| Carpenter
Lake is a man made reservoir found in the Bridge
River Valley area located west of the community of Lillooet, British
Columbia, Canada. The lake is 55 kilometres long extending from
the Village of Gold Bridge on
the western most point of the lake to the Terzaghi Dam on the
eastern most point.
Carpenter Lake is a direct result of a hydro electric project
consisting of 3 dams and 4 power stations. The process starts
west of Carpenter Lake with the Downton Reservoir funneling water
through the Lajoie Dam into the Carpenter Lake Reservoir. From
the Terzaghi Dam on Carpenter Lake the penstocks and tunnels carry
the water to the two power stations on the Seton Lake Reservoir.
From Seton Lake the water is, finally, funneled into the Fraser
River.
The Terzaghi Dam on Carpenter Lake is a giant and can be seen
from many miles away. The dam rests in the mountains at an elevation
of 651 metres (2136 feet). It stands at 55 metres (180 feet) tall
and is over 360 metres in length.The gravel road leading to the
dam eventually crosses over the structure providing elongated
views of the lake and valley.
In the summer months the man made lake is a popular destination
for fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and boating. Hikers, horseback
riders and wilderness backpackers, with a good map book in hand,
will enjoy the many trails surrounding the lake like the Grey
Rock Mine, Tommy Creek, Marshall Ridge, Gun Lake, Hog Creek, Cedarvale,
Keary, Nosebag and Viera Creek Trails. In the winter the gravel
roads become popular routes for snowmobilers and cross country
skiers.
Most fish Carpenter Lake seeking kokanee, rainbow trout, char
and dolly varden. The few camp sites located on the lake include
the Gun Creek, Carpenter Lake, Mission Dam and Bighorn Creek campgrounds.
Gun Creek offering the most amenities while the other sites are
recreation wilderness sites - pack in, pack out, little amenities.
The Bridge River Valley region consists of many lakes, all connected
by a network of gravel back country roads. Some of the lakes in
the region include Seton Lake, Anderson
Lake, Marshall Lake, Gun Lake and Tyaughton
Lake. From the Terzaghi Dam the gravel roads climb over Mission
Mountain and then descend into Shalalth and then into Seton
Portage.
How to get to Carpenter
Lake: Travel along the Bridge River Road located
north of the community of Lillooet, BC for approximately 31 kilometres.
Just before Moha and just after Antoine Creek is Horseshoe Bend
and Mission Mountain Road. Continue on Mission Mountain Road to
the eastern tip of Carpenter Lake near the Terzaghi Dam.
Contact information for
the local Lillooet community accommodations, tours, guides,
activities, campgrounds, golf courses, attractions, realtors,
etc. are posted under the community links listed to your
right. >>> |
|