Mclean Creek Trail (Radium Hot Springs)

Rec Site #: REC5249
Type:
Fees: None
Campsites: 0
Access: Road
Facilities: None
Site Operator: SUMMIT TRAIL MAKERS SOCIETY

Site Closed.
Frances Creek FSR closed at 48km. Washout ~10 km from trail head.

Site Description: Hiking distance: 5.7 km (one-way).
Elevation gain: 500m.
This moderately easy trail leads to a scenic lake.

McLean Lake is located in a high elevation basin at the headwaters of McLean Creek in the Purcell mountain range. The Frances Creek area was once busy with prospectors and miners in the early and mid 1900's. The rawhide trails, used to drag ore down from Leadqueen Mine by horse, can still be seen to the north across the Frances Creek valley from the McLean Lake Trail.

Driving Directions:From the roundabout in Radium Hot Springs exit onto Forster's Landing Road. Cross the Columbia River and drive 9 km where you intersect Westside Road. Turn right onto Westside Road and drive until reaching 41.5 km. A left turn here will put you on the Leadqueen FSR. Continue 1.6 km and turn left onto the Frances Creek FS Road. Follow this road to the 17.5 km mark and park near the old bridge site over Frances Creek. A new walking trail has been cut that follows the NORTH banks of Frances Creek. Backtrack to a small gravel pit to the north to start up the trail.

A few rough areas of road require a high clearance 4WD vehicle.