At the end of the Wells Gray corridor, the road ends at Clearwater Lake.   Further progress is marine access only.   The lake runs for 24km north and has 7 campsites along its shores.   Beyond is an upriver paddle to Azure Lake or a rough portage.   Some people take the water taxi to the end of Azure and then paddle back.   Whichever choice you make, camping on Clearwater Lake is a prime destination for paddle camping.  Some things you need to know include:

• early season campers may find deadfall and facilities yet to be maintained.
• high water may flood out campsites in June; in 2012, all sites were closed for a while
• mosquitoes start mid June and continue through mid to late July
• the prime camping season is May, August, and September
• bear-proof food caches are found in every campsite
• outhouses are found at every site, but bring your own paper, just in case
• firepits can be found at every campground, but not at every tent site
• firewood is cut by the contractor, using deadfall from near the area
• you may have to haul firewood from the cache/woodpile to your firepit
• firewood may be wet; you may have to be patient to maintain a campfire
• the contractor goes up the lake each day and checks in at the marine campsites; pay your fees at the lauch and keep your receipts with you
• some of the campsites are more open to the winds blowing up and down the lake, especially those on a point
• most campgrounds are next to a creek flowing into the lake; treat your water just to be safe
• campsites with a sandy bach are more likely to be stop for a power boat or groups
• Ivor Creek is a canoe-kayak only campsite with 3 tent pads; we also saw room on the beach for a few more
• the busiest campsites are Bar View and Huckleberry
• east-side campsites get the afternoon sun after a day of paddling
• cross the lake only in calm winds which is usually in the morning or evening;
• the narrowest part of the lake is at the south end and is 2.5 km wide near the middle of the lake
• on a windy day, stay close to the shoreline
• Part Two of this series will feature images and information on specific campsites