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Call Lake Loop
Smithers, B.C.
August 10, 2026
Distance: 5.3 km (3.3 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 85 m (279 ft)
After getting a punctured tire fixed and before the rain expected in the afternoon, Dinah and I had time for a short, late-morning hike. Call Lake is just 10 minutes southeast of Smithers. A trail parallels the long lake before turning to traverse an unnamed ridge back to the trailhead. There’s a short loop and a long loop. We did the long loop.
The dense foliage that lined the trail didn’t permit a view of the lake, but at the intersection for the short loop, we noticed a trail going left. We followed it and emerged from the forest onto an open expanse of boggy ground. At the end of the short trail, we found a fine lakeshore view of Call Lake.
We returned to the main trail and followed it to the end of the loop. Before reaching it, however, we encountered a black bear, but it fled up the ridge. This was no surprise as we had seen plenty of bear scat when we first set out. After the bear disappeared, we turned and followed the trail to the ridge. We looked around for the bear, but never saw it again.
Dense vegetation lined most of the ridgetop, but near the summit, there were openings to the west that allowed views of Call Lake and Hudson Bay Mountain. We hiked in sunshine, but clouds were building all around us. After the hike, we drove back to Smithers, and it soon started raining.
Starting up the trail
The trail runs close to the lake, but we couldn't see it because of dense foliage
A side trail across boggy ground led to the north end of the lake
Call Lake
Lily pads appear ready to bloom
Continuing up the trail, we passed paths to private residences; this one with an elaborate gate
At the end of the loop, we turned and headed to the ridgetop. We encountered the bear just before this spot.
For a while, we stopped along the ridge looking for the bear
For the most part, dense vegetation hindered views along the ridge
Dinah stopped to look at Hudson Bay Mountain
The mountain was shrouded in clouds
Clouds were building above Astlais Mountain and Big Onion Mountain
Further along we caught a glimpse of Call Lake
A close look at the lake
A hornworn caterpillar with its distinctive rear horn appeared to be digging. When fully grown, they burrow into loose soil and pupate.
After this, the trail goes back into the trees
