Summary of Route
- Type: Out and back
- Rating: 2/5
- Season: Any, but Spring to October recommended
- Length: 18.5km one way from start of gravel road
- Vehicle suitability: Stock 4x4 or Subaru with AT tires
Initial Comments
While Florence Lake FSR and the west side of Stave Lake have become notorious as lawless off-road havens, during the summer camping season (Victoria Day long weekend in May through Labour Day long weekend in September) off-road access to First, Second and Third Beach is restricted. Accordingly, any concerns about enjoying this area over the summer months should be limited.
During the non-summer window, First beach is closed to motorized traffic, Second Beach is a designated “mud bogging” area, and Third Beach is set aside for open camping.
This route provides limited dispersed car camping opportunities; however, there are several beautiful walk-in sites and an excellent reservation based recreation site.
The Route
Access to the Hidden Cabin - Florence Lake FSR route is found off of Dewdney Trunk Road, east of Maple Ridge, at GPS coordinates 49.22951, -122.35815, immediately before the Stave Falls powerhouse if you are approaching from the west.
Once on Florence Lake FSR, take time to review the detailed map found at the start of this FSR. Hiking opportunities abound in this area and they are generally significantly less trafficked than North Vancouver or Squamish hikes.
After reviewing the map, proceed up Florence Lake FSR. At approximately the 10km mark (GPS coordinate 49.30231, -122.33216) a wonderful walk-in beach campsite can be found. This is “First Beach”. Expect this site to be occupied if you are arriving on a weekend. Shortly thereafter, you will reach an intersection with signage indicating left for Sayres Lake or right for Rocky Point.
While the ultimate destination for this route is on the road to Sayres Lake, Rocky Point has a beautiful, reservation based recreation site that is highly recommended. Sites 1-6, 8, 10, 11, and 12 provide excellent access to Second Beach and allow for lakeshore camping. More information and reservations can be found at https://stavewestcamping.com/rocky-point/. If you decide to stay at Rocky Point, consider checking out Rocky Point Falls at GPS coordinates 49.31225, -122.32261, which has several established rope swings for the pool at the base of the falls. Similarly, continue walking a couple hundred meters past rec sites 20-24 and the locked gate shortly thereafter to reach Third Beach which provides sandy areas to enjoy away from potential crowds at the at Second Beach.
After visiting Rocky Point, return to the prior intersection and continue proceeding up (north) on Florence Lake FSR. Florence Lake FSR deteriorates slightly after this point; however, a stock 4x4 or Subaru with appropriate tires will have no issues. The next point of interest on this route occurs approximately 6km from the intersection with Rocky Point, at GPS coordinate 49.35131, -122.33582. At this point a well-hidden footpath descends to Morgan Lake. If you are using GAIA, the “Gaia Topo (feet)” map layer has this trail marked. If you do not have GAIA, consider the below photos and search around as this little detour to Morgan Lake is well worth the effort! Once at Morgan Lake you will find several small gravel beaches with pre-established campfires and easy access to the water. There is room for 2-3 tents to be pitched within 10 feet of the lakeshore.
After checking out Morgan Lake, continue up (north) on Florence Lake FSR for another 1.7km until you see an obvious road leading left (GPS coordinates 49.36369, -122.33462). You have reached the access point for the hidden cabin. There is space to park your vehicle at the junction or after the first turn on the side road.
Once parked, proceed up the left logging road for approximately 20 feet and continue north up the immediate hill keeping Alouette Lake to your left. The hidden cabin can be seen quickly as it is approximately 200m from the road. GPS coordinates are 49.36590, -122.33519. If you decide to spend time at this cabin and enjoy the view, be sure to pack out any trash you may generate.
After visiting the hidden cabin you can continue along Florence Lake FSR for approximately 1.1km until reaching a locked gate at GPS coordinate 49.36902, -122.32581 as of June, 2023. This final km of road does provide beautiful views over Florence Lake; however, be sure to stop after the bluff as the road is narrow, on the side of a cliff, and rock fall is common.
Looking for other overland routes near Stave Lake, British Columbia? Consider checking out our Grotto Falls and Twin Lakes overland routes!