Our team agrees that first-time visitors to Land’escapes should head to two key spots for an unforgettable experience. These locations offer just the right balance of hiking and paddling, perfect for a relaxed three-day, two-night adventure in the woods.
McFee Lake
Start your trip from the Egan Creek Lot, where you will find some parking spots on the east side of the road. This parking lot is only a short drive from the Gatehouse on a dirt road. It is suitable for most cars and SUVs.
Gear up for the hike to your campsite. If something gets forgotten, don’t sweat it! You can always come back for it. The hike is between 1.3 and 1.7 km and should take twenty to 40 minutes.
There is one water crossing over a beaver dam. To help make the crossing easier, there is a small, rustic bridge on the dam. You might want to consider bringing a walking stick or trekking poles, which are great for water crossings and stability while hiking with a pack.
This hike is short but sweet, with the opportunity to hear birdsong or spot wildlife if you are quiet and observant on the trail.
Once you arrive at the lake, you can pick up your canoes! You will find Nova Craft Prospector 16 at the canoe cache on the lakeshore, stored upside down with all the necessary equipment. Each canoe is equipped with three lifejackets clipped to the seats, a bailing bucket, and a floating rope.
You have three campsites to choose from on McFee Lake:
Campsite 60 – A sunny west-facing rock outcrop to watch the sunset. It’s a great swimming spot and a spacious campsite with room for three tents.
Campsite 61 – A south-facing sunny site with a rock outcrop where the fire pit sits. The site is spacious, surrounded by forest for added privacy, and includes three well-spaced tent pads.
Campsite 62 – The fire pit is located on a small peninsula by the water, offering a scenic and relaxing spot. Tent pads are elevated and nestled within a cedar forest, making the site ideal for hammocks. You can fish right from the shore, as the lake drops to its deepest point just off the edge.
Basecamp-style trips are popular with guests for their first visit to the park. This means setting up on one campsite for the whole trip. From your campsite, you can explore the park by making day trips. From McFee Lake, you could hike the Egan Creek Loop, marked in yellow, which runs east to Chain Lake and northwest to High Falls and Egan Creek.
For anglers, McFee Lake offers excellent bass fishing and is surprisingly deep for a small lake, reaching depths of around 60 feet. Chain Lake, a more remote spot in the park, is another great fishing destination and is less frequently visited. Plan a day trip, pack a lunch, and enjoy fishing in these serene locations. Canoes, lifejackets, and paddles will be ready for you upon arrival.
Dixon Lake
At Dixon Lake, you’ll find endless opportunities to hike and paddle, allowing you to stay busy and explore all day, every day. This trip is ideal for an active group looking to make the most of their adventure.
The drive to the Blue Seas Parking Lot will take about 35 minutes. We recommend bringing an vehivcle that has a higher clearance and AWD or 4WD, such as an SUV or pick-up truck.
Gear up and start your hike on the Four Lakes Loop, marked in light blue, heading east. The hike to your campsites will be between 2km and 1.5km, depending on the route you take, and take between thirty minutes and an hour.
Stop over at the canoe cache and pick up canoes for your weekend if you want to shave off a few hundred metres by paddling across the lake instead of walking around the edge.
You have three campsites to choose from on Dixon Lake.
Campsite 131 – A site with easy canoe access on a sandy beach. A great swimming spot with rocks to jump off into deep water. The tent pads are sheltered by mature cedar trees. The large firepit is excellent for big campfires or cooking on the grill.
Campsite 132 – This small site is perfect for one tent. It has easy canoe access from the lakeshore, is sheltered from wind on the east side of the lake, and offers excellent sunset views.
Campsite 133 – Enjoy spectacular sunrise and sunset views from this clifftop site. With two tent pads on top of the cliff and two further back in the trees, this site has lots of room for a group. Canoe access is tricky, so hiking in might be preferable for some.
From your campsite on Dixon Lake, you have lots of activities to choose from! Keep your group busy by planning adventures for each day of your trip. Paddle south along Dixon Creek to explore three lakes—Dark, Mephisto, and Limerick—all within a day’s journey. This route is perfect for birdwatchers and anglers alike.
Or, hike north to Blue Seas Lakes for a day trip and pick up canoes at the cache. Explore this beautiful lake, where we love to go fishing and swimming. Hike up to two stunning vistas overlooking the lake and enjoy the view.
Weather you are a seasoned backcountry adventurer or trying backcountry camping for the first time, we hope this will help get you plan your first trip!