SPRING LAKE

Hythe is located just 54 km west of Grande Prairie, Alberta and Spring Lake is located another 27 km north of Hythe. Take secondary Highway 721 north for 7km, turn east 2km on Highway 59, then north again on gravel road for 18km.

It has been documented that as early as 1924, local fishermen made their way to Spring Lake down some nearly impossible trails. In 1957, the Spring Lake Resort Association was formed and lobbied the Government to build a dirt road to the lake. In 1974, Procter & Gamble Cellulose Ltd (now known as Weyerhaeuser) announced it would spend $100,000 over 10 years to develop a park and campground at Spring Lake. Their first priority was to upgrade the road to the park then later a beach area was developed. A loop for overnight camping and a parking lot for 30 vehicles was also added.

The park takes on 40.7 hectares or 100.5 acres. This is a fairly small lake stocked with rainbow trout. The edges of the lake are very shallow but reaches 30 to 40 feet very quickly. Some areas of the lake reach a depth of about 70 feet deep.

In 1977 an aeration system was used in the fall to maintain adequate oxygen levels to overwinter trout to prevent frequent winterkills. The aeration system has allowed a quality fishery to develop in Spring Lake. The operation and maintenance of the aeration system was jointly funded by Procter and Gamble Cellulose Ltd (Weyerhaeuser) and the Buck For Wildlife program. The lake is stocked annually with trout by the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Services. The Spring Lake Dock Project was taken on by the Peace country Flyfishers Association. In 1995 about 30 volunteers built the Dock at Spring Lake for everyones enjoyment.

Access to the beach area is from the Day-Use area. There is some sand for the youngsters to enjoy as well as a roped off swimming area. Open fires are not allowed on the beach area as well as dogs must be on a leash.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

A hiking trail takes you completely around the lake. The 6km trail starts at the day-use area.

The Day-Use area is open 6am to 11pm each day. It has a large playground area as well as picnic tables. Use of ATV's and motorcross bikes are prohibited in the day use area.

Spring Lake campground has 38 sites. There are no services. Each site has a picnic table and firepit. Firewood is for sale. Each site is well treed. Fees are now charged for camping.

Spring Lake Winter Resort is located next to Spring Lake. Includes Ski Hill with T-bar, and Chalet. There are also 10km of groomed trails for cross country skiing. Ice fishing is also popular. The Spring Lake Ski Hill Association runs the Ski Hill as well as the Campground.