Where is Wavy Ridge?
Wavy Ridge is located within Wells Gray Provincial Park in east-central British Colombia, Canada. To get to the start of the Murtle Lake portage you have to travel from Blue River which is 27km away, mainly along a dirt road.
Blue River is approixmately 2.5 hours from Jasper & 3 hours from Kamloops
When we did this adventure we were conveniently living and working in this tiny town called Blue River which made it super convenient to access Murtle Lake and beyond. We also had the sweetest roster with 10 days on and 5 days off which enabled us to explore beautiful locations such as this all summer long.
Wavy Ridge - Key info
Distance 11.7km return
Difficulty moderate, but can be dependent on wind and lake conditions which can change rapidly
Later in the trip we got caught in a storm with gale force headwinds. Against the advice and concerns of the older woman we bumped into we pushed on back to our campsite at Tropicana (#5) from Diamond Lagoon. Every bit of teamwork and muscle had to put into our strokes to make it back to camp safely.
The hike itself is moderate-challenging with steep uphill sections particularly when travelling amongst the trees
Elevation gain 1105m
Time the trip out to Wavy Ridge and back can easily be done in 1 night a 2 days, but I would suggest taking a day or two longer to relax and explore more of the lake
Getting to the trailhead
Murtle Lake is not only the largest paddle only lake in Canada but the whole of North America! No boats are allowed on the lake except for the rangers boat which you hopefully won’t have to see or hear unless it’s to share a drink. The only craft allowed on this lake are kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. This means you have to take the 2.5km portage option from Phyllis Lake parking lot to reach the canoe launch area.
From the canoe launch area to Strait Creek (which is the closest campsite to the Wavy Alpine trailhead) it is approximately 9-10km of paddling which should take you about 2.5 hours dependent on breaks and fitness.
Challenging yourself
At this point in my hiking ‘career’ I felt as though I needed the extra challenge and push myself outside of my comfort zone. I came up with the idea to do the whole track of Mt Assiniboine barefoot and this was to be my starting point to train for that hike.
I told my workmates this and they all thought I was mad. I remember vividly one of my workmates said Wavy Ridge was the hardest hike they had done and that they thought it would be impossible to do this hike without shoes. That was their first mistake or my blessing that spurred me on. When someone tells me it cant be done I want to do it even more to prove a point.
The track, particularly through the trees was relatively soft and forgiving and without trying to toot my own horn I didn’t have many troubles with this hike. This gave me a lot of confidence going into the Mt, Assiniboine hike which we were due to complete 6 weeks later
Things to consider
- There is 100km of coastline to explore, with 19 camping areas and 69 campsites situated along Murtle Lake
- Camping costs $5 per person/night
- BYO kayak or rent from Blue River Campground or Murtle Canoes – rent in advance to avoid any disappointments
- Murtle Lake is reknowned for its Rainbow Trout & Kokanee – if you plan to fish you must have the relevant licenses
- June – Sep is the best time for paddling on the lake during the peak summer periods
- Keep an eye out for Osprey soaring high above the lake and imagine the views they have
- Make sure to pop your head out of you tent at night, with next to no light pollution the stars here are incredible and if you are lucky enough the northern lights can be seen as well
- Don’t expect to catch all of your food out there like one of our optimistic mates, bring enough food to last your entire trip
- Food must be stored in the bear caches provided – you don’t want to fight a bear for your food
- Bring dry bags and seal them before entering the kayak. My first ever camera got flooded on this trip hence why I don’t have more photos from later in the trip
- If heading out to the West Arm down to Diamond Lagoon & McDougall Falls, proceed with caution the flow here can be really powerful
