

There are two trip logs...
Go to AA's homepage, and click on "Trails", then go to "Interior". Don't know if they will help you or not.

3)If we're looking for a hike of approx. 4-6 hours our first day, what lake/site(s) would you recommend if we depart from either the southern (Hwy.60) access or the northern #4 Rain Lake access?
According to the Park's website, access roads, like the one to Rain Lake, are impassable.
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/news/spring_accessICEsafety.html

4)Any must-sees along the way?
Ummm....snow? Bare trees? Frozen lakes?

LOL, maybe you should contact the Park and ask them some questions.



Barbara