Riding Mountain National Park: East Deep Lake (2 days / 17km)
East Deep Lake is accessed by a short, breezy trail that leads to a quiet and surprisingly lively little backcountry gem. The hike in is straightforward and not overly demanding, making it an approachable option for a relaxed overnight or an easy introduction to backcountry camping. Despite the relatively short access, the area feels wonderfully remote. Wildlife is abundant here — before we had even parked the car, we were treated to the sight of a family of black bears crossing near the road.
At the lake itself, we spotted a beaver cruising along the shoreline and loons drifting peacefully across the water. The logbook at camp was filled with entries from hikers who had seen moose in the area, which added to the sense that this place is truly alive with animals. About 30–45 minutes away, you can also drive through the Parks Canada Bison Enclosure — essentially a bison safari from the comfort of your own vehicle — which makes this area feel even more like a wildlife-lover’s playground.
Our trip was memorable in more ways than one — especially because we visited in May, when the ticks were, quite frankly, off the charts. The second my husband stepped out of the car, one crawled onto his boot. I found one on my shirt within ten minutes of starting the hike. By the time we were at camp, we could actually see them moving through the grass. In the morning, our tent had what must have been 20–30 ticks clinging to the outside fabric. It was equal parts fascinating and horrifying.
As if that wasn’t enough entertainment, we spent the entire evening listening to what we were convinced was someone repeatedly trying (and failing) to start their dirt bike somewhere in the woods. We genuinely worried about this imaginary stranded rider… only to Google the sound later and discover it was a grouse performing its mating call. East Deep Lake may not be a swimming destination, but it offers three established campsites complete with fire pits and firewood, and it connects to a broader network of trails and additional campsites for those looking to extend their trip. Short trail, big personality — and plenty of stories to bring home.
Trip Completed: May 2025
Trip Summary
| Starting Point | Escarpment Network Trailhead |
| Ending Point | Escarpment Network Trailhead |
| Duration | 2 days / 1 night |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Total Distance | 17 km |
| Elevation Gain | 116 m |
Location: Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba
Traditional Territory: This route takes place on the traditional territory of the Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Anishininiimowin (Oji-Cree), Michif Piyii (Métis), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Cree nations.
Maps & Resources
Guidebook: We did not use a guidebook for this trip. All navigation was done using the trail signs, Parks Canada maps, and personal route planning.
Maps Used: Escarpment Trail Network map from the Parks Canada website; https://www.parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/visit
Route Map:
Permits & Reservations
Campsite Reservations: Yes, you do need to book campsites. Reservations are made per site — each campsite has a specific number, so be sure to select the one you want. Book online through the Parks Canada reservation system, which typically opens for the season in February.
Permits: You must print your permits and bring them with you. Riding Mountain National Park requests that backcountry hikers call to report when they have exited the backcountry. The phone number will be listed on your permit, so keep it handy.
Know Before You Go
Season: Early spring can be… tricky. The ticks are out in full force — seriously, we were dodging them the moment we stepped out of the car! That said, if your goal is complete solitude, spring is perfect: you’ll likely have the trails and campground mostly to yourself.
Cell Reception: Don’t count on it. There is essentially no cell reception along this trail or at the campsite.
Water: Filter water directly from the lake at the campsite. The water well pump was not working during our May 2025 trip, and prior reports indicate it is often unreliable. There is no option to fill up at the parking lot, so come prepared.
Wildlife: Bring your binoculars — you’ll see a lot! During our trip, we spotted black bears, moose (as recorded in the logbook), beavers, deer, loons, and more. The wildlife is one of the highlights of this park, so keep your eyes and ears open.
Waste: The campsite has bear-proof bins for food and scented items, and there is an outhouse on-site. The parking area does not have any garbage or restroom facilities, so plan accordingly and pack out all trash if needed.
