Star Lake Trail

8.70 km
377m gain
3.50 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
8.70
Distance
kilometres
377
Elevation Gain
metres
3.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Star Lake Trail is a moderate 5.3-mile (8.5km) loop on the back side of Boer Mountain, rated 4.5 stars and taking approximately 2.5–3 hours. With 1,148ft (350m) of elevation gain, the trail is a lightly trafficked gem that loops around beautiful Star Lake — a peaceful backcountry lake accessible from near the top of Boer Mountain. A newly rebuilt version of the trail connects the upper Razorback on the east side with Pigasus on the west side and circumnavigates Star Lake, making it an excellent option for mountain bikers and hikers alike. The route descends 1km from the road to the lake, loops around its peaceful shores (4.5km), and returns. Steep sections on the descent to the lake. Unmanaged wilderness tenting is available at both the north and south ends of Star Lake. Excellent for birding. Open year-round. Dogs permitted, may be off-leash in some areas. Located on the traditional territory of the Lake Babine Nation and Ts'il Kaz Koh.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

 From Highway 16 in Burns Lake, take 5th Avenue north and turn onto Gowan Road. Continue until you reach Boer Mountain Lookout Road. Turn left and follow the road past Kager Lake, continuing almost to the top of Boer Mountain to the marked Star Lake Trail turnoff. The trailhead is near the Boer Mountain summit — look for the signed turnoff on the left side of the road.

Parking

A small informal parking area is located at the Star Lake Trail turnoff near the top of Boer Mountain Road. Free, no formal facilities. The main Kager Lake Recreation Site parking (campground, outhouses, boat launch, fire pits) is located further down Boer Mountain Road and can also be used as a base. Unmanaged wilderness camping is available at both ends of Star Lake.

Safety & Preparation

The descent to Star Lake has steep sections — sturdy footwear for hikers and appropriate bike setup for riders. Check trailforks.com for current trail status as some Boer Mountain trails remain closed for post-wildfire danger tree assessments — obey all posted closures. Bears are present in the Boer Mountain backcountry — carry bear spray and make noise. The upper Boer Mountain road is seasonal — check rideburns.ca before driving up. Cell service is unreliable near the summit — inform someone of your plans.

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