Our First Backpacking Adventure: Spectrum Lake, Monashee Provincial Park

With spring just around the corner, what better time to reminisce about our very first backpacking trip? On June 9, 2023, we packed up our gear, fueled up with excitement, and hit the road from our condo in Big White, BC, heading towards Monashee Provincial Park. Our niece, Taylor, joined us for this adventure.  This was her first overnight backpacking trip as well!

The drive from Big White to the Spectrum Lake Trailhead took us about four hours, winding through some of British Columbia’s most scenic mountain landscapes. (Stay tuned for driving directions to the trailhead at the end of this post!) We arrived at the trailhead around 11 AM and were surprised to find ours was the only vehicle in the parking lot. With just a slight drizzle greeting us when we arrived, we threw on our pack covers, just in case, and set off into the wilderness for our first overnight backpacking adventure.

The Hike In

The Spectrum Lake Trail is well-known as a great beginner-friendly hike, with AllTrails listing it as an 11.5 km round trip. However, my Apple Watch had us logging 7.1 km by the time we reached camp, making us question the official distance. The trail itself was well-maintained, with gentle elevation gain, lush greenery, multiple small bridges crossing beautiful creeks and the peaceful sounds of nature surrounding us. The overcast sky provided the perfect hiking weather—cool and refreshing but still warm enough to be comfortable.  This is a popular overnight trip for those with younger children as the hike is suitable for all ages.

Arriving at Spectrum Lake

When we arrived at the lake we were the first ones there and wee able to get a beautiful lakeside campsite for the next 2 nights! Our spot came with a wooden shelter over the picnic table and a designated tent pad, though it wasn’t quite large enough to fit both of our tents. Our Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 2 tent, with its spacious vestibule (a game-changer in rainy weather for keeping gear dry), took up more room than just a 2 person backpack tent. Taylor set up her tent on the adjacent lakeside pad, giving us all a bit of extra space to spread out.

One of the highlights of the campground was the stunning wooden dock extending out over the crystal-clear waters of Spectrum Lake. A wooden bench on the dock made for the perfect spot to cook and enjoy our meals while taking in breathtaking views of the Monashee Mountains.

After setting up camp and securing our food in the designated bear caches, we kicked back on the dock, soaking in the late afternoon sunshine. Dinner that evening was a homemade dehydrated Chili Mac, a go-to meal for our trips (recipe coming soon to our website—stay tuned!). As the sun set, we relaxed in our lightweight and compact camp chairs and listened to Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey—an absolute must-listen if you haven’t already. His narration adds a whole new level of enjoyment to the story!

A Rainy Wake-Up Call

The next morning, we woke up to a misty, rain-soaked landscape. Taylor, already up, sat quietly on the dock in her poncho, taking in the fog-draped mountain views. It was a peaceful scene.....until we found out why she was up so early. Her tent had leaked overnight, and she had woken up in a puddle of water! Talk about a rough first experience!  But she is a trooper and didn't let that ruin the trip.  She laid out her sleeping bag to dry under the shelter so she would be dry that evening.

After an easy and delicious oatmeal breakfast, we took a stroll to check out the group/overflow campsite, where we discovered a fantastic running stream—perfect for refilling our water bottles (always use a filtration system or a Lifestraw!). The group site featured a large communal shelter and multiple tent pads, but we were disappointed to see that the campers there had left garbage and food scattered around....a huge no-no in bear country. We assumed they had hiked up to Peter’s Lake for the day, but their careless food storage was concerning.

The Hike Out – Plus a Painful Surprise

Despite the on-and-off rain, we spent the rest of the day unwinding by the lake, exploring the surrounding area and enjoying the tranquility of the backcountry. By the next morning, it was time to pack up and hike out, but not before I noticed that my right foot and ankle were swollen with spider bites! The tight fit of my hiking boots made the trek back a little uncomfortable, but even with the bites, it was all 100% worth it.

Final Thoughts & Plans to Return

Spectrum Lake was the perfect introduction to backpacking with beautiful scenery, a well-maintained trail, and just enough adventure to make us fall in love with this kind of travel. The tent pads and sites were all lovely with most having a veiw of the gorgeous lake and mountains.  There are bear hangs for food as well as bear cache lockers. 

There is a backcountry registration fee of $5 per party.  There is no service there so register and print before you go.  You can register HERE 

I can’t wait to return this season and, hopefully, take a refreshing swim in the lake if the weather cooperates!

If you’re considering your first backpacking trip, Spectrum Lake in Monashee Provincial Park is a fantastic place to start. Just be sure to check your tent for leaks and watch out for sneaky spiders!

Beginner Backpacking Tips & Tricks

If you’re new to backpacking, here are some useful tips we learned from our first trip:

1. Test Your Gear Before You Go – Set up your tent at home and check for leaks! Taylor learned this the hard way.

2. Pack Light, But Smart – Only bring essentials. Every ounce counts when you’re carrying it on your back.  Next time I will leave my camp chair at home, even if it is only 1.5 lbs.  Also, do not forget to bring your own toilet paper.

3. Invest in a Good Sleeping Pad – Comfort is key for a good night’s sleep, especially on rocky or uneven ground.

4. Bring a Rain Cover & Dry Bags – Weather can change quickly in the mountains, and dry gear is happy gear.

5. Filter Your Water – Even clear lakes and streams can contain bacteria, so always use a filtration system.

6. Use Hiking Poles – They can help with balance and reduce strain on your knees.  As you get older these are a lifesaver on your knees!

7. Leave No Trace – Pack out all garbage, store food properly, and leave nature as you found it.

8. Plan for Emergencies – Bring a small first aid kit, know your route, and have a backup plan if the weather turns.

9. Layer Up – The temperature can drop quickly in the evening, so bring warm layers even in summer. A hat and small gloves come in handy at night, even in summer months.

10. Enjoy the Experience – Take breaks, soak in the views, and don’t rush. It’s about the journey, not just the destination!

Watch Our Adventure on YouTube!

Want to see our trip in action? Check out our Exploring Dirt with Dan and Carm YouTube channel, where we document our adventures, including this incredible trip to Spectrum Lake.  Watch as we navigate the trail, set up camp, cook our meals, and take in the stunning Monashee wilderness. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more epic outdoor adventures!

How to Get There

Monashee Provincial Park is located approximately 110 km north of Vernon.  From Kelowna: take Highway 97 to Vernon, then take Highway 6 east in Vernon for 47 km to Cherryville. Turn north onto Sugar Lake Road.  Stay on Sugar Lake Road for 46 km until you reach the turnoff to Spectrum Creek Road (km marker #22).  Remain on Spectrum Creek Road for 16 km to the park. 

You can also check out BC Parks Maps for directions and maps of the park HERE

Have you been to Spectrum Lake? Planning a trip? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear about your experiences!