Outfitters & Shuttles
Outfitter: We did not use an outfitter for this trip. That said, if you need gear or want to try some seasonal equipment, the Friends of Riding Mountain National Park in Wasagaming (the park’s central town) offer rentals. They have canoes, kayaks, fat bikes, and even skis depending on the season. It’s a great option if you don’t want to bring all your own gear or are looking to try something new during your trip.
Shuttle: There is no shuttle service available for this trail or campground. Plan to drive to the trailhead and park your car there for the duration of your trip.
Trip Report
Day 1: Escarpment Network Trailhead to East Deep Lake (8.5 km)
The adventure begins at what is labelled on the official Parks Canada map as the “Escarpment Network Trailhead.” On Google Maps, however, you’ll find it listed as the “East Gate Trail Hub.” If you’re navigating digitally, that’s helpful to know ahead of time to avoid confusion.
The parking lot itself has ample room for multiple vehicles. When we visited in May 2025, ours was the only car there, which immediately set the tone for a quiet and remote-feeling trip. The trailhead is located off Provincial Trunk Highway 19. If you’re approaching from the west, the road is hard-packed and well graded — no issues at all for our low-clearance, two-wheel-drive sedan. If you’re coming from the east, you’ll transition onto a well-maintained gravel road shortly after passing the park’s east gate.
This route follows two connected trails: the Escarpment Trail (rated green by Parks Canada) and the East Deep Lake Trail (rated blue). For the first 5 km, the Escarpment Trail follows what appears to be an old decommissioned road that has grown over with grass. At the time of our visit, it was beautifully maintained — short grass, no debris, wide and flat. It made for easy, almost meditative walking. We happened to run into park rangers just before starting the hike, and they told us they had recently cleared the trail all the way to the lake, which likely contributed to the smooth conditions.
At approximately 1.5 km, you’ll reach your first junction. Turning right leads toward Bald Hill and Reeves Ravine (both rated black diamond by Parks Canada). To continue toward East Deep Lake, stay straight on the Escarpment Trail.
Roughly 2.8 km later, you’ll encounter another junction. A right turn here takes you onto the J.E.T. Trail (rated black). Again, continue straight to remain on the Escarpment Trail. After another 0.8 km, you’ll come to a third junction. The trail to the left is the 1.8 km Breezy Hill Trail, which leads to a campsite and horse corral. To reach East Deep Lake, continue straight — this is where you officially transition onto the East Deep Lake Trail, and Parks Canada shifts the difficulty rating from green to blue.
From here, the trail narrows in sections to single-track. It remains well cleared but becomes more dynamic, with gentle rolling hills and moderate mud (at least during our May trip). The terrain gradually shifts as you approach the lake; the forest opens slightly and the environment becomes noticeably more marshy. The final stretch brings you directly out at the start of East Deep Lake and into the campground area.
Campsite: East Deep Lake, Site 1.
The East Deep Lake campground consists of three sites situated within a large, open grassy clearing. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and a picnic table. Firewood was available and stored in a dry area at the campground.
There is a well intended for drinking water; however, it was not functioning during our visit (May 2025). In researching prior reports, I found that other hikers had mentioned similar issues in previous years. We filtered our water directly from the lake. Be sure to bring a reliable filtration system — this is definitely not a swimming lake. The water is quite mucky and shallow near shore, and you’ll want to collect water thoughtfully.
That said, the lake is far from lifeless. We watched a beaver hard at work reinforcing its dam and were serenaded by loons throughout the evening and into the night. The wildlife presence adds a lot of character to the stay.
There are bear-proof food lockers available at the campground, which is reassuring given the wildlife activity in the area. The tent pads themselves are not clearly defined, and much of the ground is uneven. It took some searching to find a reasonably flat spot. Because we were the only campers there that night, we had the luxury of setting our tent slightly into what felt like the “common” open space to find level ground.
A weatherproof storage box near camp contains a logbook. I highly recommend reading through it — there are helpful tips from previous hikers and some genuinely entertaining stories that add to the sense of shared adventure.
And finally… the ticks.
There were so many ticks.
