Edward's Lake

Trail Overview

Edward's Lake offers a diverse off-road experience. To the east of the lake, the trail is generally easy with a 2 rating, mostly wide enough for two vehicles, with a few narrow sections. A basic campground with a single pit toilet provides a convenient base for exploring the area. As you head west of the lake, the trail passes through a residential neighborhood. At the far end of the neighborhood, you'll encounter a cattle gate. Beyond this gate, the trail's difficulty increases to a 3, primarily due to a steep hill climb. This climb features sections of loose pine needles where braiding has occurred to navigate around uncleared, larger downed trees. The pine needles can be particularly loose and slippery, especially when wet. Some of the trees are quite narrow to navigate around or through. Once beyond the hill climb, the trail reverts to an easier level (2), characterized by narrow two-tracks that wind around meadows and through the trees. Expect to encounter numerous cows and the occasional deer along the way. Use caution when passing single-track trails and when crossing the main road, as there may be cross-traffic. This route provides a scenic alternative to the main road for accessing Edward's Lake. Cell Service: Cell service in the Lake Koocanusa area can be intermittent. To ensure you have consistent map coverage, please download your offline maps before exploring the area. Crown Land Camping: Canadian Crown land is open to Canadian residents for free camping. Out-of-country visitors, particularly from the US, will need to obtain a camping permit from the nearest FrontCounter BC office in Cranbrook before camping on Crown land if camping outside of the paid campsite. Edward's Lake is a small, picturesque lake nestled within the Koocanusa Recreation Management Area. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and other water-based activities.

Photos of Edward's Lake

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Difficulty

This trail features a steep hill climb that can be slick with pine needles on top of mud, and narrow trees to navigate through and around on the hill. The rest of the trail has a few ruts and small mud puddles.

History

The Edward's Lake area, situated within the Koocanusa Recreation Management Area (KMRA), is part of the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa (Kootenai) people. The landscape reflects a history of resource use, with logging and ranching activities shaping the surrounding forests and meadows. Today, the area is valued for its recreational opportunities, offering a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The KRMA was established to manage and enhance recreational opportunities in the Lake Koocanusa area while protecting natural resources. The KRMA encompasses a large area of Crown land and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and off-roading. The British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development manages the KRMA. It is essential to check their website for any closures or restrictions.

Technical Rating

Edward's Lake can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike