ExpiredBear Mountain Adventure

This canoe trip and hike takes you to the far corners of the County. We will paddle the length of remote Livingstone Lake past a 110-metre-high rock face to the portage at the south end of the lake. This 90-metre portage takes us around the rapids and chute that lead into Bear Lake. We will take time to explore the river as it cascades through this narrow gorge. After a short paddle to the base of Bear Mountain we will cache the canoes and hike up a wooded ridge to the top of a 200-metre rock face. We will savour the spectacular panoramic views of the Algonquin Dome from several lookouts while enjoying our trail lunch. And then it is back to the canoes and a short paddle across Bear Lake. Once again we will cache the canoes and hike up the magnificent waterfall/chute to Hinterland Marsh. After exploring the fragile and beautiful landscape of a true northern bog/fen we will return via paddle and portage to Livingstone Lake. This will be a trip to remember.  Moderate canoeing skills and good level of fitness are required. Must pack your own lunch and drinking water. Must provide own canoe/kayak, paddles, PFD and all required safety gear. Sturdy footwear is required for climbing/hiking and comfortable footwear for paddling. If we get some warm Indian Summer weather, you might want to consider a bathing suit under outdoor clothing as the hike ends in a lovely pool at the base of the falls that is nice for swimming. This hike/paddle is suitable for adults, teens, and families with children 10+.

HIKE  #: 15

DATE: Friday, September 20

START TIME:  9:00 am

DURATION:  6-7 hours, 4km hiking, 2 hours paddling

LOCATION: Livingstone Lake Access Point

RATING: Challenging. Involves paddling/canoeing; some experience paddling is essential.

MAXIMUM # 12

AMENITIES: Parking, shelter, launch

LEADERS: Wayne and Vina Parker

LEADER BIO:  Full time residents on Livingstone Lake. 64 years old.   48 years of wilderness canoeing experiences together. Experienced woodsman; arborist and forester by trade. Avid love and good knowledge of local history. They enjoy entertaining and educating willing participants. This trip is a favorite to share with friends.

DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 35 north to Dorset. Exit Hwy 35 onto Kawagama Lake Rd. After 1km go straight through the first intersection onto Livingstone Lake Rd (County Rd #12). Proceed for approximately 21km until you come to Laurel Rd. Turn right and follow 1km to parking area and boat launch. Park and unload canoe. Distance from Minden is approximately 75km. Distance from Haliburton is 84km. GPS coordinates: N45.370117°, W78.722191