Poland Lake

Poland Lake is an easy day hike on a well-established trail through pine forest in Manning Provincial Park. Poland Lake offers peaceful camping and opportunities for fishing. The campsites are nearby the lake. They have access to a bear cache, fire pits, outhouse, and a small shelter. Poland Lake is an ideal overnight trip in the shoulder seasons. In the cooler times of year, there likely won't be any mosquitoes. It's a great introduction to backpacking for youth or adults alike.

The Hike

To access the trail-head for Poland land, follow the road past the Lightning Lakes area in Manning Park. Drive toward the ski resort until you see the signs for Strawberry Flats parking lot. If you're facing the gate that provides access to Manning Park Ski resort, the trail begins on the right hand. Once on the trail, it starts with flat easy hiking. You might see a grouse along the way! (centre of the photo below)

After a short section of flat hiking, you'll ascend a dirt road that intersects with the ski runs of Manning Park ski resort.

You'll walk underneath the ski lifts.

After a steady ascent on the dirt road, you'll transition to single track trail.

On a sunny clear day, the views are beautiful.

The trail will lead you to the southern end of Poland Lake. You'll have your first view of the lake.

The trail will take you around the shore toward the northern end of Poland Lake. There you'll find the campsites.

The campsites are quite spacious with a fire pit.

There are plenty of areas nearby the shoreline for fishing with a spin rod or fly rod. There are a few logs that you can walk out onto to reduce the odds of tangling your line in a tree. Photo below standing on a log in the lake.

As darkness settles over the lake, the views are beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Poland Lake is an excellent shoulder season hike on a clear sunny day. The hike provides beautiful views of nearby mountains, forest and possibly animals like bear and deer. The camping area provides all the necessities such as a bear cache, fire pit, outhouse, easy access to water, and opportunities for fishing. On this trip, I completed the hike in mid-October. I'd recommend a fall trip to Poland Lake.