Difficulty: EASY

Rating: 4/5

Duration: <1hr

Accessibility: SUV

Jones Lake

Description:

Jones Lake is one of those amazing places that have sadly been tarnished by tourists. Being a popular location for off-roaders and camper vans in the summer months, combined with a lack of waste disposal, when we arrived we were disappointed with the amount of garbage left on the beach. 

That being said as you head farther up Jones Creek FSR (Forestry Service Road) along the lake, the beach will become less and less crowded since few people are eager to keep driving on the pothole ridden road that they've just spent the last 9km on. Most will turn off onto the first beach they see, we recommend stilling it out if your vehicle can handle it.

The lake is overlooked by the rugged north face of Lady Peak making for some simply breathtaking views. Although there aren't any hiking trails leading from the lake, this still makes an excellent spot to bring your kayaks set up camp. Take in the beauty of the Chilliwack River Valley and make sure to tag your Instagram posts with @officialbearlives.

Directions:

This hike is approximately 3 hours drive from Kelowna, 2 hours from Vancouver, or 47 minutes from Clilliwack.

  1. Coming from Kelowna, drive south on Highway 97 towards Vancouver.
  2. Once past Hope, drive approximately another 16.5km.
  3. Turn right onto Exit 153 followed by a left through the tunnel onto Laidlaw Rd.
  4. Follow Laidlaw rd. for 2.7km then turn right onto Jones Creek FSR (Forestry Service Road).
  5. Drive up Jones Creek FSR for approximately 9km keeping right.
  6. Once you reach the lake you'll notice it can be pretty busy during the summer months, don't worry, if you drive farther along that road you'll reach more secluded areas.

Click to view this route on GoogleMaps!

GPS Coordinates:

  • Jones Creek FSR turnoff: 49.312859, -121.624923
  • Jones Lake: 49.244548, -121.603630

Features:

  • Kayaking area
  • Dog Friendly
  • Camping sites
  • Mountain views