
Stave Lake
A vast BC lake offering thrilling off-roading, serene boating, hidden waterfalls, and family fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime time for mud play

Stave Lake
Best Time
Prime time for mud play

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast BC lake offering thrilling off-roading, serene boating, hidden waterfalls, and family fun.
"Miles upon miles of unspoilt lakes all linking together. Plenty of fishing and lots to explore."

🚗 Forestry Road Caution
Low-clearance vehicles might struggle on the forestry road. Drive slow and check conditions!
🐻 Bear Safety First
Be bear aware! Store food properly and keep a safe distance. They're more scared of you than you are of them.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 267 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Alloute Discharge Waterfall
Accessible by boat
Discover a stunning hidden waterfall after a scenic boat ride. A true gem for nature lovers.

Stave Lake Mud Flats
Near Mission, BC
A popular spot for off-roading, dune buggies, and BBQs. Experience the thrill of the mud!

Rolley Falls
Near Stave Lake
Explore picturesque waterfalls and surrounding wilderness, perfect for drone shots and nature walks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Stave Lake's Backcountry
Summer Access & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Forestry Road Caution
Low-clearance vehicles might struggle on the forestry road. Drive slow and check conditions!
🐻 Bear Safety First
Be bear aware! Store food properly and keep a safe distance. They're more scared of you than you are of them.
🚤 Boat for Hidden Gems
Access stunning spots like Alloute Discharge waterfall by boat. A 30-40 min ride from Mission.
🛞 Off-Roading Fun
The mud flats are legendary for 4x4s, dirt bikes, and ATVs. A true 'dirt church' experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Forestry Road Caution
Low-clearance vehicles might struggle on the forestry road. Drive slow and check conditions!
🐻 Bear Safety First
Be bear aware! Store food properly and keep a safe distance. They're more scared of you than you are of them.
🚤 Boat for Hidden Gems
Access stunning spots like Alloute Discharge waterfall by boat. A 30-40 min ride from Mission.
🛞 Off-Roading Fun
The mud flats are legendary for 4x4s, dirt bikes, and ATVs. A true 'dirt church' experience.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep Stave Lake beautiful by taking all your garbage with you. Leave no trace!
☀️ Summer Lakefront Access
Vehicle access to the lakefront may be restricted in summer due to crowds. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stave Lake is a beloved natural playground offering diverse activities from off-roading and boating to fishing and swimming. Visitors praise its beautiful scenery and the thrill of its mud flats, though some note issues with litter and the need for better wildlife management.
"This is my happy place. Miles upon miles of unspoilt lakes all linking together. Plenty of fishing and lots to explore."
Laura
"Great lake for off roading, boating and camping. In summer they to block access to lake front area for vehicles which is good as there’s lot of people camping. Easy access from there service road, you can find your perfect spot and enjoy beautiful scenery. No rocks near lake."
Harman Brar
"Always a beautiful place"
Lance Topham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is primarily via forestry roads from Mission, BC. The road can be rough, especially for low-clearance vehicles. Some visitors have reported success with sedans by driving slowly, but a higher clearance vehicle is recommended. Check road conditions before heading out.
Public transport options directly to Stave Lake are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if you're looking to reduce your environmental impact.
The forestry road can be challenging, with potential for ruts and uneven terrain. Driving slowly and cautiously is advised. Some users on Reddit have shared their experiences with various vehicle types.
Barges are used for deliveries and access to certain areas along Stave Lake, particularly for work purposes. It's not a standard public transport option for visitors.
The primary access point is from Mission, BC, leading to various forestry roads that branch out towards different areas of the lake, including campsites and off-roading spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no specific entrance fees for accessing the general areas of Stave Lake. However, some designated campgrounds or specific recreational areas might have associated fees. It's always best to check local advisories.
Stave Lake is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible year-round. However, vehicle access to certain areas, like the lakefront in summer, may be restricted during peak times.
While there are informal camping spots and some designated campgrounds, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak summer weekends, to secure a spot.
While specific permits for general off-roading aren't always mentioned, it's crucial to follow all local regulations and guidelines for recreational vehicle use in forestry areas. Always check with BC Parks or local authorities.
Absolutely! Stave Lake is a fantastic destination for day trips, offering opportunities for BBQs, exploring mud flats, or enjoying the scenery. Many visitors come for a single day of recreation.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Stave Lake offers a variety of activities including off-roading on the mud flats, boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, and exploring waterfalls like Alloute Discharge.
Yes, the water at Stave Lake is often described as warm and pleasant for swimming during the summer months.
Visitors should be aware of black bears in the area. It's important to follow wildlife safety guidelines, including proper food storage.
Stave Lake offers beautiful scenery, including waterfalls, forests, and lake views, making it a great spot for photography. Drone shots are also popular.
The mud flats are a major attraction for off-road enthusiasts, offering a unique and thrilling experience for 4x4s, dirt bikes, and ATVs. They can get quite busy on weekends.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no formal restaurants or food services directly at Stave Lake. Visitors typically bring their own food for BBQs and picnics.
Many visitors enjoy BBQs at the lakefront or designated picnic areas. The mud flats area also offers space for BBQs, though it can be busy.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at Stave Lake. Ensure you have the appropriate BC fishing licenses and follow all regulations.
The nearest town with grocery stores is Mission, BC. It's recommended to stock up on supplies before heading to Stave Lake, as amenities are scarce.
Given the outdoor nature of Stave Lake, classic BBQ fare like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled vegetables are popular choices. Easy-to-prepare meals are ideal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of waterfalls like Alloute Discharge, the expansive lake views, the unique mud flats, and the surrounding lush forests. Drone photography is also popular.
Yes, Stave Lake's diverse landscapes, including waterfalls and forests, make it an excellent location for drone photography. Always check and adhere to drone regulations.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but is good for capturing the vibrant activity on the mud flats.
The area around Alloute Discharge waterfall and various points along the lake offer scenic vistas. Exploring the trails can also lead to unique photographic perspectives.
A versatile camera with wide-angle capabilities for landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife would be beneficial. A waterproof bag is advisable due to potential water activities and mud.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit