Summary of Route
- Type: Out and back; beach car camping
- Rating: 4/5 (on weekdays)
- Season: Any, but Spring to October recommended
- Length: 8.5km one way from start of gravel road to Jones Lake (+4.5km to final site)
- Vehicle suitability: Stock 4x4 or Subaru with AT tires
The Route
Jones Lake (Wahleach Lake) - Jones Lake FSR is an easy drive great for families or those with limited time. While Jones Lake is hugely popular on weekends, on a weekday you are likely to have your pick of any number of sandy lakeshore campsites.
Access to Jones Lake FSR occurs at exit 153 off of highway 1, shortly before Hope, British Columbia. Once off highway 1, there is adequate signage directing you the entirety of the way to Jones Lake.
Almost immediately upon reaching Jones Lake FSR, there is an initial hill climb that small cars may struggle with; however, a crossover or stock 4x4 should have no problems with this hill. After the brief hill climb the road loses it’s incline and becomes easy driving until you reach Jones Lake. For the most part, stay on the obvious FSR and you will reach Jones Lake. Shortly before Jones Lake you will reach an intersection (photo below). Continue straight/left for free, lakeside beach camping.
Passing the East Recreation area you will notice a sign indicating that you are off BC Hydro property. You are now able to camp for free and will quickly begin to see unofficial sites along Jones Lake. Many of these are walk in only; however, the walk is less than 20 feet and you will likely have your own private beach. Be aware that there are some cabins along the east side of Jones Lake. Drive slowly, be respectful and obey all no-trespassing signs. At all intersections, bear right and follow the shoreline of Jones Lake. Approximately 1km after the East Recreation area you will reach two of our favourite sites, located at GPS coordinates: 49.23837, -121.60344. These sites have beautiful views looking south on Jones Lake and sandy beaches to pitch your tent.
If these are occupied, continue travelling south on Jones Lake FSR as there are many more options. Other sites we have enjoyed can be found at GPS coordinates: 49.23354; -121.60350; 49.23159, -121.60367; 49.2280, -121.60416; and 49.21356, -121.61805. These last two sites can be driven into; however, Jones Lake FSR road conditions deteriorate prior to the final site and only appropriate vehicles should attempt to reach the final site. All of these sites provide sandy, lakeshore camping.
As you pass the final listed site the road continues to deteriorate further and becomes 4x4 access only.
While topographic maps of the area show logging roads on the west side of Jones Lake, these are unfortunately gated just beyond Jones Lake West recreation area.
If you are more inclined to camp at either of the established recreation sites on Jones Lake, we found the West Recreation Area to have better lake access than the East Recreation area. Both of these recreation areas appear to have well maintained sites with picnic tables and nearby outhouses. Spacing between campsites at both Recreation Area’s is acceptable and as expected for established campgrounds. Views of Jones Lake appear to be somewhat limited at both recreation sites; however, the East Recreation area appears to be slightly more open and experience less tree cover.
While the drive into Jones Lake is relatively easy and it does not feel as if you are gaining significant elevation, bear in mind that Jones Lake is located at an elevation of 632 meters. This means that early spring will likely still have significant snow coverage on the FSR running beside Jones Lake and on the lake itself. The below photo was taken on March 16, 2024. Despite the snow coverage, access to the start of Jones Lake was still manageable in most vehicles due to apparent plowing; however, conditions deteriorate rapidly as you pass the first privately owned cabins.
Looking for other easy, low commitment, high-reward overland routes? Check out our Liumchen Lake and Hidden Cabin (Florence Lake) routes!