Harper Lake is found in the hills south of the South Thompson River, above the Neskonlith Indian Reserve #1.    The Harper Lake Forest Service Road starts at east end of the Reserve 2 km from the turn-off into Chase.  The gravel road climbs through the hills for 6 km, ending on a narrow road down to the lake.    There is a BC Recreation Site on the north shore of the lake with 7 campsites, washrooms, and a boat launch.

The first part of the road was a good graded gravel road.   At 3.2 km the Harper Lake Road angled off to the left.   The road was narrow and at times rougher, best suited to high clearance.   The last bit around the lake was rougher yet.

on the road up, looking north	on the flanks of Mount Scatchard

A paddle around the lakeshore is 3.3 km.   Hills surround the lake, but there is also some wetlands and smaller ponds in the SE to NW trench.

At the west end of the lake, I spotted a mother cougar and 2 cubs.   Because they were curious about my kayak, I was able to get some photos from the boat, trying to hold it still in the wind.

A fuller article about the big cats will follow.   It was very exciting to spot and photograph the cougars, especially in this lovely, remote spot.

The Harper Lake road (an interactive map):

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