Isobel Lake

Trail Name: Isobel Lake Low Mobility Trail
Distance: 3.2 km
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easiest
Cell Service: No
Trail: flat, hardened
Highlights: Gorgeous lakeside wheelchair accessible wilderness loop that features an interpretive trail, fishing wharfs, and a lake stocked with rainbow trout specifically for children and those with disabilities.

To get there: Isobel lake is about a 40 minute drive from downtown Kamloops. From downtown, head over to the North Shore, and to the Bachelor Hills neighbourhood. Follow Batchelor Hills Dr all the way through the residential area. This road turns into Lac Du Bois Rd at the cattle guard. Continue on Lac Du Bois Rd for 15.5 km. Turn Right on McQueen-Isobel Lake Rd. When the road forks roughly 1.6 km in, keep to the left. The parking lot is not too much further in. Or get driving directions here.

The parking area is an easy to spot, large open space with a few billboards that provide information about the Isobel Lake Interpretive Trail as well as washroom facilities. As you enter the large parking area, on the right, there’s the hike up to Eagle Eye Lookout (a short 1.3km round trip climb to an old lookout tower), and on the left, there are washroom facilities and two trail heads. Follow the wheelchair signs through the forest as they head towards the lake. From here the trail is pretty straightforward and follows alongside the lake shore.

The Isobel Lake Interpretive trail was recently reopened on June 1st as the last of the upgrades to bring the trail up to today’s mobility standards had been completed by the Kamloops-Thompson Trail Alliance. Over 15,000 volunteer hours as well as $80,000 has been invested in upgrading the trail. In addition, the Isobel Lake low mobility trail now winds the whole way around the lake whereas before, it only went part way.

This trail is perfect for families, those with low mobility or need to rest more often, and pets. There are many nice places to stop and enjoy the lake view as well as a large covered picnic area, aptly named the Forest Inn, with fire pits for cooking. Isobel Lake is stocked with rainbow trout specifically for children and those with disabilities. Be sure to pack accordingly to take advantage of these amenities. The Isobel Lake trail is a great year round trail where we’ve enjoyed hiking in the spring, summer, and fall, and snowshoeing in the winter. If you have yet to check out this fantastic trail, be sure to add it to your list of hikes to check out this year.

This Post Has 16 Comments

  1. We love this hike! Thanks for sharing!

    1. You’re welcome 🙂

  2. We went out to Isobel Lake last week and there were a few fallen trees over the path so we had to go around through some brush. Might be difficult for some people. Just wanted to let people know! Beautiful though!!

  3. Are the roads good this time of year? Was thinking of driving there tomorrow? Any washouts?

    1. As far as we know, there are no washouts. The rec site officially opens on May 1st, so I imagine they are preparing and getting set up up there. Its a very well known and family friendly spot 🙂
      Let me know how it goes if you make it up!

  4. Is it safe to hike alone? 60 plus age and in medium good shape and stamina.

    1. Hi Peggy, I would say yes. There’s usually a number of other people on the trail. But if you are at all concerned, definitely let someone know where you are headed and you could even check in with the Rec Site attendant to make sure someone knows to look out for you. 🙂 Happy hiking!

  5. Is there a good time to hike the trail without getting swarmed by mosquitos? lol…

    1. In the fall it definitely isn’t as bad! Plus the fall colors are absolutely gorgeous!!

  6. Does anyone know if this trail is open right now because of Covid-19?

    1. Hi Diana, all provincial parks are now closed. This includes Isobel lake.

  7. Wondering if this park is open now! With the new restrictions revised

    1. Yes it is now open. Be sure to check with BCParks for the most up to date information.

  8. I am wondering if the trail is maintained at Isobel lake to walk around during the Winter?

    1. People do snowshoe or hike the trail during the winter months. The iffy part is always just the road access. It’s not often plowed/cleared right up to Isobel lake.

  9. Is Isobel lake opened right now for camping? Or is it blocked off? Thank you

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