West Coast · Nootka
Morton Lake Park
About this Park
Visitors to Morton Lake Park are sure to discover that there is a reason the area northwest of Campbell River is called “lake country.” From April to June and September to October, lake fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout on Mohun Lake in the park can be excellent.
While this park is popular with anglers, there is still plenty to do if fishing isn’t your favourite pastime. During the summer, visitors can fill their days swimming, canoeing, boating or just lounging on the sandy beach at Morton Lake.
Morton Lake Park, which includes all of Morton Lake and a section of shoreline on neighbouring Mohun Lake, provides access to the popular Sayward Canoe Route which is a 47 kilometre paddle and portage circuit. The park offers lake-front camping, as well as a boat launch, pit toilets, a short hiking trail to tranquil Andrew Lake and a large day-use area.
Location notes
Morton Lake Park is located 27 km northwest of Campbell River in the Sayward Forest. The easiest way to reach Morton Lake is via Highway 19. Turn off at the Menzies Main logging road, approximately 10 minutes past the pulp mill. Follow the gravel Menzies Main for 12 km, then take Morton Lake Road for another 7 km to the park.
Activities
- 190:Hiking A trail leads from the campground across from campsites 7 and 8 to Andrew Lake, approximately 30 minutes away. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- 190:Canoeing Canoeing and kayaking is a popular activity on both Morton and Mohun Lakes. Mohun Lake provides access to the Sayward Canoe Route which is a 47 km paddle and portage circuit. Contact the Ministry of Forests for further information on this paddling opportunity.
- 190:Fishing From April to June and from September to October, lake fishing for Dolly Varden, rainbow, and cutthroat trout on Mohun Lake can be excellent. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
- 190:Swimming A fine sandy beach with a warm lake and picnic area attracts swimmers and sunbathers.
- 190:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 190:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Morton Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Facilities
- 190:Picnic areas This park is a very popular summertime destination, with a sandy beach and warm lake. Facilities include picnic tables, a parking area and pit toilets.
- 190:Pit or flush toilets This park has pit toilets located at the day-use area and campground.
- 190:Drinking water There is one cold water hand pump, located at the intersection of the campground and day-use area.Annual Drinking Water System Report: Morton Lake Handpump [PDF]
- 190:Accessibility information Accessibility information is available for this park.
- 190:Boat launch There is no boat launch at Morton Lake but launching of small car-top boats and canoes can be done at Mohun Lake. A natural ramp is available for trailered boats on Mohun.
- 190:Campfires While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite, as well as communal rings in the day-use area. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.Firewood can be purchased from the park operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Location
50.12439, -125.47872 · Nootka