Lilly
Lake is a wilderness recreation
lake in the deep back country forests located southwest of the
community of Merritt, British Columbia, Canada. The lake is a
remote destination popular for birdwatching, horseback riding,
fishing, wilderness camping and canoeing. It is a beautiful spot
to visit accessed by very rough gravel roads.
The forestry campground is a recreation wilderness
campsite meaning it is, mostly, self maintained. Wilderness campgrounds
provide very little or no services and require everyone to pack
out what they pack in. Also.. in many cases a wilderness campground
is very remote therefore very peaceful providing amazing scenery.
At Lilly Lake each campsite (5 in total) rests
under the cover of trees and includes a picnic table and fire
pit. Hidden in the trees, near the entrance to the lake, away
from the campsite is where the pit toilets are located.
There is a roof-top boat launch in the campground
accessing the lake. Beside the boat launch is a wooden pier used
for unloading and loading water craft. When fishing the lake most
arrive with a canoe or an aluminum boat. All arrive at the stocked
fishing lake in hopes of catching some Rainbow Trout.
In the area around Lilly Lake is a series of trails
and gravel roads. The network of trails attracts the hikers, horseback
riders, dirt and mountain bikers to the lake area. The trails
lead to grass valleys and to hilltop viewpoints. Many trails are
designated hiker-only and horse-only while the gravel roads are
shared with off roaders.
Please make note that the access
road to the lake is very rough, filled with pot holes and soft
shoulders. The lake is a beautiful spot and is a worth-while trip
but the trip should only be attempted by 4x4 vehicles and trucks.
It is not a destination for RVs or for cars. Many areas to bottom
out and get stuck.
How to
Get to Lilly Lake: From downtown Merritt, BC to
Lilly Lake is about 18 - 20 kilometres. First follow Houston Road
out of Merritt. Turn right at log sort. Continue on paved road
to "T" in road and take a left. Continue down dirt road
for 12 kilometres, crossing cattle guards, following the signs
to Middle Valley Ranch. Continue straight pass the entrance to
ranch to the lake. This section of the gravel road is very rough.
Contact information for
the local Merritt, BC accommodations, tours, guides, golf
courses, horse ranches, attractions, realtors, etc. are
posted under the links listed to your right. >
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