Otter Lake/Little Moose Pond - W. Canada Lakes

[jordalyst]

Looking for information on Otter Lake, and Little Moose Pond trails off the Jessup River Road in West Canada Creek Wilderness.

My wife and I have but one night in early July to escape to the wilderness, and we haven't seen these trails yet. Are they worth it?

[DSettahr]

It's been a while since I was in that area, but from what I remember, the trailheads are pretty hard to find. The trails themselves aren't really maintained very well, either. They are old roads, so they generally aren't hard to navigate/follow (at least as far as the ponds themselves), but they do get overgrown in spots, and blowdown is an issue. I would recommend being at least moderately comfortable in bushwhacking/navigating off trail if you plan to visit this area.

The trail that connects Otter Pond to the French Louie Trail to the north is pretty much nonexistent at this point. I believe this was also at one point a road, but you'd need expert navigational skills to follow it these days.

There are no designated tent sites at either Otter Lake or Little Moose Pond, so you'd also have to camp at least 150 feet away from the lake.

You would definitely find solitude in that area for sure, though.

[cnyFisher]

Did you end up hiking in there? How was it?

[JohnnyVirgil]

Did you end up hiking in there? How was it?

OP wasn't going until July.

[cnyFisher]

OP wasn't going until July.

Oops. Read that the first time it was posted, but had forgotten. I guess I should have read it again.

[jordalyst]

Oops. Read that the first time it was posted, but had forgotten. I guess I should have read it again.

Sorry cnyFisher, not getting out till July. Work/home ownership takes significant time away from fun.

That said, on another thread a gentleman who lost his dogs (thankfully they returned) bushwacked from Otter Lake to the French Louie trail searching last week. I haven't asked him for a report, wanted to give him time to enjoy his pups being home, but he might have some insight?

Looks like the wife and I will be making a quick trip into Sand/Rock Lakes area from Bear Pond road for our one night out in July. Hoping for 3 nights, 4 days come August, but still haven't decided on a location.

[stargazr1116]

I’m going to resurrect this old thread rather than start a new one - anyone been to these spots? I was up in the area this weekend and was tempted to check them out, but needed to stick to more established trails because of the other folks I was with. Would love to hear about experiences with them before heading back!