Tag Archives: Murtle Lake

Leo Island from Central Mountain

I have portaged into Murtle Lake several times.   on this paddle camp trip, I camped on Leo Island on the west arm.     The next morning I paddled to the north shore of the arm and landed at the trailhead for Central Mountain.   On a solo hike to this remote spot, I traversed the top of the mountain and looked down at the island from above, 3325 vertical feet below and 1.89 miles distant.    I continued on to loop down into the north arm, then hiked back, a long route, before paddling back to Leo Island.     Few people hike this route and the trail is overgrown and hard to follow.    A once-only hike.

Wave Crest Peak

To get to Wave Crest Peak, we have to drive to Blue River, then go up into the mountains on the Murtle Lake Forest Service Road.    From the trailhead to Murtle Lake, we have to portage our boat and gear for 2.5 km to the lagoon launch.     The canoe or kayak has to be loaded and it is a two hour paddle up to the Strait Creek Marine Campsite.    the trailhead to Wave Crest Peak is across the creek.    We were able to ford the creek.   At high water, you can paddle up the lake and land on the shore at the trailhead.    After securing the boat it is about a 3 hour hike to this point, overlooking a tarn in the Wavy Range.    This is a remote and rugged spot, one I hope to return to hike again.