Hiking in West Hawk Lake Campground: trails, map and practical info

The Trail

The hiking here covers 12.6 km with 248 m of elevation gain, rated Moderate, with an estimated time of around 4 hours 15 minutes. The elevation gain of 248m over 12.6km translates to approximately 19.7m per kilometer — a steady but manageable gradient typical of Canadian Shield terrain. While not a casual stroll, this is an accessible route for hikers with decent fitness levels. Plan accordingly and allow adequate time for the uneven terrain.

The trail winds through dense boreal forest dominated by spruce, fir, and birch. The forest floor is typically soft underfoot, cushioned by pine needles and decomposing organic matter, which helps on the longer stretches. The elevation change, while steady, isn't dramatic by mountain standards, but the terrain is uneven and rooted in places, which adds technical challenge and slows your pace more than the numbers might suggest.

What makes the route particularly interesting is how the landscape reflects the meteor impact that created the lake. The trail follows the natural contours of the crater zone — ridgelines, slopes, and valleys that were literally carved by a collision from space. As you gain elevation on certain sections, the lake opens up through the treeline, and the circular shape of the crater becomes visible in a way that's hard to appreciate from the shoreline alone. Those views are worth the climb.