Site Details
Closest Access Point: Shall Lake (Access # 17)
Distance to Access Point: 5 KM (1.5 hours single carrying)
Difficulty of Travel From Access Point: Easy
Maintenance Level: Regular
Date Visited: August 2023
This is a small site tucked in Shirley’s southeast corner. The site itself doesn’t have much of a footprint, and I wouldn’t use it for a large group. However, there’s some level ground at the top of a nearby cliff that also looks like it’s been used as a secondary site and would support at least one more tent.
Terrain: What you see in the above picture is about the extent of the site’s useable area. It’s a flat site, and easy to navigate, but there isn’t much of it.
Canoe Landing: The canoe landing is big enough for a couple of canoes side by side, just. It’s a nice, flat entry. There were no underwater obstacles that I recall, and it was very easy to get in and out of the boat on the small beach.
Fire Pit: The fire pit is located in the middle of the site, and the fire pit area takes up a good chunk real estate within the site. You’re far enough back from the water that it would be relatively protected from the elements, but there’s still a nice view out to Shirley.
Tent Sites: There isn’t a ton of room for tents in the site proper. While the ground is flat, it’s also mostly in close proximity to the fire pit, so you’ll want to watch out for sparks. That said, there’s a path up a nearby cliff, and up there it looks like people have also made space for tents.
Swimmability: There’s narrow water access at the canoe landing. The underwater terrain is mostly flat and would make for a good spot to wade out.
Accessories: Apart from the log benches? I guess the bonus site at the top of the cliff nearby would count?
Views: There’s a relatively narrow window of view down on the site itself. However, a short hike up the path to the top of the cliffs offers multiple vantage points on Shirley and is well worth the climb.
Notes: This site isn’t all that spectacular, but I’d still put it high on my list if I was travelling solo. It’s well set up for a single shelter trip and those nearby cliffs offer great views.
Related Trip Report: Shirley Lake Basecamp