From a boat launch at the south end of Clearwater Lake, canoeists, kayakers, and motor-boaters can access 16 campsites, 3 backcountry trailheads, fish for rainbow trout, and admire some of the many spectacular waterfalls for which Wells Gray is famous. Each lake is approximately 22 km long, with Clearwater running north/south and Azure east/west. Canoeists use the 500 m portage between the lakes; a minimum 9.9 hp motor is required to navigate the river channel. Boat tours and guided canoeing trips are available.
The addition is located just north of Clearwater and extends north along the Clearwater River to Mahood Lake, along the southwest border of Wells Gray Park.
Extensive evidence of prehistoric use exists.
The park includes canyon and volcanic features such as lava flows, columnar basalts and pillow lavas. The area protects old-growth Douglas-fir and cedar and hemlock forests, but primarily contains young forests of Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine and extensive deciduous stands of aspen and birch.
The corridor supports many ungulates, birds, migration corridors, and salmon spawning habitat for chinook, sockeye and coho salmon. Much of the corridor protects critical moose winter range habitat as well as habitat for mule deer, black bear, coyote, white tailed deer and badger.
Wildlife is generally sparse in dense forests, but you may be fortunate to see bear, moose, squirrels and pine marten. Caribou and deer have been spotted swimming across the lakes. Birds frequently seen near Clearwater and Azure include osprey, eagle, merganser and grouse.
Backcountry camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Clearwater Lake – Access to these sites by boat only. 8 camping areas with a total of 33 tent sites.
Azure Lake – Access to these sites by boat only. Four camping areas with a total of 21 tent sites. Information about backcountry sites in Wells Gray.
There are several trailheads located along the shorelines. These lead to some of the park's lesser known waterfalls and viewpoints. This includes a trail leading to Rainbow Falls, located at the east end of Azure Lake, and Eagle viewpoint, located at Divers Bluff Campground.
Two main trails lead away from these lakes to wilderness destinations. Note that times and distances are for one way only.
The trailhead lies within the river channel between Clearwater and Azure, on the western bank. A strong hiker will make the 15km hike to the southern end of Hobson Lake within 7 hours. Expect a 300m elevation gain.
From 4 1/2 Mile Campsite on the north shore of Azure Lake, a hike of 4km with a 1300m elevation gain will take experienced hikers approximately 5 hours.
In addition to the hiking trails listed above, this park offers additional hiking opportunities, including guided hiking tours. Contact BC Parks for more information.
Very popular, with rental canoes available at the boat launch on Clearwater Lake. A number of companies offer guided trips on Clearwater and Azure Lakes. Contact the Wells Gray Information Centre at 250-587-2090 for more information.
Canoeists heading for Azure must use a 0.5 km portage. The portage has numerous stairs and sections of boardwalk and is not suitable for canoe carts. As the south access to the portage lies within the river channel, strong paddling ability during high water in June and July may be required.
This area offers other opportunities in addition to the ones listed above, including guided canoeing tours. For more information, contact BC Parks.
Fishing for Rainbow trout is popular here, with the most successful areas being at either end of both lakes, as well as creek mouths such as Barella Creek and Angus Horne Creek. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hunting is allowed in the off-season at Clearwater Azure Marine. Please refer to the hunting page for more information.
From Hwy #5 at Clearwater, drive north on the Wells Gray Park Road for 71 km (43 paved, 28 gravel) to the boat launch.