Upper Fraser & Sugarbowl / Full trip pack
Purden Lake
- Round trip
- 12.2 km
- Elevation gain
- Not established Gentle slopes; cumulative gain not published
- Walking time
- 3-5 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy There and Back
return along North Shore Trail; 6.1 km one way
North-shore trail follows lake edge with roots and boardwalks; camping is available in the park subject to operator rules.
1. Getting there and parking
Travel east from Prince George on Highway 16 for approximately 61–64 km, depending on the published starting point, and turn left at the signed Purden Lake park access. Follow the park road to the day-use or campground parking appropriate to your outing. Purden Mountain ski access is a different destination.
park turnoff. Source-published approximate distance from Prince George; not a current routed travel time.
2. Walking the route
Follow the north-shore path through forest beside Purden Lake, negotiating roots, narrow sections and boardwalks across wet ground. The longer route can be walked as an out-and-back, with a selected turnaround or the full published 6.1 km one-way extent. That total is different from a brief stroll on the campground’s shoreline footpaths. Use the established tread and signs rather than trying to force a complete circuit around the lake.
3. Route map
Published locations only. A complete route line is still needed.
Published locations
Numbered points match the map. Use the role beside each point. A summit or park reference point is not a parking location.
| Place and role | Coordinates | Source and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purden Lake park / protected area reference point (not a trailhead) | 53.929167 -121.911389 | BC Gazetteer: Purden Lake Park | Provincial Park | 53 55 44 N | 121 54 41 W | WGS84 | mapsheet 93H/13
Official named-feature location, not parking or a verified route start. This point supports regional orientation and area forecasts; road directions and distance-to-trailhead must use a separately verified access point. https://catalogue.data.gov.bc.ca/dataset/d92224ee-03ef-4904-be53-b677d8e01ac4/resource/69738aa8-2cc0-4975-aec6-4dc2e30990bf/download/bc-gazetteer-2026-08-12.csv |
5. Camping, facilities and seasons
Camping and tenting
Use the established Purden Lake frontcountry campground and confirm the current operating season, reservation requirements and available facilities through BC Parks. Shoreline trails and picnic areas do not create additional tent sites. Stay within the booked or assigned campsite for an overnight visit.
Dogs
Keep pets leashed and follow the posted restrictions around beaches and park facilities; the shoreline walking route does not override those areas’ rules.
Measurement notes
12.2 km
Gentle slopes
Source comparison: Purden Lake lakeside trails; network scope. This is another description of the main outing, a duplicate endpoint, an unscoped source claim, or a related facility.
Source comparison: Purden Lake campground; source does not state return basis scope. This is another description of the main outing, a duplicate endpoint, an unscoped source claim, or a related facility.
Reservations and current availability
Check the operator’s current rules, opening dates and booking requirements for your chosen campsite or cabin.
Your trip notes
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