Old Bluff Lake Road (Tatla Lake)

Site Description: The trail is an old road that was the original access route to the West Branch Valley. It is now a parallel route into the valley that has much less use. The road is very scenic with many views to the mountains from the open meadow areas around Soap Lakes and other openings along the route. The road travels through dry lodgepole pine forests with the occasional spruce thicket along drainages and with aspen scattered throughout. The only obstacle to travel for vehicles is the creek crossing near Patterson Lake, at a place locally known as Graveyard Springs, which may not be passable in conditions of high water. Connecting trails include the Sapeye-Waterlily Creek Trail and a few other minor trails and roads leading to the main Bluff Lake Road.

Driving Directions: From Hwy 20, 1.5 km east of Tatla Lake, take the Tatlayoko Lake Road for 2.1 km where the Old Bluff Lake Road takes off to the right. There is a sign at this point indicating the start of the old road. The other end of the old road comes out on the new Bluff Lake Road at the turnoff to Sapeye Lake. This point is accessed by staying on the Tatlayoko Lake Road for 4.2 km then turning on to the Bluff Lake Road and travelling 11.4 km to the junction where there is a sign for the Sapeye Lake campsite and for the Old Bluff Lake Road.