Despite the two day postponement, even more hikers signed up, so five of us set out on a pleasant, overcast Friday morning on the newish Surge Narrows Road to Main Lake trail. We found the correct trailhead, thanks Les, and started on the woodland path to Main Lake. With time considerations, we decided to forego the side trip to Roscoe Lake, planning on doing it if time/energy allowed on the return. The trail meanders through the forest, roughly following a very old logging road, eventually running beside a creekbed, now absolutely dry in our current drought conditions. We stopped to admire the magnificent burn-scarred old growth close to a now dry waterfall.

We came in through the back of the large campground at Main Lake east beach, which was occupied by several families enjoying the warm weather. We decided to continue on the portage route to Yeatman Bay and have our lunch break there. After a short break, during which we watched a multi-generational family dig for clams in the rising tide, we headed back to the Lake for a short swim. This refreshing break was now much needed as the heat had returned, despite a forecast of lower temperatures.

Unfortunately, as we began the return trek up the hill from the Lake two members of our group disturbed a wasp nest. The wasps made sure we knew they were not pleased at being stomped on! Our return trip was much less pleasant than our ingress, as pain and heat made the steep, then more gradual, incline back much more challenging. Our discomfort was compounded when another wasp nest was encountered, fortunately only one hiker was stung this time. We did not feel motivated to take the side trip to the small lake, and were greatly relieved to finally reach our cars, with air-conditioning and no wasps!

Given the wasps and the heat, and the steady uphill return, this hike would be best kept for spring or fall, especially when the creek and waterfall would be running.

About 5.5 hours, with lunch break and a quick swim.

Valerie van Veen

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 19 July 2023