We could see them crawling in the grass around camp. By morning, dozens had attached themselves to the outside of our tent. If you are visiting in spring, come prepared: long pants tucked into socks, regular tick checks, and ideally some form of repellent. They were, without exaggeration, one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
| Total Distance | 8.5 km |
| Elevation Gain (only for backpacking) | 116 m |
| Campsite Reservation | Yes |
Day 2: East Deep Lake to Escarpment Network Trailhead (8.5km)
We woke up to a super quiet morning at East Deep Lake, with only the gentle sounds of loons and rustling leaves to keep us company. The sunrise over the lake was absolutely breathtaking — soft pinks and oranges reflected off the still water, creating a mirror-like
surface that made the marshy edges and distant trees look almost magical. It was the kind of morning where time seemed to slow down, and we found ourselves lingering by the water, savouring the peace before packing up camp.
After breaking camp, we retraced our steps along the East Deep Lake Trail and Escarpment Trail back to the trailhead. The return hike felt different from the day before — somehow lighter and more relaxed, with the morning sunlight highlighting the rolling hills and marshy areas along the trail. Wildlife continued to make appearances: we spotted a few more loons on the lake and caught glimpses of deer moving through the trees in the distance.
The trail, still well-maintained and easy to follow, brought us back to the parking lot without incident. It was a simple but perfect way to close out the trip: quiet, reflective, and full of the kind of serene beauty that makes these backcountry escapes so memorable.
Reflections
What Went Well
The trail itself is a joy — well-maintained, scenic, and easy to follow. The combination of the Escarpment Trail and East Deep Lake Trail provides a nice variety of terrain without being overly challenging, making it accessible to most hikers. Wildlife sightings were a highlight: seeing black bears from the car, watching a beaver at work, and listening to loons over the lake made the experience feel truly immersive. The campsites, though few in number, are well-spaced and provide a sense of privacy, especially if you visit during a quieter season. It was especially nice to have a fire pit to cook on, and even better that firewood was stocked and readily available, making camp setup and meal prep simple and relaxing. Our timing allowed us to enjoy a serene sunrise over the lake — a magical moment that perfectly bookended our trip.
What Didn’t Go So Well
Ticks were the single biggest challenge during our visit. In May, they were abundant — crawling in the grass, clinging to tents, and attaching to clothing within minutes of stepping outside. While the campsite had bear-proof lockers and an outhouse, the uneven ground made finding a flat spot for the tent a little tricky. Additionally, the drinking water well was not functional, so filtering water from the lake was a necessity. While not a huge issue with preparation, it’s worth noting for anyone coming unprepared.
Advice for Future Hikers
1. Bring a good tick strategy — long pants tucked into socks, insect repellent, and frequent checks. It will save you a lot of frustration.
2. Pack a reliable water filtration system — the lake is safe for filtering, but the well may not be operational.
3. Plan for solitude or limited amenities — there’s no cell reception, no shuttle, and only three campsites, so make sure you’re comfortable being self-sufficient.
4. Take your time at the lake — the wildlife, sunrise, and peaceful atmosphere are worth lingering for. Bring binoculars if you enjoy wildlife watching.
5. Read the logbook at the campground — it’s full of helpful tips, amusing stories, and a sense of shared adventure from past hikers.
Overall, this is a short but incredibly rewarding backcountry trip. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful escape, wildlife encounters, and a beautiful lake to enjoy, all without a grueling hike. With a little preparation for ticks and water, it’s smooth sailing and a memorable experience from start to finish.
Author Bio
My name is Kira Hickerson-Johnson, and I am an avid hiker, backpacker, paddler, and boulderer based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. In the summer of 2025, my husband and I had the privilege of driving across Canada and back, backpacking in seven national parks and several provincial parks along the way.
I’m often found exploring trails with my husband, and occasionally joined by our adventure cat, Flora, who keeps our journeys interesting. When I’m not outside chasing sunsets, wildlife, or the next summit, I work as a music therapist, combining creativity and care in my professional life.