Magee (South Chain) Lake – 2024-08-24

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Magee Lake is a potential destination for paddlers and anglers alike. Worth dropping down and seeing if you are in the neighbourhood.

Looking east along Magee Lake, kayaks from individuals enjoying the lake.
Looking east along Magee Lake, kayaks from individuals enjoying the lake.

Magee Lake or South Chain Lake is the southernmost of the series of lakes [1] and the widest of the three. Despite its relative size, it is shallow, about 3 to 5 metres in depth based on various sources.

Straddling Ponoka and Lacombe Counties (to the north and south respectively), land on either side of the lake is private and held by a variety of landowners [2]. There is a small parking lot and boat launch on the southside of the lake which can accommodate a dozen or so cars. It is access from Township Road 414 and 414A. Despite a few fire circles, it is well mainainted by Lacombe county or idiots have not discovered it (or both).

Parlby Creek flows out of Middle Chain Lake, passes south of the Magee Lake Natural Area (which is located near but not on the lake) and is crossed by Range Road 244 before flowing into the north side of the lake. Parlby Creek flows out of the southern side of the lake and is crossed by Township Road 413. The creek discharges into Buffalo Lake.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

  • Winter Challenge Category: Not applicable as there are no hiking trails.
  • Worth Visiting if you are nearby for a quick look. Alternatively, a destination for easy paddling or fishing.
  • Porta pottie supplied by Lacombe County.
  • Water, a beach, perhaps paddling – definitely kid friendly.

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: The lake is public property but surrounding land is private.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 4/5:
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 110.0km
  • Trail Classification: No trails.
    • The Drive Out: Beautiful country drive.
  • The Other Shoe: Paddling and fishing.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2024-08-24. Weather: Warm and sunny; a brief visit. Comments: Range Road 243 is tempting but not advised under anything but the most ideal driving conditions. It was greasy and muddy and so not taken.
  • Magee Lake (Southern Chain Lake) in context to the nearby NA.
    Magee Lake (Southern Chain Lake) in context to the nearby NA.
  • Steep climb up/down to the parking area of , Magee Lake, 2024-08-24, P. Potter.
    Steep climb up/down to the parking area of , Magee Lake, 2024-08-24, P. Potter.
  • Sandstone outcrop in the parking lot on the southside of , Magee Lake, 2024-08-24, P. Potter.
    Sandstone outcrop in the parking lot on the southside of , Magee Lake, 2024-08-24, P. Potter.
  • A frog's eye view of Magee Lake, 2024-08-24, P. Potter.
    A frog’s eye view of Magee Lake, 2024-08-24, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Chain Lakes, Alberta | Wikipedia.
  2. See landownership maps of Lacombe and Ponoka Counties.

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.

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