Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park

The soft sandy beach at Birkenhead Lake

Quick facts
Driving distance: approx. 216 kms from Vancouver
Permits required: camping fee, reservable campsite or first come first serve
Driving map: this one will give you a good idea   Click here for google map
Resources: click on the title above to go to the B.C. Parks website for this park

Birkenhead is a beautiful lake, one of the prettiest we've camped at.  There's a lot to do, great hiking trails for every level of hiker, a lake to swim in (although quite cold), good fishing and wildlife viewing in the right month.
Oh, and at nighttime, the sky is literally littered with stars and if you haven't been out of the city in a while the night sky here will be a welcome surprise! 

Campsite notes: There are no flush toilets or wash houses here.  Only pit toilets which is fine but after a few days with mostly girls we were wishing for a flush toilet.  We're ok without the showers because we either swim in the lake and use some biodegradable soap or hang our solar shower near our campsite (I highly recommend these-we have two!). 

There are also drinking water taps located throughout the campsite. 

We've noticed at some campgrounds that the rangers will sell ice on a daily basis although that wasn't the case when we were here.  However, there is a little "store" just up the road leading into the park that sells ice and a few food and snacky items. 

This is one of the nicest beach areas we've camped at.  It's very long and wide, perfect for kids and adults who like to play in the sand. 
It was pretty windy when we were there in late August of 2009 but we still dared ourselves to get in the water!

The view from the Goat Lookout trail

Although we weren't here for the goat sightings, the view of the lake is spectacular from the top of this 1 km trail.  It's pretty steep and rocky but with a little help even our 5 year old managed this one through the old growth forested trail. 

And the forests here are fantastic, there is a mix of tree species: Douglas -fir, western hemlock, western red cedar, cottonwood and Engelmann spruce which can all be seen hiking along the trail to the wilderness campsite (permantly closed down now) which runs along the north west side of the lake.  However, hiking to the wilderness campsite has it's merits, for one it's a beautiful hike with lots of wooden bridges to cross and great fishing sites. 
  

This was our favourite fishing
site at the walk in campsite

Fishing for trout proved to be quite good for us.  We always bring some lemons, garlic and butter when we go camping just in case some trout are caught! 

There is now an interpretive program for kids at this park and kids can collect their Jerry Ranger stickers. 

If you live in Vancouver or farther away from this park, it can be a long drive but easily broken up with stops along the way, the drive itself is quite nice and scenic.  We will definately be back to this one within the next few years.