Trip Report – Newton Lake and Small Inlet – 23 July 2025

A small group of four hikers undertook our “annual” midsummer trek to Newton Lake and Small Inlet. Being a hotter day we passed on the Waiatt Bay leg and allowed more swimming time. It was shady and cool to start the hike so we arrived at Newton Lake in pretty good time. There was a solitary Common Loon to check on while we had a short drink break and then we headed to the Inlet.

Just under an hour later we were on the tidal flat of Small Inlet. The tide was flooding but still low enough to allow us to trek across to the spring and the trail to Waiatt Bay. The group decided to take the first turn off and headed back towards the lake. We crossed paths with a few boaters on their way to and/or from Newton Lake as we made the slow climb up the switchbacks with visions of lunch and a swim motivating a pretty steady pace.

We had the swim rock to ourselves and enjoyed a great swim on a beautiful summer day! The water was clear and not cold, the air warming towards mid-20s. The shady trail down from the Lake made for an enjoyable walk out to the trailhead. (We were spared any attacks by wasps despite the warning sign posted by a hiker earlier this week). (Length: 12.6 km, Time: 4 hrs 41 minutes)

Vic Gladish

Thanks to Jim, Louise and Vic for the photos