Lightning Lake..What a Gem. Located within the EC. Manning Provincial park this is a magical campground surrounded by old growth forest and mountain streams. The Campground lies east of hope along Hwy 3. Take Hwy 3 at the Hope junction and follow it 72.5km to the lakes turn off, next to the Manning Park Resort lodge. There are four campgrounds and two group areas, backcountry and day use all in this particular area of the park.
Upon arrival at Lightning lake we were greeted by this cute kiosk and signage. Imploring us to take head, register, and follow the rules. Since we had a reservation, and we were familiar with campground rules we traveled past looking for our campsite.
Now out of the four campgrounds in the area we chose Lightning lake. Our time here did not allow us to explore the other campgrounds. At Lightning lake there are two loops a large and then a small one. Between the two loops there are 143 sites. When we traveled the loops in our walks we preferred the larger loops sites to the small one.
This sign showed all of the amenities in the area like campsites and backcountry campgrounds.
Now never having been to this campground we were not sure of where the good sites were, also when we booked we did not have very many choices. This site though nicely laid out and spacious was located on the trail to the amphitheater. So every night at 6:30pm we had the entire campground come traipsing through while on their way to the show. We had to laugh! Lightning lake is a very kid friendly campground with many activities for the young ones. So every night for our stay we had a different show to listen to from our campsite.
The next day after setting up our campground we decided to explore. We took the toad and off we went. By the Manning Park Lodge we came across this sign showing us where we had come from.
Here at the Hope Princeton Hwy or more formally known as the Crows Nest Hwy or Hwy 3 BC. This sign sits reminding us travelers of which way is which.
Next to the Hwy is the Manning Park Resort Lodge. Here you will find a general store with Hwy 3 BC souvenirs and other interesting items denoting the area you are in. An interesting Tourist attraction was this “Fresh Mountain Water” drinking fountain. Lorraine had to try it out.
We also found this interesting plaque about the man the park is named for EC. Manning. In the General store they sell a book about the park Called, ” Manning Park, An all-Seasons Playground” by Lorraine Harris. the book cost $5 and was worth the price i paid. With in, was an interesting story about the Founder of the park Ernest Manning and the park he helped create.
After our adventure to the lodge we decided to go check out the beach on the lake.
The trail to the beach starts off as this steep gravel decline to the valley floor below the campground.
As you reach the bottom of the steep declining trail you reach this meandering trail of lush forest leading you towards the pale blue of the lake.
At the end of the lush trail you reach a grassy area with nice lake front property in which to spread out and enjoy a dip in the lake. Lorraine and I both went for swim here and the lake was remarkably warm. After our swim we decided to explore a little. There was a trail off to the right of the beach so onward we went to explore this seeming innocent trail..
Our first obstacle was this boardwalk over a swampy area. Lorraine always the explorer, jumped on to the walk to check its strength.
She was so energetic that she was at the other end before I even started.
On the other end we came across this beautiful vista. a channel running between the lake and who knows what. How lucky the boaters were floating through this magical paradise.
We came across as we continued following the path, this old sentinel silently guarding the way as we followed our magical waterway.
As we continued on, we came across more kayakers all appearing to be having a great time on the channel. in the distance we could see some large structure peaking out across the water.
As we got closer we came across this steel bridge crossing the channel in the middle of nowhere. Simply amazing! Now this bridge was obviously very popular with what appeared the local crowd. As they had a picnic lunch on the bank, kayaks on the beach, and kids jumping from the bridge above, into the warm waters below.
A look down channel showed the water moving towards another large lake. What an idyllic way to spend an afternoon floating or kayaking between these two bodies of water amongst the forest grove.
A final look of where we had come and where we needed to return too. A beautiful, and magical water way tucked in amongst this magnificent forest.
As we traveled back towards the campground we could not resist one more picture, a selfie with the bridge in the background. A silent sentinel to the wonderment of this area.
Happy Trails
The Glampurs
Nuts & Bolts:
Lightning lake is Magical! This is a big rig friendly campground with nicely groomed gravel roads throughout. The campground is rustic with no electrical, sewer or potable water available. There is a dump back on the main hwy 1km east of the Manning Park Lodge. There is also a central bath house located in middle of the big loop with showers and flush toilets. As there was a fire ban on there was no firewood available for sale. Cell Service was not available in this park, not even a booster brought in a signal. A night here will cost you $35/night and reservations are recommended as this is a popular campground. They can be made here: