Kathleen Lake
When you drive the Alice Lake Loop towards Port McNeill, you change elevations many times. One descent gives an amazing view of a calm lake below. This stunning view of Kathleen Lake is only visible between the trees in a few spots. If possible stop to take it in but be aware of active logging.
Once you reach the bottom of the mountain, you take a few side roads and make your way to the south end of Kathleen Lake. The lake is located in a valley, surrounded by mountains. It provides you with beautiful views. Every time we go to the lake it is calm and smooth, even in the rain. It is a great lake for water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. A flat area by the water can be used as a boat ramp.
There are 3 spots on Kathleen Lake where a tent or trailer could be set up for camping. It looks like there were once more sites that have now overgrown. The biggest disappointment at Kathleen Lake has nothing to do with the lake itself. It has everything to do with horrible human beings. Two of the campsites, including the one right on the lake, have trailers abandoned in them.
These abandoned trailers are likely still in place because the road down to the lake is steep. The lake is only accessible in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. This also makes it easier to get a trailer in and more difficult to tow the trailer out. This site is remote, which draws people to Kathleen Lake. The remoteness of the site keeps BC Forest Service or WFP from having the trailers towed.
Despite the trailers that remain on-site there is room to camp with a small group. It is also a great place to go and let the dogs off-leash to swim and play due to the remoteness. The area does have local wildlife, always be on the lookout for large predators. There are bears, cougars, and less often wolves, in the area.
