Algonquin Park: Camping Trip Logs: 001 - Byers Lake - Access Point #15

Map

Map - Byers Lake / High Falls Algonquin Park

Day 1

As usual for us there was a long drive to get to Algonquin Park, this time around it was about 5 hours to reach the outfitters for the Kingscote access point - Pine Grove Point. It's not difficult to get there as it is at the turn off to the Kingscote road, but it's a little unusual in that you drive right through the whole campground to get to the little store. It was not long and we had the canoe in the back of the truck and were heading to the access point to start our trip.

Byers Lake, putting in on a windy lake.

There's a nice stretch of paddling northwards on Kingscote lake before reaching the first portage, a P1300 into Big Rock Lake. There were several camp sites along both shores that were nestled among the trees, they looked okay from what I recall but we did not investigate them closely. There are cottages farther south on the lake and motor boats are allowed I believe.

The P1300 portage was a bit of a slog, it starts with an up and over a good sized hill and then through a wet, marshy section. If you want to keep your feet dry (impossible) you'll have to force your way through the brush and trees off to the side of the trail. A quick paddle across the top of Big Rock Lake and the P660 which is an easy walk gets you to the put in on Byers Lake. The put in here is muddy and shallow for a ways, you'll have to walk through it to get in your canoe.

Tree burl.

Turtle laying eggs on Big Rock to Byers portage.

Canoe at Big Rock to Byers portage.

We set up camp on the first site on the south end of the lake, it was a nice site with a few different level spots for tents and a fire pit off to itself a bit. And for a bit of fun there are a lot of rabbits running around the area.

One of the rabbits on our site.

Day 2

The goal of the second day was to trip down the river to High Falls. The day started with great weather and we loaded up and were off. I always enjoy traveling rivers and this was no different. We ran or lifted over about four or five beaver dams along the way, the portages around un-passable sections were easy ones. In a couple of hours we were at the High Falls Pond.

One of many beaver dams along the river.

A section of the river that required portaging around.

High Falls view.

High Falls view.

High Falls view.

We spent some time exploring High Falls and sitting in a whirlpool, but I could tell it was starting to cloud up and rain was definitely coming. A bit more of a pain going upstream and lifting over the beaver dams but nothing that couldn't be handled - but why do some people worry about keeping their feet dry? Wear footwear that can take a dunk or just live with it! I was right about the rain, we just about made it to camp before it started coming down, requiring a sit out under the tarp. It managed to clear enough by sunset to get a nice photo of the lake.

Passing rain shower.

Day 3

The third day was relaxation day, lounging around the site and beach area. The main purpose of the day was to get the liquids drank up so we didn't have to carry them back out! My wife gave up any idea of more swimming after a huge leach was seen. The weather continued to be mixed, with periods of rain, cloud and sunny breaks alternating. Overall it was a nice relaxing day, just the way we like it.

Famous Algonquin Park leach.

Blue Jay caught in flight.

Day 4

Today was our out day, we packed and loaded up for the return trip. The rain had stopped and we had good weather. In short order we had completed our portaging and paddling and were at the take out. A quick stop to return the rental canoe, make some calls home and our trip was over. Nothing left but some great memories and the five hour drive.

Grouse on Access Point road.

Photos