Sapeye - Waterlily Lake (Tatla Lake)

Rec Site #:REC98929
Type:User Maintained
Fees:None
Campsites:0
Access:Road
Facilities:None

Site Description: The Sapeye - Waterlily Lake Trail is a gently rolling route through pine and aspen forest that follows the main drainage of Mosley Creek before crossing it at the north end of the loop. There is a foot bridge and some corduroy sections where the trail crosses the creek before turning south to loop back towards the west side of Waterlily Lake. The trail is about 4.9 km in total length from the south end near the Sapeye Lake Recreation Site, and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete each way (3 to 4 hours return). If you're starting from the designated parking area and trailhead up the Old Bluff Lake Road, it is about 2.8 km to reach the end of the trail on the other side of Waterlily Lake, or 2.2 km south to return to the Sapeye Lake Recreation Site. The unique climate of the West Branch Valley and surrounding area, with its strong influences from coastal weather systems, has contributed to the rich and diverse flora and fauna found in this area. The area is home to diverse ecosystems and major watersheds, making it ideal habitat for large mammals like moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, cougar, lynx, deer, and countless species of birds. Beaver, otter, muskrat and many species of birds and other mammals use the area and are regularly seen from the trail. Douglas-fir, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, trembling aspen, black cottonwood and paper birch are all native to the forests in this area, contributing to ecologically diverse floral communities. In addition to the wildlife and bird viewing opportunities, the trail offers incredible views down the Mosley Creek drainage to the Pacific Range of the Coast Mountains. The stunning snow-capped peaks of White Saddle, Valleu, Blackhorn, Razorback and Butler Mountains are just some of the mountain peaks visible to the south from various points along the trail. Camping opportunities are available at nearby Horn and Sapeye Lake recreation sites.

Driving Directions: From Hwy 20, 1.5 km east of Tatla Lake, take the Tatlayoko Lake Road for 4.2 km then turn right on to the Bluff Lake Road and travel 11.4 km to the turnoff for the Waterlilly Trail, the Sapeye Lake campsite and the Old Bluff Lake Road. This point is well marked on the Bluff Lake Road. Travel 1.2 km down this road to the turnoff for Sapeye Lake and turn left. Travel a further 200 m to the start of the trail at the Sapeye Lake end. Alternatively instead of turning left towards Sapeye Lake you can carry on down the Old Bluff Lake Road from the Sapeye turnoff another 1.6 km to the turnoff for Waterlilly Lake. Turn left at this junction and travel 100 m to the parking area for the Waterlilly Lake access point.

Fire Bans and Restrictions:Link

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Site Maps:

Sapeye - Waterlily Lake.pdf

Sapeye - Waterlily Lake (Tatla Lake)

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