Explore Muncho Lake Provincial Park: Nature Trails, Aqua Waters, and Rugged Mountain Landscapes Along Alaska Highway

Muncho Lake and much of the Provincial Park lands sit within an expansive mountain valley, and much of the Alaska Highway continues through this same valley throughout northeastern British Columbia until Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park.

Muncho Lake is central to this valley and stands out in the rocky scenery with its aqua-marine or bright green colour. The park boundaries continue to follow the Alaska Highway in the south as it moves east-to-west and follows the Toad River.

Striking Scenery

There are a number of natural features which make the scenery of Muncho Lake Provincial Park stand out as some of BC’s most striking scenery. Begin with the park’s central Muncho Lake, which creates a pleasant surprise out of the car window from the north or south. Muncho Lake is a beautiful hue of either green or blueish green and sits in contrast to the surrounding neutral coloured scenery. And while gorgeous, Muncho is a very deep, northern, and therefore chilly lake. Plus, it is big in general, with about 11-12km of shoreline from north to south.

That mountain valley in which Muncho Lake sits, as with the Toad River, is unique among the mountains and rock formations of the Rockies. These strikingly beautiful peaks are a result of tectonic deformations that bend the limestone to give the peaks a much smoother appearance. And if you’re arriving at the park from the southeast side, a viewing area for these formations will be one of the first stops along the park section of the Alaska Highway. Stop by the Folded Mountain viewing area to get the best look at the tectonic deformations in the limestone.

Hiking through the Striking Scenery

Muncho Lake and the entire park have several easy, moderate, and challenging hiking trails. These offer an array of the best mountain scenery: views from above, sweeping vistas, rivers and creeks, waterfalls, and of course, Muncho Lake and the Toad or Trout Rivers. And the scenery heavily depends on the time of year: those out for an early season hike will be greeted with an abundance of wildflowers and heavily flowing river waters; those who come for a summer trip will have lush and dense green foliage around every corner; and a fall trip will, of course, lend up beautiful foliage of reds, oranges, and yellows.

• The Red Rock Canyon Trail is a simple 4.5km out-and-back trek which follows a small creek to a small waterfall surrounded by red-tinged rocks.
• Head from the Strawberry Flats Campground up the Old Alaska Highway Trail & Muncho Lake Viewpoint for a simple 2km followed by a more challenging 2km climb up to a sweeping view of the lake.
• The best mountain views are available from the Stone’s Sheep Trail around the centre of Muncho Lake. This 6km out-and-back is considered a moderate hike with dramatic views of the park’s signature unique limestone formations.

• Further north within the park is the Salt Lick Viewing area which involves a quick 1.5km loop next to the Trout River. This is yet another place along the highway and in the park to check out cool and unique mountain formations. The salt licks are mineral-rich pieces of rock that attract hoofed animals who lick the salt and minerals off the rocks.
• Any of the park’s trails will require a drive along the scenic Alaska Highway while it winds north to south through the park; both the driving and the hiking are excellent chances to watch wildlife like sheep, moose, elk, deer, or caribou.

Fun on the Waters of Muncho Lake

The sheer size of Muncho Lake adds a bit of intimidation to the overall look of Muncho Lake. The shoreline, from north to south, is roughly 11-12km long, while the deepest parts of Muncho Lake reach 200m down into the valley. And while it is large, and playing around the lake requires close attention to weather and wind, Muncho Lake and its remote shorelines are a beautiful place to explore.

• And almost any type of boat is allowed on Muncho Lake for exploring those shores, the scenery, the birds, and the other wildlife, with a boat launch at the MacDonald Campground. Smaller boats like paddleboards, canoes, or kayaks can also easily be launched from the beach areas.
• The campgrounds have beach areas nearby, and swimming is permitted; however, keep in mind that the water is cold all year round.
• Whether from the dock and boat launch area, or from your boat, fishing is allowed across Muncho Lake and offers the chance at catching arctic grayling, lake trout, bull trout, or whitefish.
• Those with the proper gear, equipment, and experience are allowed to scuba dive these incredible depths.

More of the Alaska Highway

In total, the stretch of Alaska Highway that runs through the centre of Muncho Lake Provincial Park is about 80-85km. An entire day could be spent exploring the scenic highway with its many roadside stops and viewing areas, the wildlife, and changing scenery.

• A drive up the north section of the Alaska Highway offers viewing areas like the Salt Lick trail, and the Rock Quarry viewing area (especially great for spotting wildlife).
• And further north, as you leave the park, is a must-visit for anyone who has the time: the Liard River Hot Springs. This Provincial Park and beautiful chance for relaxation is about 20km north of the northern Muncho Lake Park boundary.
• The Folded Mountain viewing area is the first stop when coming into Muncho Lake Park from the southeast, followed by the Peterson Canyon Viewpoint.

• Central to Muncho Lake is the Sheep Flats area, a long, flat, and rocky part of the lake shore. There is room to pull over, stop for a picnic, and watch for wildlife.

Overnight Stays at Muncho Lake

An overnight stay at the provincial park campgrounds will bring your stay directly beside Muncho Lake. Take your pick between the two main campgrounds at Muncho Lake Provincial Park: the Strawberry Flats or MacDonald campground. The campgrounds are about 11km apart from one another on the Alaska Highway with Strawberry Flats on the south side and beside a man made dyke, and MacDonald closer to the north side of the lake.

• Each campsite has a picnic table and firepit, while both campgrounds have washrooms and drinking water on tap.
• The Northern Rockies Lodge is within park boundaries with cozy lodge rooms, cabin rentals, and more camping opportunities with an RV park. This is one of the newest resort/hotels around the Northern Rockies and Alaska Highway. The stunning dining room and mountainside patio of the Lodge’s Restaurant is also a highlight for anyone staying here or in the area.

 

Planning your Trip – Muncho Lake Provincial Park

What to See and Do: Muncho Lake Provincial Park sits in BC’s northeastern Rockies, a region known for wilderness landscapes, abundant wildlife, and several recreational opportunities.

The large park covers over 80km of the Alaska Highway, with Muncho Lake central to the whole park and taking up about 11-12km of shoreline directly beside the highway. The park operates two seasonal campgrounds on the shores of Muncho Lake, while a private lodge also offers camping, hotel rooms, and cabin rentals within the park.

 

Location and how to get there: 188km west of Fort Nelson via the Alaska Highway/BC-97

25-50km south of Liard River via the Alaska Highway/BC-97

Best time to go: May 1-September 15

Cost: camping $20 per night (FCFS); day use free

For more information:

Muncho Lake Provincial Park

Northern Rockies Trail Maps/Guides