Mahood Lake isn’t easy to get to from the Kamloops area.   The east end is buried deep in Wells Gray Park.   You can get to the east end of the lake by driving to Clearwater, then the west side of the Clearwater River Road to the end.   The trailhead to Sylvia and Goodwin Falls starts there.   The trail also goes to the east end of the lake where there is a lakeside campground.

For most visitors, the route to Mahood Lake is east from 100 Mile House, but there is a shortcut and the road is fairly good, though it may not be the best choice in winter or during break-up.   The route is to go along Highway 24 from Little Fort, then turn north at the end of Sheridan Lake, going past Deka and Sulphurous Lake and  series of high country lakes until you come to the Canim Lake Road.   From there it is a half hour drive to the west end of Mahood Lake.   There are no services there with the exception of a good campground so prepare well.

There are a number of hiking options at Mahood Lake which are outlined here:

Canim and Mahood Falls

Four km east of Mahood Lake there is a signed pull off and trailhead.   Follow the groomed trail to the edge of the gorge to see both falls.   We also enjoyed a short side trail out onto a lava flow.    This trail is about 1km long.   Bring your camera.

Canim River Trail

This 2km trail follows the river upstream where we found a few abandoned cabins.   The trail was overgrown and didn’t interest us much.   It is close to the campground so it makes a pleasant stroll, but it is not a destination hike,   The trailhead is on the road that goes to the north side of the lake.

Whale Lake Trail

Although I only went up this trail for 2km, it reportedly climbs and then descends through forested terrain over a 5km route to Whale Lake.     Friends who did the hike camped there at a small beach and said once there, there is nowhere else to go (unless  you bring a boat to go fishing) so its a pleasant out and back forest walk.   The Whale Lake Trail starts just across bridge over the Canim River on the road that goes around the north side of the lake.

Deception Falls Trail

This is the recommended trail for the area.   Follow the road around the north side of the lake.   The road becomes very narrow and it ends nor far past the trailhead.    Watch for a sign on the uphill side and park nearby.    The trail climbs for about 2km to the lookout of the falls.   The name Deception Falls is very appropriate.   This is a spectacular falls completely hidden from view.   I followed the trail an additional distance upstream along the gorge for more views.

South Beach Trail

This informal trail is not listed in any books, nor has any signage, but it is a worthwhile hike nonetheless.    From the campground, follow the road around the south side of the lake.   You will pass a number of seasonal cabins and the road ends where you should park (at N51 53.016 W120 26.813).    Follow the ATV track ahead.    Watch for a sign pointing down (at N51 53.006 W120 26.100) to the lake and follow the trail/track down to an old scout camp.   there is a wonderful beach here.   I walked along the beach for a kilometre and could have gone further.   This is a quiet, remote spot next to a beautiful lake.

I will return to Mahood Lake and bring my kayak next time.    This area is very rewarding and worth the long drive.