Wells Gray Park: Mahood Lake

Highlights in this site

A quiet destination campground for families and for fishing - on the western end of Mahood Lake, the only lake in Wells Gray that isn’t glacier fed and so it warms up enough for pleasant swimming!

For the angler, the lake holds Kokanee, whitefish, burbot, Rainbow and lake trout. For anglers who want more excitement than lake trolling, the Canim and Mahood rivers, as well as several creeks, offer a multitude of opportunities for fly-casters.

For visitors who just want to relax, there are several hundred metres of beach and a shelving foreshore which invites swimming, wading and sunbathing.

Special features

The special geology of this area has created three spectacular falls all within 30 minutes of this campground.

Special notes

The nearest public telephone is 16 km away, on the road to 100 Mile House.

Please help to prevent the spread of Eurasian Water Milfoil by removing all weeds from your boat and motor before launching and after removing it from the lake.

Excessive noise is not permitted at any time. Please be considerate and observe the quiet time from 10 PM to 7 AM. Do not operate generators unless authorized by park staff.

History

Mahood Lake was named for one of BC’s earliest surveyors, James Adams Mahood, who surveyed for the Canadian Pacific Railway between 1871 and 1891.

Cultural heritage

Traditional use by the Canim First Nations is indicated by the pictographs on the north and south shore bluffs of Mahood Lake.

Wildlife

Fish species in Mahood Lake include rainbow, lake trout, kokanee, whitefish and burbot. The Mahood Lake area is excellent habitat for deer, cougar, and black bear.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Check the main Wells Gray Park page for the latest trail conditions report.

Weather is unpredictable, and sudden storms can produce 1-meter waves. Always wear a personal flotation device, watch the weather. Never try to outrun a storm – go directly to shore. Boats drawn up onto the beach in front of the campground can also be damaged in a bad storm.

Boaters must be aware of the strong current at the east end of Mahood Lake, and avoid boating near the outflow.
Viewpionts have safety fences installed for your protection. Fenced areas are potentially dangerous with sheer drops and crumbling edges. Use extreme caution and always remain behind the safety fences.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

Mahood Lake is located at the south-western tip of Wells Gray Park, accessed either via 88 km of paved and gravel roads from 100 Mile House and along the south shore of Canim Lake, or via 65 km of gravel road from the Interlakes corner on Hwy #24, or across TFL 18 via logging roads from Clearwater.

The nearest communities are 100 Mile House, Lone Butte, Interlakes, Bridge Lake, Hathaway Lake, Forest Grove, Canim Lake, and Sheridan Lake.

Mahood Lake [PDF]

Things to do

Hiking

Easy, short trails to Mahood, Canim, Deception Falls and Whale Lake. Sightseers looking for some of Wells Gray’s typically photogenic waterfalls can find satisfaction at Canim, Mahood and Deception Falls, each less than a 30 minute walk from the roadway. The Canim River trail (30 minute walk), running from behind the service yard past some old cabins. For the energetic, Whale Lake offers good fishing at the end of a 4 km hiking trail (about 1.5 hrs walk). For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. Trail conditions and updates will be posted on the Wells Gray Park page under the Advisories and Hiking sections.

This park offers a number of other recreational opportunities, including hiking tours. Contact BC Parks for more information.

Swimming

With 220 m of beach plus a shelving foreshore, Mahood Lake is popular with swimmers of all ages. There is no roped-off swimming area at this campground.

Mahood Lake is the only lake in Wells Gray that is not glacier fed. This makes the lake quite pleasant for swimming during the summer months.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

Mahood Lake is popular with canoeists and kayakers. There are three backcountry user maintained campsites on Mahood Lake that are accessible only by boat.

This park offers a number of other recreational opportunities, including guided canoe tours. Contact BC Parks for more information.

Kayaking

Mahood Lake is popular with canoeists and kayakers. There are three user-maintained backcountry campsites on Mahood Lake that can only be accessed by boat.

Guided canoe tours are available in Wells Gray Park. For information, contact BC Parks.

Fishing

Mahood Lake contains rainbow, lake trout, kokanee, whitefish and burbot. There are ice fishing opportunities in this park.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

There are short, easy trails to Mahood and Canim Falls, and a 30 minute hike to Deception Falls. These sites provide excellent views of waterfalls and are fenced for safety.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Waterskiing

Mahood Lake has waterskiing opportunities. Mahood Lake is a large lake and its water conditions can change quickly. Be aware of the weather and water conditions before waterskiing. There are no motor size restrictions on Mahood Lake.

Windsurfing

Mahood Lake can get strong winds, which are great for windsurfing.

Scuba diving

There are scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Mahood Lake.